Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers: An Analysis

enlisting and retentivity of unpaying shit aters An AnalysisThis dissertation set out n oneness at the enlisting and retention of pass alongfuls deep d knowledge St Lukes Hospice Charity Shops, establish in London. Whilst several(prenominal) aspects will be similar to the resumement and retention of gainful employees, it is essendial to empathise the differences amidst the two groups of staff. The recruitment and retention of un paying(a) acetifyers contri neverthelesses m any(prenominal) of the aforementioned(prenominal) ch eachenges as those involving compensable process aters, arrogately the solutions whitethorn differ (Suff, 2008). provided, Olga Aikin points appear that the wakeless status of unpaid p designs and the duties owed to them by employers atomic tote up 18 non necessarily clear. She believes that the ambiguity is wee-weed by the term volunteer having no universal meaning.Aiken (2009) explains that at common law level the status is relatively simple. The status atomic number 50 be determined by asking the question did the parties shoot a hold fast pinch? For an agreement to accommodate a binding contract on that point has to be mutuality of obligations and an figure for the agreement to be legally binding. At common law the parties slew agree that the agreement will non be legally binding (a so-called gentlemans agreement) (Aikin, 2009)Aiken goes on to clarify that it if often wrongly imagination that a contract relating to employment essential(prenominal) shoot d consume on monetary benefit, however this is non the case. For at that tramp to be a contract in that location must be mutuality of obligation, meaning that each party must receive some benefit, and be nether some obligation. The undivided must receive some context for his or her do work. This consideration does non dumb set up to be money it could imply other benefits such as training or accommodation, however, mandatory t raining, or training to allow a volunteer to stretch show up their contri andion is not excluded (Aikin, 2009). Due to this it is essential that volunteers do not receive benefits for their grapheme. Whilst the paying of expenses is acceptable, St Lukes would be restricted in offering volunteers other benefits which fall outside of this.It is of import to establish from the outset that the person is works in a voluntary capacity, to avoid the system caseful up hassles further down the assembly line, including possible claims for recompense and other benefits related to employment.Formal volunteering is defined as unpaid voluntary work carried out with, or under the auspices of, an face., whilst informal volunteering is defined as unpaid or voluntary work carried out outside organisations, often at neighbourhood level, plainly outside the immediate family (Volunteer Development Agency, 2007). Phil Hope from the console Office (Association of Volunteer Man string on wi thrs, 2007) defines volunteering asany non-compulsory activity which involves sp wipeouting prison term, unpaid, doing something which is of benefit to others (excluding relatives), social club or the purlieuThe Volunteer Development Agency (2005) defines volunteering as The shipment of epoch and energy for the benefit of society and the federation, the environment or individuals outside ones immediate family. It is undertaken submitly and by choice, without concern for financial gain.The difference between paid staff and volunteers is often not clear. Kate Engles (Volunteering England, 2006) says thatAlthough both enduring staff and volunteers potbelly be motivated by the cause of the organisation, for the former thither is always the additional motivation of remuneration. So it is very definitive that volunteer man maturers argon awargon of the wider motivations that volunteers go for, because that is why they atomic number 18 thither. A paid employee will contract a contract of employment and require clear work lay rights. A volunteer does not, so the relationship is based on suitable impartations. It is important that the terminology in a volunteering agreement refers to role, and not job, description, for example, so that it is not inferred that the volunteer is a paid employee.Similarly, volunteers should only be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses, as any subsistence or payment could be construed as a wage. unmatchable of the other major differences between volunteers and paid staff is in the recruitment process. When recruiting paid staff the process results in the closely suitable person for the job organism appointed. With volunteers however, the procession is often diverse, with the process being a dowry to a greater extent flexible, allowing the organisation to tailor roles to suit the individual. If an individual if unsuitable for the role for which they have applied, it is often possible to point them in the direction of a n alternative division or role, for which the organisation would be able to use them. This is a tactic that St Lukes use, predominantly when individuals under the age of 18 apply to volunteer within the hospice setting.Engles continues to say that there argon some requirements which support to discover between the two groups. These imply the organisation having a volunteering policy which sets out how the volunteering arrangement should work in traffic pattern, covering recruitment, supervision, training and development and reimbursement of expenses. WRVS also recommends having good-practice policies in take aim to manage the volunteer work deplumate, mirroring the approach of policies which are in place for permanent staff. This should include documentation which clearly sets out expectations for both volunteers and the organisation slightly what can be expected from volunteering. (Volunteering England, 2006)This was something that was go acrossed in 2008 at St Lukes Ho spice, called a report of Mutual Expectation. The Statement of Mutual Expectation is a document which clearly lodges what is expected of volunteers whilst working at St Lukes, and what volunteers can expect from St Lukes whilst working for the organisation. It was drawn up in agreement with a volunteer focus group, to ensure that volunteers were in agreement and that the expectations were realistic from both parties.Suff (2008) believes that having the right person, in the right place, at the right epoch, is central to organisational performance. Recruitment is an essential activity for organisations as a whole, not honorable for the HR team, but also for line managers who have become increasingly involved in the selection process (CIPD, 2009). This principal does not just relate to the recruitment of paid employees, but to volunteers too.The volunteer recruitment process should reflect that of paid staff. antecedent to recruiting for a position the CIPD recommends investing epoch to gather information relating to the role, including the roles purpose, the outputs required by the role pallbearer and how it fits into the organisations structure. When considering the role it is also important to take in to account the skills and personal attributes requiremented to perform the role effectively (CIPD, 2009). This should be the come to the foreing time step in the recruitment process. This should also include looking at how volunteers will be supported and managed whilst working with the organisation.By including both paid staff and catamenia volunteers in the training process, it ensures that everyone has an input and generalises the volunteers involvement. By involving senior management and board out moderniseths in any planning, this ensures that the organisation has commitment at strategic level. The National Centre for Volunteering agrees that successful recruitment is heavily attendent upon organisations separateing what is needed from capa bility volunteers by understanding the specific roles, and recruiting to them (McCurley and Lynch, 1998).McCurley and Lynch (1998) found that there is evidence that shows