Safety & Child Protection

Security

One of our KidsWorld values is safety. Everyone involved with children has gone through an extensive application process. Some of the components of that process include a personal interview, an in-depth questionnaire, personal reference checks, and a criminal background check. We strictly enforce a policy that never allows any adult or youth helper to be alone with a child.

We utilize a secure drop-off and pick-up system where each family receives matching coded nametags for parents and children. Volunteers are stationed at every classroom's exit. You will be asked to show that your tag matches your child's before you leave. You must have a matching tag to pick up your child. If you lose your tag, you will need to go to Guest Central, with ID,  for a replacement before picking up your child.

Our Child Protection Policy

Recognizing Child Abuse

A first step in helping or getting help for an abused or neglected child is to identify the signs and symptoms of child abuse.

Child abuse is the mistreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caretaker, someone living in their home or someone who works with or around children. Child abuse can be physical (such as burns or broken bones), sexual (such as fondling or incest), or emotional. Neglect happens when a parent or responsible caretaker fails to provide adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter or other basics for a child.

All volunteers are instructed in recognizing the signs of abuse and are trained to contact KidsWorld staff immediately to initiate a call to DCFS.

For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Stop It Now organization at:

http://www.state.il.us/dcfs/child/index.shtml

http://www.stopitnow.com

Two Person Rule

The “Two-Person” Rule is designed to protect both children and adults by not giving opportunities for adults to have sustained time alone with a child or student. It also protects staff and volunteers in situations in which a child or student with some significant emotional needs may misinterpret adult interaction or may make false statements about an adult’s behavior toward them. By following this rule, many potential problem situations are prevented.

Simply put:

  • The “Two-Person” rule must be in effect at all times during KidsWorld events.
  • NEVER allow yourself or another volunteer to be alone with a child. This applies to children in your own family while serving in KidsWorld.
  • At least one of the volunteers must be an adult.
  • Volunteers must not be related. If they are related, a 3rd volunteer must be present.

Each room will have a 2-way radio in their registration bin. Use it to contact a Zone Leader if you need a second volunteer to keep the Two-Person rule in effect.
Physical Touch
The “Two Person” rule must be in effect at all times.

Touching should:

  • Be non-demanding. Gentle touch of shoulders, hands, arms, head, back is OK.
  • Always take place in public
  • Never be behind closed doors
  • Be age appropriate – child may sit on your leg, not your lap (Kindergarten and younger only)
  • Express affirmation of the child and is not done for the satisfaction or pleasure of a care provider.
Bathroom Policy
The “Two Person” rule must be in effect at all times.

Infants and Toddlers

  • Only a female leader over 14 may change a diaper.
  • You must change a diaper in the presence of another leader.

Preschool through 5th Grade

  • 2 volunteers must accompany a child to the restroom at all times.
  • One volunteer must be an adult.
  • Volunteers must not be related to each other.
  • Make sure the restroom is empty before letting a child enter. First, call into the restroom and ask if anyone is there. If there is no response, walk in to double check.
  • If restroom is not empty, one volunteer steps inside to keep an eye on people in the restroom while the other volunteer stands watch at the door.
  • If other KidsWorld kids with volunteers are using the restroom, you do not need to make sure it is empty first.
  • Restroom doors must remain open.
  • If a younger child needs assistance, a volunteer of the same gender as the child may help, while remaining in view of the second volunteer.

All volunteers in KidsWorld must wear approved KidsWorld identification at all times while serving at a KidsWorld event.

ID’s will be issued after all paperwork has been received and background checks and references have been completed.

KidsWorld