Visiting your sponsored child

1. Is it possible to visit a sponsored child?
2. How much time is needed to arrange a visit?
3. Can I take another family member or a friend with me to visit my sponsored child?
4. How do I arrange a visit to my sponsored child?
5. How long do the visits usually last?
6. How will I know whom to contact when I arrive in the country?
7. Will Plan staff be there to assist me with the visit?
8. How will I get around during my visit?
9. Can I bring gifts for my sponsored child and family?
10. Can I give a cash gift to the family?
11. Can I take the family out for lunch?
12. Can I write directly to the family?
13. How do I get a Visa to enter the country?
14. What if I have special needs during my stay?
15. Do I need to take any preventive medications before I visit?
16. A final note:
17. Where do I get the relevant visit forms?

Questions and Answers in Full...

1. Is it possible to visit a sponsored child?

   Plan encourages sponsors to connect with the child and community they assist, via sponsor visits. Meeting your sponsored child can be a most valued experience that strengthens your  understanding of Plan's work in the community. You are most welcome to visit your sponsored child and observe the community Plan has been assisting through your valued contribution.
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2. How much time is needed to arrange a visit?

   Advance notice of 6-8 weeks is required to have sufficient time to run a police check and ensure that our field staff have plenty of time to arrange transportation, an interpreter, and visits to some of the community projects in the area. Keep in mind that visits scheduled during local holidays and weekends cannot be facilitated.
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3. Can I take another family member or a friend with me to visit my sponsored child?

   You can but he/she needs to consent to the police check if he/she is 18 years and over. You must include this person on your visit request form. Unauthorised visitors will not be facilitated or be able to visit. top

4. How do I arrange a visit to my sponsored child?

   All visits must be arranged with our Region Coordinators in our Australian Office.
   
   Preparing for your visit requires careful planning by Plan Staff both here in Australia and in the field office. For the protection of the children in our programs, we require all visitors (18 years and over) who are visiting the field office to undertake a national police check.
   

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5. How long do the visits usually last?

   Many of the communities in which we work are a considerable distance from the main field office. So, it's likely that you will need a minimum of four hours, but probably closer to a full day to complete your visit. Once you arrive in the community, you will have time to meet your sponsored child and family and visit some projects in the area. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight in Plan assisted communities. top

6. How will I know whom to contact when I arrive in the country?

   Our visitor's guide will provide you with the necessary contact information of the Plan office in your sponsored child's country. When you arrive in the country please contact the Plan office to confirm your visit. 

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7. Will Plan staff be there to assist me with the visit?

   Yes, for safety and child protection reasons Plan staff will be present throughout each visit to Plan assisted communities.
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8. How will I get around during my visit?

   Depending on the country, you may either leave for your visit from the Country Office which is situated in the capital, or you may be asked to make your way independently to the Plan Field Office. Our Regional Coordinators will be able to advise you about the transport logistics in your sponsored child’s country.

   Plan Staff will provide a vehicle to transport you to your sponsored child’s village.  In some countries if a Plan vehicle is not available, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of a taxi.  You may also be asked to contribute to any toll charges.

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9. Can I bring gifts for my sponsored child and family?

   Simple, inexpensive gifts that are appropriate for the whole family are best. A t-shirt, school supplies, and small puzzles, hair accessories, caps, hats or a soccer ball make the best gifts. You may also want to ask a Plan staff member if there is an appropriate item to purchase in your child's country to bring along.
   
   Please note you will meet many other community members who are interested in knowing you. An extra bag of sweets, pencils or balloons is great to share with the many curious children who will come to see you during your visit. For example, passing out lollipops is a great way to break the ice when greeting a group of children.  top

10. Can I give a cash gift to the family?

    Plan has a policy of no cash gifts as this has proven to cause disharmony and problems within the family and community and may place children or their families at risk. top

11. Can I take the family out for lunch?

    Sponsored children and siblings must not be invited or taken away from their communities under any circumstances. However you and Plan staff are often invited to stay for a meal during your visit.

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12. Can I write directly to the family?

    No, you should not correspond directly with your sponsored child and may not exchange mailing addresses during the visit. All communication must come via the Plan Australia Office.

     

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13. How do I get a Visa to enter the country?

    Please check with your travel agent for information on weather, holidays, currency, visas and permits, health requirements, accommodation and in country flights. top

14. What if I have special needs during my stay?

    Please inform our Regional Coordinators and they will notify our field staff of any special needs. They will do their best to accommodate you. We highly recommend that this be handled prior to your visit.

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15. Do I need to take any preventive medications before I visit?

    We strongly advise you to contact your physician or international travel clinic in your city several weeks ahead of your visit. Depending on where your travel takes you, there are many precautionary medications you may need to take. Your physician can arrange for you to receive the proper medications. top

16. A final note:

    Visits are a rewarding experience for both you and your sponsored child and if such travel is feasible for you, we highly recommend it. We do ask, however, that you not commit to plans you are unlikely to keep. A community usually plans a special celebration, meal or special event to honor the visitor and it is a great disappointment to your sponsored child and others when a visit is changed at the last minute. We would appreciate your sensitivity to this while in the planning process. For information on visiting your sponsored child, please contact our Regional Coordinators in our Australia Office on 13 PLAN (13 7526).
     
    

    Disclaimer:

    Plan reserves the right to refuse a sponsor's visit at any time. A standard police check is conducted prior to a visit to ensure the safety of the children. All expenses incurred are the responsibility of the sponsor.
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17. Where do I get the relevant visit forms?

    You may either download the documents or ask for the Regional Coordinators to send them to you. Visitors are required to complete all three documents appended below.  When completed, the original documents must be returned to Plan.

    •    Consent to Check and Release National Police Record

    •    Notification of Sponsor Visit form

    •    Sponsor Visit Agreement Form

    Remember to include a photocopy of your passport, drivers licence or birth certificate and a cheque or money order of $13.70 per person payable to Victoria Police to cover the fee for the police check. Plan will then forward the police check to the police. Once the police check has been returned to Plan all clear, the field office will then be notified and will confirm its ability to facilitate your visit.

    Sponsor Visit Notification Form requires all your visit and relevant travel details.

    Organisations that link children, their families and communities with sponsors have set out common standards regarding child protection issues. The Sponsor Visit Agreement form has been drawn up for the best interest of sponsors, as well as that of the children, families and communities we are working with.  

    Once your visit is confirmed, we will send you a visitor's guide, with helpful tips to assist you on your trip.

    If you have any questions or concerns regarding the documents, please contact our Regional Coordinators.  

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