capableness volunteers are attracted to the typewrite of tasks or the nature of the role when being recruited to an organisation. It is therefore important that these are in place beforehand the recruitment process cacographys.As come up as being attracted to the roles offered, each volunteer has a crusade for wanting to give their time for free. By identifying these motivations, the organisation will be able to match the involve of the volunteer with the needs of the organisation. Motivation factors include a commitment to the organisation. Within a local Hospice this may be that a friend or relative has received care, meeting stack and affectionateising, gaining skills, or utilising lively skills (Volunteering England, 2006).The 2008 land for Volunteering Research paper Young muckle help out Volunteer ing and giving among offspring bulk explain that the volunteering agenda believes young people volunteering has a positive impact, including increasing skills and employability, enhancing social cohesion, integrating young people in to society and reducing crime and anti social behaviour.Once the role has been aforethought(ip) for, the organisation needs to generate interest from external individuals. This can be through by advertisements in untriedspapers, on commercial job boards and on websites, including the organisations (CIPD, 2009). Regional newspapers often offer free advertisement lay to charities, which can benefit both the organisation and the publisher.CIPD believes that as the use of technology in recruitment increases, organisations are adapting, and creating databases or pools of sic candidates, who can be kept in reserve, for as and when positions in the organisation arise, without the need to re-advertise (CIPD, 2009). This is not an nation that St Lukes have attempted, out-of-pocket to lose of technology within the organisation. Also, with so many voluntary positions in the organisation, the majority of people can be hardened immediately.As rise up as the recruitment process identifying suitable individuals, it can also be utilize to allow candidates to take a chance out to a greater extent about the organisation. It is also used for the individual to assess the organisation, and decide whether it is the right environment for them to work. As the mystify of all applicants impacts on their view of the organisation, it is vital that each story of the recruitment process is managed effectively and to the better(p) of the organisations ability (CIPD, 2009). This is particularly important in an organisation such as St Lukes Hospice, who are community based, and imprecate heavily on word of mouth for recruitment and support.WRVS uses a variety of methods to attract potential volunteers. These include local media, attendance at even ts, local recruitment campaigns and word of mouth. One consideration with word-of-mouth approaches is that there could be an impact on diversity if people of similar backgrounds are coming forward, so we residuum that method with other promotional activities, head of people volunteering at WRVS Chris Dobson saysThe CIPD Recruitment, safekeeping and Turnover yearly Survey 2009 found that the number of voluntary, community and not-for-profit organisations experiencing difficulty in recruiting for one or much family unit of vacancy in 2009 has decreased, compared to the 2008 figure, from 82% to 79%. However, the resembling report found that organisations with fewer than 250 employees are increasingly finding difficulty in recruiting for one or more category of vacancy in 2009 at 83%, up from 80%. The front yearCIPD also believe that effective recruitment is all-important(a) to organisations for successful day to day speed, and that it should not only be carried out to fulfil cu rrent needs, but should consider future needs, which will impact on the organisations resourcing (CIPD, 2009). However, in such a itsy-bitsy organisation, the sumptuosity of future planning is not always possible. With so many volunteer roles needing filling, planning for the future is not a priority.For recruitment to be effective, it is essential that there needs to be some understanding on where potential volunteers would look for current opportunities. Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) query (2006) shows that 69% of vivacious volunteers became involved in volunteering through being asked to help. VDS however found that from the group of people asked, comprising of existing volunteers and non volunteers that the around popular places people believed they would look include the library, internet, direct to the organisation which they are interested in, a volunteer centre, or by speaking to their family and friends. These findings differ from the reality.Organisations can use a variety of methods to recruit volunteers. One of these is promoting itself to potential volunteers. slipway of doing this include informal methods, such as word of mouth by existing volunteers, as strong as more formal methods, such as advertising.Word of mouth should not be under estimated. In a community sympathy it is a very powerful tool. Danson (2003) found that those who did not have access to these networks would become excluded from volunteering. However, the socially excluded are the least(prenominal)(prenominal) well informed about volunteering and the least networked into existing volunteers (Danson, 2003). For young people, aged 16 24 historic period, word of mouth was the most popular route in to volunteering (Institute for Volunteering Research, 2008).Institute for Volunteering Research (Gaskin, 2003) conducted look for, victimisation volunteers and non volunteers, and found that recruitment messages can be tar sub elementd to particular groups of people through advertising. What Gaskin was demonstrating, was that for a modern image of volunteering, organisations should use innovative media, emphasising the benefits of volunteering. For an outreach approach, organisations should be using talks, road shows and presence at public events, which could be incorporated with fundraising events. Lastly, for maximising word of mouth recruitment organisations should be encouraging current volunteers to act as ambassadors for volunteering within the organisation.Baird (2005) has found that often, non-volunteers have little fuckledge of the activities undertaken by volunteers, or the number of hours and commitment which would be required of them to join an organisation. Baird also found that potential volunteers like to k direct how their time can make a difference to others, the organisation, or the environment and what they themselves could gain from volunteering. Whilst some volunteers like to know what they gain personally, this would als o depend on their motivation for volunteering, as mentioned by Volunteering England.It is therefore important when planning and designing the volunteer role, to include information such as amount of time involved and any ongoing commitment requirements.It is vital to remember that volunteers are an important, if not invaluable resource for many organisations, and their recruitment and retention needs to be treated with as much care and exposit as that of paid employees. Whilst motivational factors may differ between paid employees and volunteers, many aspects of people management remain the same.Volunteering is a major activity in the UK, with the presidencys citizenship survey (2007) identifying that three- dopes (73%) of all adults in England and Wales undertook some form of volunteering in the antecedent 12 months, with almost half (48%) of adults surveyed claiming to do voluntary work on a regular basis, at least once a month (Suff, 2008). However, the extent to which voluntee rs are used within organisations varies substantially, ranging from organisations who solely depend on unpaid staff, to organisations who have minimal volunteer involvement.The Institute for volunteering Research (2008) found that in the previous year, 59% of organisations surveyed had experienced some problems with recruiting enough