In Community Kids, we value safety. Every Staff and Volunteer 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 check-in system where each family receives matching tags 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.
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 Community Kids 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
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.