What Would You Do? When a Parent Insists Their Sick Child Participate

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

During a youth program, a parent tells a volunteer that their child has a contagious illness but insists the child attend the activity. The volunteer notices that the child looks unwell and becomes concerned about exposing other participants.

The volunteer wants to respect the parent’s wishes but also recognizes the importance of following the organization’s health and safety policies. They aren’t sure whether to allow the child to participate, ask for documentation, or involve leadership.

The volunteer realizes that responding appropriately means balancing communication with the responsibility to follow established health and safety procedures.

What would you do?

Follow Organizational Health Policies

When a child arrives at a program with a contagious illness, volunteers should not make their own decisions about whether the child can participate.

Instead, refer to your organization’s written health policies and procedures. These guidelines should outline when children need to stay home and what steps volunteers and staff should take when a child appears unwell.

Following established policies helps ensure that decisions are consistent and focused on everyone’s safety.

Document the Situation

If a parent discloses that their child has a contagious illness or the child appears unwell, document the situation according to your organization’s procedures.

Documentation may include:

• The parent’s disclosure
• Observable symptoms or concerns
• Conversations with the parent
• Actions taken by the volunteer or program

Good documentation helps organizations maintain consistent records and respond appropriately to similar situations.

Notify Leadership

If you are unsure how to proceed, notify the appropriate supervisor, administrator, or program leader.

Leadership can help ensure:

• Organizational health policies are followed
• The child’s needs are addressed appropriately
• Other participants are protected from unnecessary exposure
• Any required follow-up is completed

Volunteers and staff should not feel responsible for making difficult health-related decisions on their own.

Communicate Respectfully and Clearly

Talking with a parent about their child’s participation can feel uncomfortable, especially when the parent is asking for an exception.

Keep the conversation respectful and focus on the organization’s policies and the safety of everyone involved.

You might explain that the decision is based on the program’s health and safety procedures, rather than a personal judgment about the child or family.

Clear, respectful communication can help prevent misunderstandings and maintain trust.

What Not to Do

Don’t ignore organizational health policies because a parent insists their child participate.

Don’t make exceptions based solely on personal judgment.

Don’t ask for medical documentation unless your organization’s policies require it.

Don’t diagnose the child or make assumptions about their illness.

Don’t hesitate to involve leadership when you are unsure how to proceed.

Why It Matters

Following health and safety procedures helps volunteers:

• Reduce the spread of contagious illnesses
• Protect children, volunteers, and staff
• Respond consistently to health concerns
• Maintain clear communication with families
• Support a safer environment for everyone

Health and safety policies are there to provide guidance when situations are difficult or unclear.

The Takeaway

When a child arrives at a program with a contagious illness, follow your organization’s health policies, document the situation, and involve leadership when needed.

Communicate respectfully with the family and keep the focus on the health and safety of everyone involved.

Safe programs rely on clear policies, consistent procedures, and staff and volunteers who know when to ask for help.