volunteers, with a similar proportion (57%) reporting difficulties in recruiting volunteers with the skills their organisation required. Kate Engles, Policy and Information Officer at Volunteering England, says that there is a range of support available for charities nerve-racking to attract volunteers, including volunteer centres, who offer advice to organisations on working with volunteers. They also advertise organisations volunteering opportunities to the local community. However, this is an approach that St Lukes have previously tried, using volunteer centres in Harrow and Brent, with little success.Chris Dobson, head of people volunteering at WR VS explains the demographic changes since the formation of WRVS 70 years ago (Volunteering England, 2009)Since WRVS was formed 70 years ago, peoples lifestyles have changed significantly. For example, at first there was a big group of women who did not work, but today most women do work and so do not necessarily have the free time to volunteer. This means we have to work a bit ticklisher and be a bit more creative in how we attract potential volunteers.St Mungos, a themeless bounty based in London, use a range of approaches to promote volunteering opportunities, including free advertising in London newspapers. This is an approach that St Lukes have tried in the past however this was not very successful in terms of recruiting volunteers but did provide free press coverage to a large reader group. (Volunteering England, 2009)St Mungos is also registered with several national volunteering databases, as well as having forged cogitate with University College London and London Metropo litan University, imputable(p) to the universities course provision relating to the work done by St Mungos.St Lukes work closely with Thames Valley University, by providing accredited modules in Palliative Care as part of their ground level programme. However, students who spend time at St Lukes as part of the module do not volunteer for the charity whilst training to become specialist palliative care nurses. They carry out supervised placements within the hospice, but no students have so far extended their time to volunteering outside of the module.When recruiting volunteers for the organisation it is important to understand diversity and the role which it should play. Diversity includes physical and non physical differences, with a number of personal characteristics covered by discrimination law. These give people protection against being treated unfairly, with the protected characteristics including age, race, disability, sex, religion and belief and versed orientation. Diversi ty in volunteering should mean that people from diverse backgrounds, with diverse skills, can volunteer, regardless of any of these characteristics (CIPD, 2010). there are many compelling backgrounds to attract a diverse mix of volunteers, such as reflecting the community or client group, encouraging inclusion and encouraging new skills and backgrounds into the organisation, because there is greater flexibility in the recruitment process for volunteers, there is greater scope to encourage greater diversity. Kate Engles (Volunteering England, 2009) observes.The Institute for volunteering Researchs 2008 study found that more than half of participating organisations (56%) had experienced problems recruiting volunteers from a wide range of social and community backgrounds. Volunteer Development Agency (2005) states that when talking about a diverse organisation, it is one that re rescues the community that it is in. In an area as diverse as Harrow and Brent, this is a particularly rele vant challenge, and one that needs to be overcome to ensure the future of volunteers within the hospice.Over the past 5 years WRVS has worked to implement a diversity strategy. This is in an attempt to enhance its reputation and image, resulting in widening its potential recruitment pool. The conclude for WRVS implementing this was that it views volunteers as the public face of the organisation, and believes that if they reflect todays diverse society, then individuals will more easily identify with it (Volunteering England, 2009). For St Lukes, this is also an influencing factor, a capacious with the need to diversify to continue to attract volunteers from the local community.The CIPD give several examples of why an organisation would want to become more diverse. To be competitive, everyone within the organisation needs to make their take up contribution. By employing a diverse workforce, this allows for a more diverse skills mix. A diverse workforce can help in market competitiv eness, opening up new market opportunities, increasing market lot or expanding an organisations customer base. It can benefit the organisation by brining fresh ideas and perspectives from people with different experiences and backgrounds. It can also help to ensure that the services the organisation offers are relevant to the community (Volunteer Development Agency, 2005).To implement a diversity strategy within an organisation, it needs to start with buy in from senior management, and include changes in workplace behaviour, communication and training (CIPD, 2010).CIPD Recruitment, Retention and Turnover Annual Survey 2009 found that 94% of voluntary, community or not for profit organisations surveyed monitored recruitment to gain information on gender, ethnic origin, age and disability and 70% train hearingers to understand what diversity is and the impact on stereotypes.The benefits of having a diverse workforce are also highlighted in the Institute for Volunteering enquiry pape r Regular and occasional(a) volunteers How and why they help out (2008). The report found that although there are no significant differences between regular and occasional volunteers when it comes to gender or ethnicity, the age of the volunteer can make a difference. Volunteers aged 25 44 years old and more likely to be occasional volunteers, whilst those aged over 65 are more likely to commit to regular volunteering opportunities.Retention is the process in which employees are encouraged, through conglomerate means, to remain working for the organisation. This can be ongoing, or until the completion of the project. Employee retention is beneficial for both the organisation and the individual, and it is seen as the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the employee mollifys working for the organisation by using compensation, environment, support, growth and relationship. (CIPD, 2010)Retention of volunteers is just as important as the recruitment. Previous literature has cited prohibit experiences within organisations as well as personal factors, as concludes why people feed volunteering. Examples include lack of relevant training, measly supervision within the role and uninteresting duties (Alexander, 2000). Other factors include opinionings of being overburdened and undervalued (Locke, Ellis Davis-Smith, 2003).Whilst it is not a fail safe way of ensuring high retention figures, there are many processes in place within the Shops Company which work towards addressing these issues. All volunteers are issued with a manual when commencing their role, which needs completing in agreement with the shop manager. Volunteers have set roles within the shops, and have regular parties to show appreciation for their hard work and commitment, along with birthday cards set as a sign of thanks.A perfect induction programme is also thought to be essential, to make volunteers feel comfortable, welcome and able to carry out their role with confidence. It shoul d include an introduction to the organisation, including the organisations ethos and how they can personally contribute as a member of the volunteer team, an introduction to staff and volunteers with whom they will be working, an introduction to their new role, and also cover code, including health and safety (Help the Hospices, 2004).Beugen (in Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers, 2007) found that it is important to recognise that the needs and motivations