Yes, many of our villages allow sponsors to visit! Protecting the rights, dignity and privacy of the children in our care is of paramount importance, and our visit policies and guidelines are critical to ensuring child safeguarding in our villages. Due to strict child protection laws and varying local policies, not all visit requests can be accommodated.
If you are interested in visiting the village or child you sponsor, please contact SOS Children’s Villages USA at sponsors@sos-usa.org or 1-888-767-4543 two to four months prior to your preferred visit date. We’ll walk you through our visit guidelines and coordinate with the village to ensure they have time to safely prepare for your visit. All visit requests must be made through SOS Children Villages USA—please do not directly contact the village.
Prior to receiving approval for your visit, you will:
- Undergo a background check conducted by SOS USA. This is required for all potential visitors over age 18, regardless of security clearance or prior background checks.
- Read our safeguarding policies, and sign our visitor’s guide to confirm your understanding.
- Conduct a pre-visit phone call with a member of our team to review our policies and answer any questions you may have.
Please note, for the safety of the children in our care:
- You may only visit the village you sponsor or where your sponsored child lives.
- Groups larger than three individuals will not be permitted to visit.
- Villages have the right to decline visitors at any time for the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
- We cannot guarantee you will be able to meet your sponsored child due to availability, the child's comfortability and village-specific safety guidelines.