The goal of the action research whose results are partially reported here was to improve the training of volunteers wishing to get involved in an In-Home Respite program offered to families of children with degenerative and terminal illnesses. It aimed primarily to provide a better understanding of the training needs of In-Home Respite program volunteers and to identify the main components of an initial training program. This paper presents a synthesis of the learning needs brought forward by parents, volunteers, trainers and employees through the use of different research methods. This synthesis is comprised of 27 themes presented under nine headings. In addition, the author discusses briefly, regarding volunteer learning needs, what characterizes volunteering in a context of pediatric palliative care in comparison to volunteering with adults in end of life situations.