of volunteers change over their time volunteering for an organisation. He believes that volunteers progress through a motivation life unit of ammunition, much the same as paid employees in any organisation.The first stage of Beugens life round of golf of volunteers is the exploratory stage. This is when the new volunteers are appease exploring the possibilities of being a volunteer, and auditioning out their new role within the organisation. At this stage Beugen believes that it is important to give reassurance to the v olunteer, to find out their expectations and to discuss any uncertainties that they may have.The second stage of the life cycle is the period where volunteers are developing themselves and their role. They do this by analysing what they are doing and improving on their performance. Support for the volunteer doesnt need to be as intensive as the first stage during stage two, however it is lock forth(p) important to maintain contact with and encourage the volunteer. (Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers, 2007)Ongoing training is important during the second stage to allow for continual development. Beugen believes that this helps to create a sense of commitment to the organisation, resulting in higher retention rates. He also thinks that it is also important to recognise volunteers achievements and to acknowledge the value of their contribution to the organisation. Recognition can be formal (e.g. certificates, long service awards) or informal (e.g. birthday cards, cakes).The utm ost stage of Beugens life cycle is maturity. This is where the volunteer is ready to share their skills and knowledge, and to support and lead other volunteers. In an organisation with a lot of volunteers, this stage of the life cycle is important, as it allows established volunteers to share their experiences and knowledge to newer volunteers, and to possibly give a different perspective on the role than that of a paid member of staff. By involving existing volunteers in this knowledge sharing it is preventing them from losing interest and motivation.Beugen points out that it is important to recognise that total retention isnt necessarily a good thing. He believes that once a volunteer has gained new skills and interests they may be ready to bm on to another organisation. This may not be necessary if the organisation is large enough to have a range of roles to keep the volunteer motivated and interested.Holmes (in Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers, 2007) comments that the re cruitment and retention procedures well-advised by many organisations are over-formal and similar to the personnel practices for paid staff. Despite this formal approach having advantages to both managers and volunteers in its structured approach interrogation has found that volunteers often find this approach off-putting (Gaskin, 2003 Holmes, 2004).The Institute for volunteering Research (2003) asked volunteers what factors contribute to a satisfying and enduring volunteering experience in coiffure to help organisations recruit and retain. IVR found that what puts volunteers off is feeling used, not appreciated, not consulted and not accommodated. They found that volunteers want to feel welcome, secure, respected, informed, well used and well managed. Since they do not have the incentive of financial gain, rewards must be supplied in other ways.Kate Engles (Volunteering England, 2009) commentsMany volunteer-involving organisations use volunteers Week in June to give awards or ce lebrate their volunteers by an expedition or picnic, for example. Saying thank you costs nothing and goes a long way. Birthday cards or miserable gifts can also have a lot of meaning for the recipient.Birthday cards for all volunteers are sent annually, with tea parties held during volunteers week in June as recognition of the volunteer teams extensive work at St Lukes.At St Mungos, the belief if that if volunteers can see that they are making a difference within the charity, and that they are working for a professional organisation then this willhelp boost retention. This is done by integrating volunteers in to the Mungos family, by making them feel like a part of the permanent workforce (Volunteering England, 2009). Similarly to the integration of volunteers at St Mungos, St Lukes have invested time in altering its culture. Historically, within St Lukes, volunteers and paid staff have been treated very differently, with separate inductions, handbooks, social events etc. However, since 2007 work has been carried out at St Lukes, to establish a less them and us culture. This work started with the setting up of several focus groups, to change volunteers to have more input in to the organisation. Yet, since this work in 2007, retention rates have not improved.Approximately half of the organisations surveyed in the Volunteer Development Agency 2009 survey verbalise that during the first quarter of 2009 the number of people applying to volunteering within their organisation had stayed the same, with 39% or organisations seeing an increase. The most common reason for an increase in applicants was that people valued to increase their employability skills to aid finding paid work. The most common reason for decreases in volunteer applications because people had less time to come forward for volunteering.The organisations who stated that they motto an increase in volunteer application in the first quarter of 2009 were asked to clarify the % increase that they ha d seen compared to the same period in 2008. 59% said that they had seen an increase of 1-25% and 27% had seen a 26-50% increase.Looking towards the future, the organisations surveyed predicted that the major challenges facing them over the coming 6 months were related to funding / limited resources and the need to adapt to changing motivations / expectations of volunteers.90% of the organisations who responded to this survey were from the Voluntary and Community sector. The remaining 10% were split between organisations with a remit in church / faith, sports and social enterprise. The largest had 1080 volunteers. Although extremely difficult the quantity, the perceived monetary worth of one hour of volunteers time to the organisations surveyed average out at 9.24, which ranged from 0-30. With over 700 volunteers, it is estimated that St Lukes saves in excess of over 1,000,000 per annum.Participating organisations are quoted as saying Volunteers at fall in are needing greater flexib ility, this is ok to a point but does cause our organisation problems. Volunteers are not committing themselves for long periods any more, in the past the average duration for volunteers was 2-3 years, now that is down to 6-12 months (Volunteer Development Agency, 2009).The majority of our volunteers are women and to date a few of them were unavailable to volunteer because they have had to look for paid work when their husbands became unemployed. This trend may increase (Volunteer Development Agency, 2009).In the report Volunteering in UK Hospices looking to the future Smith, J (2004) estimates that each Hospice volunteer contributes approximately 1,500 a year worth of work, using nearly 200 of management time. Using this calculation it becomes clear how invaluable Hospice volunteers are, as the Shops operation would not be able to operate to such an extensive profit without them.With plans for the Hospice to continue expanding, and the opening of more shops in the local area, it is essential that the Hospice has a strategy in place to ensure that there is a unending supply of volunteers joining the workforce to allow this to happen. As well as looking at new ways of recruiting volunteers, it is vital that the Hospice acknowledges the need to retain the volunteers is currently utilises, as they have a wealth of knowledge. As well as knowledge, Smith, J (2004) identified that volunteer commitment increases with length of service.Statistics released by Volunteering England (2009) show that take aim for volunteer placements in the 6 months prior to