Nationwide, agencies are looking for volunteers to cuddle with newborn babies awaiting adoption. Atlanta has several programs where you can volunteer with babies.
Volunteer in a NICU
If you want to comfort sick babies, you can volunteer in a local neonatal intensive care unit.
These newborns need love and comfort just as much as they need treatment from doctors, but sometimes parents are unable stay in the hospital and give their newborns constant affection.
That’s when volunteers are needed. They hold and rock the NICU babies when their parents are unavailable.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta offers this type of program.
Be a respite parent or host family
Sometimes children need a temporary home. This can involve both babies and older kids.
Giving Children a Chance of Georgia's Respite Parent Program gives you the chance to watch over children when their foster family feels the need to take a day, weekend, or week off for vacation or an emergency.
Bethany Christian Services' Safe Families Program is more long term. Parents voluntarily place their children with host families while dealing with a crisis or trying to resolve an issue.
The average stay is six weeks.
Volunteer at a foster parents day off event
Throughout the year, GCAC of Georgia holds several days of planned activities for foster children. GCAC staff members watch over the kids, and foster parents get a day off. Extra volunteers are needed to help out with a variety of tasks on these days, including taking care of foster babies. Find out more on GCAC of Georgia's website.
But don't expect to just walk in and be handed a child. For most of these programs, you'll have to undergo a background check and interview, and meet other requirements.
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