FIFTEEN YEARS OF THE “STUDENTS FOR CHILDREN” PROGRAM: TRAUMA-INFORMED VOLUNTEERISM AND INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION IN CHILD PROTECTION

  • Beáta Korinek University of Pécs
  • Judit Zeller University of Pécs
  • Gabriella Kulcsár University of Pécs
  • Patricia Kovács University of Pécs
  • Petra Kondora University of Pécs
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18357/ijcyfs162-3202522526
Keywords: child protection, volunteer program, trauma-informed care, interdisciplinary education, university student engagement, foster care support

Abstract

The Students for Children program has been running for more than 15 years in Hungary, offering university students an opportunity to engage in child protection work through a trauma-informed, interdisciplinary approach. The program serves a dual purpose: supporting children in specialized care while equipping students with practical experience in working with vulnerable populations. Through structured classroom training, supervised volunteer work, and collaborative partnerships with child protection institutions, the program fosters professional preparedness, ethical engagement, and social responsibility. This paper explores the program’s development, key guidelines, and bridging function of linking disciplines, institutions, and international networks to strengthen child welfare efforts. Insights from student testimonials and micro-research findings illustrate the program’s impact, highlighting its role in promoting trauma-informed care, emotional safety, and sustainable professional engagement.

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Author Biographies

Beáta Korinek, University of Pécs

Lead Coordinator, Students for Children programme  and Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Law - Family and Social Law Group, Faculty of Law

Judit Zeller, University of Pécs

Psychologist, Students for Children programme and Associate Professor, Department of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Law

Gabriella Kulcsár, University of Pécs

Psychologist, Students for Children programme and Associate Professor, Department of Criminology, Faculty of Law

Patricia Kovács, University of Pécs

Volunteer, Students for Children programme  and graduating student, Faculty of Law

Petra Kondora, University of Pécs

Volumteer, Students for Children programme and graduating student, Faculty of Law,

References

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Published
2025-10-20
How to Cite
Korinek, B., Zeller, J., Kulcsár, G., Kovács, P., & Kondora, P. (2025). FIFTEEN YEARS OF THE “STUDENTS FOR CHILDREN” PROGRAM: TRAUMA-INFORMED VOLUNTEERISM AND INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION IN CHILD PROTECTION. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 16(2-3), 251-263. https://doi.org/10.18357/ijcyfs162-3202522526
Issue
Vol. 16 No. 2-3 (2025): Special issue based on papers presented at the FICE-International 35th World Congress Split, Croatia, October 23–25, 2024
Section
Section IV - Developing Competent Practitioners and Carers

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