the report (March folk 2009) increased in 86% of volunteer placement centres. A recent survey by Howard Lake (2009) for Institute of Fundraising found that Hospices were bucking the scotch gloom. Lake found that people in the South East of England were still volunteering, and believes this toRun external Children Causes and Strategies for auspicesRunaway Children Causes and Strategies for ProtectionAbstractamazin gly there is less knowledge to our public of the significance of play chelaren and their problems particularly in less essential Asian countries which include Pakistan. A general statistics collected by the police department which is not an exact estimate and this wrong data might lead to this problem being intense. Subsequently, with elapsing time this problem is decorous more serious-minded cod to deteriorating financial and political condition and coming into consideration of the government. on that pointfore the government of Punjab with help of UNICEF on 17 March 2003 at Lahore initiated an constitution named (CPWB) Child Protection and Welfare Bureau. This is the most renowned organization operating presently in Pakistan dealing with the problems of uncontrolled electric razorren quite efficiently with international helps on a large scale. It is aimed for the recovery, rescue, and rehabilitation of poor and destitute tiddlerren involved in abuse, beggary, burglary, neglected and maturation by adults. A number of institution of CP and WP are being operated in major cities of Pakistan which include 2 branches in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan ad Faisalabad.AcknowledgementsWith the name of ALLAH ALMIGHTY we were able to finish our investigate paper. This research was conducted with the support of the organization named CHILD PROTECTION AND WELFARE BUREAU. We greatly thank the staff members of CP WB for the cooperation. Special thanks is placed to Mr. Roa Khalil Ahmad the Assistant Director for guiding us throughout our chew the fat to the Bureau and arranging a oil-bearing interrogate with Muhammad Amin Malik the Child Protection Officer of the office staff. Responsibility of the research paper remains with the group members which include Furqan Fasahat, Kanza Munir, Sana Rizwan, Maliha Zahid and Amna Mahmood.Problems of bombardmentaway childrenThe term Runaway Children is referred to those kids or youngsters who have been found wanting(p) from home for about a few days. This is a voluntary act by the children who face miserable financial and family issues which cause them to leave their homes and become a part of public places.Due to lack of knowledge and understanding the concept or idea of lost and missing children is less acknowledged among people of Pakistan, although it is a serious issue which is considerably growing with time. In Pakistan there is less documentation in the relevant department which lead to lack of essential information on this serious social issue.This has been under notice by UNICEF for a long period of time because this problem is quite serious and prevalent in Asian countries especially Pakistan being a less developed nation is a major victim of it. As the financial and political conditions of Pakistan are deteriorating with time this problem has come under notice by the Government of Pakistan from recent years and necessary travel have been taken at a large scale in order to deal with th is problem.All the children are in growing process so it is natural that they are emotionally immature. In this developing age appropriate freedom for communication and straitlaced space to express their emotions and views should be provided. When this lacks and no family support is provided a feeling of seclusion cause them to processaway.Runaway is regarded as a serious social issue. The children who leave their homes voluntarily face miserable domestic conditions which are at times intolerable. The experiences face by these runaway children include neglect ion, physical and sexual abuse, parental disputes which gives a sense of insecurity, cognate rivalry, failure in studies or exams and the fear of parents.The first, foremost subtopics under consideration which are to be researched are the causes and circumstances which cause the young children to run away from their homes. This is assigned to Maliha Zahid. The second subtopic which needs to be discussed is the problems fa ce by children when they run away and this will be covered by M. Furqan Fasahat. The third man which is important is the effects on the society and to be done by Amna Mahmood. Moreover, the nongovernmental organizations are to be researched for this topic, and its role play in the dealing with this issue in Lahore and is worked upon by Sana Rizwan. Lastly, the reprehensible activities in which these children bushel involved will be discussed by Kanza Munir.These above stated aspects will be worked upon by us in this research project. This topic is quite vast and more areas can also be covered to enhance the research which includes that do the children desire to go back home, or prefer living in other places. Furthermore, the research can be further enhanced by looking into the struggle of parents in finding their missing children. But these aspects are not to be discussed or researched.Literature ReviewThe topic being think in our research is Runaway Children. The forces and cir cumstances responsible for runaway, practice by children, and their rescue and protection against exploitation. fit to Rana Asif Habib, convener of initiator, there are around 10000 children in Pakistan who live in the streets. A research conducted revealed that among the runaway children 66% are victim of violence at home, education center and work place. sole(prenominal) in Karachi, 30000 of these children are deprived of homely comfort and are exposed to drug and sexual abuse. In order to protect, the need of legislation on child right is stressed. At least in Punjab there is a Bill of 2004 for Destitute and Neglected Children Protection, whereas other provinces are without any legislation. Therefore shelters and rehabilitation centers must be set up and run by state, health services and education facilities must be provided to the destitute children. On the recommendation of the UNCRC committee drafted a bill which is further waiting for legislation regarding child rights.()The Pakistan Penal Code section 89 has do corporal punishment lawful which earlier spoils the confidence of child to exist as a respectable person. It plays rather a negative role and discourages children from going to schools. Humaira Butt, SPARC School Project coordinator, said that there must be other ways anyhow corporal punishment, which can be effective in making discipline. It is revealed that because of corporal punishment 50% of the children runaway from schools and increases the rate of runaway children.The most common reason why children run away is divorce and parental disputes. The second danger is the pressure of predators present everywhere in our community, and its difficult to recognize them as they look like the guy next door. The next is the abduction of children by their non custodial parents for using them for their own self-serving interest. Fourthy many children are abducted and sold for body parts due to the underground business in practice on internet. Youn g girls are in danger of being kidnapped and sold for prostitution. Many children run away because of abuse and neglect by their foster parents. In developed countries like USA an Amber spiffy system in developed. Police can act on tips to locate a missing child which is encouraging.The article deals with an encouraging factor that the manager of the film Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyle, and the producer, Christian Colson, set up a charity trust Jai Ho for helping poor children in Mumbai, India.The NCRC bill does not enjoy redressal power and same is with NCCWD. Problems in budget allocation in the health and education sector for children also exits. The committee is against the list of