High-Risk Vulnerable Populations and Volunteers: A Model of Education and Service Collaboration

Abstract

Extending our earlier work (Hutchison & Quartaro, 1993) describing a training program for volunteers caring for high-risk vulnerable populations, we identify and explicate factors contributing to the successful collaboration of education and service organizations. Addressing the management of linkages essential to mutual goal setting and shared responsibility for planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient/ client outcomes, each factor is discussed with specific reference to improving caregiving to persons with AIDS and their families through well-trained volunteer services. The model has been applied to training for service to homeless persons and to the frail elderly and may be more broadly applicable to other high-risk vulnerable populations.