How old do you have to be to volunteer in a psychiatric hospital?

Question

I want to volunteer, I'm 14 and will be a freshman in high school...I'm wondering if I would be allowed to?

Answer 1

I am not sure that at age 14 you would be able to work with the actual patients in the Psychiatric ward in the hospital just because of precautions and the fact that in order to work with people in unstable mental states you would need a degree from college. If you do volunteer they may have you do things like paperwork and stuff that the staff needs done but cannot do along with the other responsibilites. Your best bet is to go to a hospital that you wish to volunteer with and ask them. Good luck! Its nice to see kids my age taking on volunteer oppritunites that can help change how we view things.

Answer 2

They need help feeding the patients who can't feed themselves. Go in person and tell them you can help. /

Answer 3

Here are the requirements for one such facility in Provedence, RI:

http://www.lifespan.org/bradley/services...

However, requirements may vary depending on Federal, State, or Local regulations.

Your best bet is to check with the Volunteer Coordinator of the hospital where you wish to volunteer. They can tell you their specific requirements.

Good luck. You are persuing a noble occupation.