corporal punishment giving to school going children, because it lowers the literacy rate further in Pakistan. Another cataclysm is the non registration of 70% of children at the time of birth, and the bonded labor practices in many industries and informal sectors, affecting the poorest and most vulnerable children prohibiting slavery and all form of forced labor. Though Employment of Children Act 1991 exists yet the sensation is non existent so no one report to the police and judiciary. The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) is deeply refer that the minimum age of criminal responsibility continues to remain very low (7 years) therefore government should raise it to an internationally acceptable level. The number of children in prisons is high and number of juvenile courts, trained lawyers and probation officers is insufficient.Faisal Kamal Pasha and Obaid Abrar khan, Friday, September 11, 2009. The NewsIt is told that Pirwadhai bus stand provide informations that largely there runaway belongs to families facing object poverty, ignorant and orphans. These children get involved in drugs and some are addicts of sniffing an adhesive. The city police officer Rao Muhammad Iqbal said that these children are sent to the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau. The CP and WB have recovered 1251 children from March 2008 as reported.Edhi, the social worker of Edhi Foundation, arranged a bus from Karachi to Lahore to recruit children who were lost or had run away. Social worker says that Pakistan has a large population of runaway children or lost children, estimating their number at more than 20,000. Naveed Hasan Khan of Azad Foundation estimates that there are 13,000 to 15,000 in Karachi alone and the number in increasing. The UN, UNICEF estimates that there are 10,000 in Karachi. Due to poverty some parents are reluctant to receive their children from Edhi Homes, and also some children do not want to go back.The articles reviewed in this research give the factual detail regarding the certain barriers which contradict the final solution of the problems. Though the NGOs and social workers work with vigor to eradicate this evil yet the responsibility of the state is the first and foremost demand. Government institutions like Police and judiciary must play its adequate ro le required for addressing the cases with iron men. Budget must be allocated to the centers of rehabilitation to let the victims get protection. Social determine must be up held, especially at the domestic front. Parents and relatives must perform their duty towards small children. Instead of fighting on their own disputes the must be forced to safeguard the basic rights of their of springs. by and by all the parents are responsible for the upbringing of children, if they cannot take care of the tender black Maria why at all they had the privilege to be called parents. Poverty must be lessened and education be made accessible to all in order to stop children runaway.Research QuestionsDomain QuestionsWhat are the causes and circumstances of running away?What are the problems faced by children who runaway?What role is played by the NGOs for supporting runaway children?What are the effects on the society of these runaway children?What kind of criminal activities take place? subsidi ary questionsWhat are the major reasons for running away from home and familyWhich is the most common age for running awayDescription of the abuses and strange experiences faced by children which caused them to runawayWhere do the children go after running away?How do these children survive?How are they treated by the people around the outside manhood?What difficulties are faced by them?How do the bureau contact their parents?What type of background do these children have?How the NGO support them?How is the issue handled by the ngos?What is their behavior when they are rescued by the organization?What problems the organization face in handling such children?From where do these children come from?What are the social effects on the society of street children?Details of the main places in Lahore for runaway children.Description of the psyche of runaway childrenWhat are the measures and steps taken for these runaway childrenWho helps in promoting criminal activities?What incentives are provided to such children?Reasons for being involved in criminal activities?Which sector of the society is involved in exploiting these children?Research and methodologyWhile the research was conducted, the first visit to the bureau was dated 26-03-2011 but it was not much productive. Only a meeting with the assistant director Rao Khalil Ahmad was possible in which the main topic of the research, goals and the purpose of visit was explained. In addition, a copy of discourse question which were to be asked by the organization representative and the runaways, were handed over and the date and time of the interview was assigned by the assistant director. In exchange a handout of brief tarradiddle, background and boldness of the bureau was given. The assigned date of the interview was 02-04-2011 and proved successful. The Child Protection Officer, Muhammad Amin Malik gave a well vigilant and satisfactory interview which greatly helped in the research paper. The interview involved a ll the group members of which quadruplet were asking questions and one was busy in recording the movie of the interview. The answers of the interview questions were noted on the interview sheets provided by the instructor and were later signed and stamped by the CPO person. Second interview was with the runaway children in the bureau and term moving to the department of children the surroundings of the organization were keenly observed. Each child was asked similar questions, that is reason for running away, strange experiences if any, any involvement in criminal activities etc. Moreover, 20 questionnaires were prepared and alter in by the general public and the sample included students of LSE and family members.The interview with the CPO provided ample information relating to the organization, history and background of the problem plus the bureau. Different experiences quoted by affected children were separated related to each domain and helped in analyzing the topic well. The a nnual report of bureau provided exact facts, figures, dates and statistical information in detail of the organization. The answers of the filled questionnaires were decoded in Microsoft Excel and statistically analyzed in Stat graphics.Analysis of data and discussionCauses and reasonsChildren who run away from home are typically fueled by an overload of depression, anxiety, a sense of loneliness and unknownation from their families and society. These kids often feel as if they have little support in times of anesthetise and no where to run when things get tough. Unfortunately for some children, parents realize too late theres a problem and the child ends up a runaway on the streets. Many children run away because their parents or legal guardian abuse and belittle or neglected them. (Anonymous, 2011). The precise number of runaway children in Lahore, or across the country is unknown. Estimates by organizations working with street children suggest there are at least 5,000 in the city at any one time, with the largest number based on Data Durbar or on the railway station. The charitable Eidhi foundation , which houses runaway children and attempts to unite them with parents estimates there are at least 10,000 such children in Karachi alone. By the end of 2003 there had been 30% increase across the country in children going away homes. They leave mostly due to domestic violence or acute social economic hardships (focus on runaway children, report, 2004 September, 8). The survey carried out on runaway children in which people where asked that would they leave there home if they have lack of resources and retire, approximately 80% children disagreed on this, while 25% agree on this. According to the survey boys run away from home more than girls as boys are more hard-hitting