Sponsor Visit Guidelines

One Child Matters welcomes and encourages sponsor visits to children while visiting in-country projects. Personal visits can be beneficial in establishing a personal bond with sponsor and child, as well as creating greater awareness of personal attributes and differences in a cross-cultural setting. Because we value this special event and those involved, One Child Matters reserves the right to set reasonable rules and guidelines for such visits.

One Child Matters staff will make all arrangements for visits with children. A staff member should always be present during sponsor/visitor interactions with children.

One Child Matters and its staff will make every effort to organize a visit between sponsor and child within reason. When this visit includes additional unplanned costs and logistical support from field personnel, the sponsor/visitor will be responsible for covering these associated costs.

The sponsor/visitor should make every effort to understand and observe local cultural norms and customs when interacting with a child.

A sponsor/visitor is prohibited from spending the night with a child (or children) in a project facility, the child’s home, or any other location. Accommodation with a child’s family or at the project should never be requested by a sponsor/visitor.

Sponsor/visitor and child interaction in a hotel should be confined to public spaces in the presence of a staff member.

A sponsor/visitor is prohibited from giving personal contact information to a child or requesting personal contact information from the child. One Child Matters is not responsible and will not mediate for any communication or contact after the sponsor’s site visit.

Any gifts for the child or their family should be cleared with a staff member and be in accordance with One Child Matters policy. Direct transfers of cash to the child, family, or project are not allowed.