"Working directly with children in communities and orphanages may not be the most effective way to provide support.
Volunteers considering short term placements with children, particularly in orphanages, need to think about the potential
long term impact they may have on children in need of stability, structure and care.
Volunteers should consider donating to or working on projects that develop and strengthen local communities. This creates
longer term alternatives for children living in poverty.
Research overseas organisations offering opportunities to volunteer with children, particularly in orphanages. In some circumstances,
these organisations have removed children from adequate family care in order to profit from donations abroad. There are also
reports of organisations deliberately housing children in poor conditions to attract ongoing financial support from volunteers.
Volunteers at these organisations may unknowingly facilitate child exploitation and should carefully consider these risks.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) can, under Australian law, investigate and prosecute Australians who commit child sex offences
while overseas. Penalties for these crimes include
- imprisonment up to 25 years for individuals
- fines up to $825,000 for corporate bodies
The AFP has successfully charged a number of Australians under these laws. If you have information about such possible
criminal activity, call 131 AFP. If you are outside of Australia, call
+61 2 6131 5926.
You may also call AFP anonymously on
1800 333 000
.
More information is available on our
child sex offences page."