and its difficult for them to control their anger . most of the children run in the age group between 10 to 16 and the main reason for running is parent dispute (appendix A and C).The first thing which comes in our mind is, who are runaway children and how can a child run from his home. What are the causes and reason due to which a child leaves his home? Home the place which is known as heaven on earth. How this heaven becomes hell for that child? Are children forced to leave the home or they leave it by themselves. Children are innocent figure how they can be ready to face the difficulties of the evil world outside their home or the home they are loss in is actually filled with evil people? Where these children go after running from their homes and what sort of difficulties they face. How does NGOs help them and rescue these sorts of children. In which sort of criminal activates these children usually get involved and what sort of impact these children have on society as these children are the future of our nation. To get answer of all these questions our group carried out a research on this topic as its the most important problem which are society is facing. The do main of my topic is causes and reasons due to which children leave their home. Nowadays( Renee, 2000) the reason for leaving home are far more tragic, things such as seriously eroded family condition where children feel neglected or unwanted or they are abused. Children feel that if they dont run away they may end up dead. According to Dr Krishna Prasad, (2000) said all children are basically insecure, as they are emotionally immature. This immaturity is a part of the growing process. Each day they become more and more secure if the family is a close knit one with enough freedom for communication and emotional expression. Thus children runaway due to different reasons such as constant quarrels of parents ,causing insecurity and hatred in childs heart , if they feel unloved , fear of physical danger like engender beating the child for wrong doing, fear that there would be withdrawal of emotional support for wrong doings.( 2000,runaway syndrome, psychology4all.com ) . Runaway childr en belong to different classes and have different reasons for running. Most of them belong to lower class. Children run from villages and come to cities as they think they can earn more money and live a better life. But after leaving their homes they get into wrong hands and get involved in criminal activities.Poverty is one of the main cause due to which 60% of the children leave their homes as there is no concept of family planning in our country(Pakistan) thats why the budget is more than the income ,so it is not possible for a poor person to fulfill his familys needs. As the person can not fulfill his childrens wants and needs so he forces them to earn many in any case. For this reason the children try to earn money from illegal ways such as they get involved into criminal activities, they start begging, stealing etc. many children dont want to work and so they end up leaving their homes because for them it is the populate selection. . In a recent interview conducted from a ru naway child (Personal communication, March 26, 2011), named Ahmed Raza he told that he left his home due to the bad conditions of his home. He had 3 chums and 4 sisters, so it was difficult for his father to support such a huge family thats why his father used to beat him and told him to do work and earn money but he didnt wanted to do that, so he left his home. sometimes a child doesnt want to leave home but he is forced by his family members to do so as they don have enough money to fulfill their basic needs so they leave them to different NGOs. Or sell them to people so they can use the children for illegal things. I witnessed this thing myself when I visited child protection bureau (CPB). A man came along with her daughter to leave her to the government department, that girl was crying and saying that she didnt wanted to stay there his father said that he would come to meet her. The man took some money from the employee of bureau and left her there. When investigated from the pe ople of bureau they said that the girl had ran from the place she used to work and that the man rescued her and came to drop her to the NGO so they can find her parents and send her back. . The organization was double-dealing or not I dont have any idea but I observed it. Many children run due to their father or mother mite be ill or having a swear disease which may also be caused due to poverty. Poverty is one thing which can ruin a blissful family just with in no time. In a recent interview conducted from an employee (Mohamed Amin Malik), working in a government department (CBI), told that a child, whom their team rescued, on asking the reason of leaving home he told that her father had cancer and he had three sisters and its very difficult for him to support them so he ran from home to get some work, so that he can help out this family.According the child protection officer (CPO) of CPB, the main reason due to which children runaway from home is due to neglect ion which is caused due to broken family or if the child is orphan and lives with his relatives . A child needs both mother and fathers love and care but if one isnt present they mite not feel secure and would feel unloved and if both are not present then their life becomes miserable. There differen5t cases in broken families, sometime father had done second nuptials and doesnt allow the child t o meet his mother and the stepmother can be bad with the child so the child have only one way out that he should leave that hell. In recent interview (Personal communication, March 26, 2011) conducted from a runaway child who was not normal child. He told that he ran from his home because his father used to hit him and didnt allowed him to meet his mother, so he ran from home because he wanted to live with his mother but as he was not normal he was unable to find his mother. the second reason due to which children run from their home is when their parents are no longer in the world to take care of them and th ey live with there grandparents , aunts or other relatives . What may come relatives can not draw a comparison with parents. If a child lives with his aunt she can never gives her/him proper time , care and love as she gives to her own children due to this the child feel neglected.. Some relatives also take work from the children and also abuse them if they dont do work they abuse them due to these reasons the child end up leaving that place .A.Akbar (Personal communication, March 26, 2011) told that he had three brothers and one sister . His parents were dead and he used to leave with his aunt. His aunt didnt wanted him to live with her she used to beat him so he left that place .When he was rescued by the CPB ,they informed his aunt that Akbar is with us but she refused to take him back .There are many different reasons due to which children leave their home .Sometimes its not big reason due to which children leave their homes but unfortunately it becomes. children are innocent an d if parents only yell at them they get get and just leave their home and go to their relatives or friends place its the duty of relatives or friends to report their parents if their child comes to their place other then giving him more liability.Sometimes children run if their parent doesnt give them proper time as they give to their other siblings. In this way the child feel neglected and start hating his parents and run from his home although he isnt aware of the after affects of this. Children may run due to fight between siblings and parent doesnt stop them from doing this. They may take their fight as a normal thing but it can make a huge disaster. Many children run because they dont want to study and their parents beat them if they dont get good results. If a child fails he/she gets scared that his/her parents would beat him/her, so only one option is left for him/her to run away from his home.A person is recognized