Verification process:

1) Charity must have an Web site at which it’s operations and programs are described, including pictures of it’s facilities and pictures of the children in it’s facilities, and preferably names and pictures of the staff and management, and contact info, including address. This first step in the verification process weeds out some of the most rudimentary scams.

2) From info gathered in (1) the Internet is scanned for stories about the charity in the press. Press reports help to establish the validity of the charity, and may also reveal problems with the charity. Internet searches will also turn up casual reports and pictures by past and present volunteers at the charity, and most such reports include an email address so the volunteer can be contacted for further validation. In some cases the address of the charity will be used to find other businesses nearby who will then be contacted to gather validation info, such as, does this charity actually exist at their given address, and what if anything have you heard about them.

3) The charity must be recognized as such by the government of the nation in which they are located. An attempt is made to obtain validation from the government.

4) The charity must provide Street Kid Support, or otherwise publish expenditure documentation. The per child costs must be consistent with that nations cost of living. For instance, in most of Asia and Africa a child can be housed, fed, clothed, educated and generally supported for between US $30 and $60 per month.