Treat them with the same dignity and respect that you would want for yourself. Safety First - Do not put yourself in a situation that you cannot handle. You're not only putting yourself at risk, but the reputation of the agency is at stake as well. Be Flexible - Things do not always go exactly as planned. Try to adjust and go with the flow.
Social service can be very rewarding and a lot of fun, but it is a commitment.
You have to be sure that this is what you want to do before there are other people depending on you. It is admirable to want to save the world, but in reality, helping one other person is a feat in itself. Take a good look at your existing schedule before you try to add more things to it. Don't forget exams and papers. Allow for more time than seems necessary at first glance.