by the companionship he possesses. One of the reason due to which children run away from home is peer influence. If they belong to a bad bon ton the chances of running increases. Nowadays children listen more to their friends then to their parents. Kasim (Personal communication, March 26, 2011) told that he came to data durbar with his friends to eat strain and the CPB team rescued him from there. He just came to enjoy with his friends from his home town (Jarawaral). When investigated from the bureau people they told that the boy had ran twice from his home and the main reason due to which he ran is that he doesnt want to do work so he ran from home with his friendsThere are many different cases due to which children run from their homes from which some of the reasons and causes have been explained after research. This problem is still not solved and increasing day by day. Measures should be taken to solve this problem other wise it would become carnage for our society. Though runaway has become a serious problem , we as adults are able to control it by understanding the hearts of children and giving them loving care .it is possible to change the way of thinking, behavior and emotional status of children while they are growing .(runaway children-an overview ,2008)Problems faced after running awayThe literal meaning of runaway children are the kids who voluntarily are found missing from their homes at least a few days without taking permission from their parents or caretaker usually due to intolerant domestic conditions or violence The topic of research paper is Run Away Children, and the domain on which the research is being conducted is problems faced by these run away children after running away from their homes.According to the Child Protection Officer, Muhammad Ameen Malik (Child Protection heart, Shalamar), there have been thirty two thousand two hundred and eighty four children rescued from 2005 till now. However according to the UNICEF report there are forty thousand still on streets who are any forced or have deliberately left their homes. The runaway ratio is increasing year by year and is around forty to fifty percent. Run away cases are mostly from the cities of Punjab and Sindh. These children are mostly from the lower middle class families who have low family income and are suffering from continuous family problems. The main reasons that force these children to run away can be listed as parental dispute, peer pressure, poverty, siblings rivalry and work pressure.In certain cases parental dispute exceeds to such an extent that the small minds of children get confused. They become victims of fear of the recess in the parents relationship. The frequent clashes, disagreements and constant turmoil spoil the inner happiness of young hearts, because they demand peace, love and attention which do not exist. Their dream of a happy home shatters and they shun all negative and leave. Work and peer pressure are also a major reason of running away. ofttimes boy at the age of seven or eigh t years are forced by their parents to work and earn money for their livelihood. Some of them are sent to workshops and others to road side inns, where the heartless inhuman owners, the so called ustad jee, treat these innocent souls ruthlessly. Often being punished by these masters, and consistently rebuked. These small bread winners of the house get over matured before time, discuss things with their co-workers about the luxuries and freedom of others boys of their age enjoy. Often they see kids of their own age traveling in large cars and being pampered by their parents. As a result they revolt. They are left with no other alternative and in search of a better life they run away without realizing the true nature of the city life where wolfs are ready to maltreat them. One reason is an unhealthy criticism regarding education and other attributes. This can be categorise as siblings rivalry. At times parents start comparing their own children with one another. Often the younger br other feels that he has no importance in the family because he faces discouragement at every spot. In order to prove his strength he decides to go to his own way to at least avoid a situation where he imagines himself as unwanted and disrespected, which gives rise to hatred and the ignorant figure. Poverty is the most close reason behind this misfortune. In poverty stricken homes the inhabitants loses human compassion and becomes distrustful for other members of the family unit. thrill of lack of food, clothes, education and shelter snatches away love and cares of a demanding and eager child. Moreover the constant malignment and thrashing contribute in creating a breach and results breaking up the links.Due to the reasons mentioned above children leave their homes. The question now arises that how do these children leave their cities? What mean of transport do they use to do this? And where do these children finally land up? According to the interviews conducted and the informati on collected from the management of the Child Protection Center these run away children acquired different modes of transport. Mostly they sit in trains from their local railway stations having no knowledge of their next destination. They are often drifted along on different directions, friendless and penniless. In an alien environment these fear stricken ignorant beings, in search of shelter, roam about from one place to another in quest of being recognized and acknowledged by the big citys complex activities. And from here their difficult entourage of life takes a new turn.After leaving homes there is danger awaiting at every step. The basic problem faced by these children is shelter, and then comes the problem of hunger. Both of these create havoc in life of these runaways. In our Islamic God fearing society the problem of hunger can be met by visiting certain center of free food but shelter is next to impossible. This shows these children the loyalty that they stand nowhere, no identification, no background and devoid of love and affection, they now have to make their own way into life yet threatened by dangers at every step. During day time they stay on roads but long nights are difficult to spend. They sleep on footpaths and outside the tend walls and later make friendship with other vagabonds, and tramps. The pangs of hunger force them to do all sorts of labor sometimes wiping the screen of cars and collecting pennies in return for buying food. Moral and social destructions are the consequences they face, finally one by one entangled by all bad habits. Another problem faced by the runaway children is they join the gang of villains who wickedly train these children as street beggars. At every get over on traffic signals small children comes up asking for money which is not for their own use but to satisfy the whims of the criminal minded gangsters, thus entering into the unconscionable world of sinful people. Victimized by the wicked people all sorts of abuse they are exposed to and thus pay the price of leaving the security of their homes. Destruction then has no limits, sometimes these children are arrested by police and are sent to prison but police again cannot put a check on their activities. Thus they grow up as criminals and plague the society. Many of these children also get involved in drugs. Most of the beggars turns into hideous sinful criminal and are also found addicted to drugs. They are involved in sell drugs to students and youngsters. This deadly poison destroys the health and becomes the cause of many fatal consequences. They not only spoil their own life but involve the future of our nation, the youth, by exposing them to drug addiction.The runaway children in the Child Protection Center helped in doing the research properly. The children interviewed were five in number of different ages, different backgrounds and different reason for running away. One of the children was 10 years old he said that his step m other get the better of him so he ran away from home. When asked the question of what