Vine Kids Security Policies and Procedures

A primary goal of Vine Kids is to provide a safe, secure and loving environment where our children can grow and where parents feel comfortable leaving their child. Our policies are designed to make sure children are protected and safe. 

Security:

There are several protective measures in place to make Vine Kids a safe environment:

  • Volunteer identification: Vine Kids volunteers must wear an identification nametag and gray colored vest.

  • Two-worker rule: At least two volunteers must be present with the children at all times.

  • Diaper changing and restroom procedures: Only females are allowed to do diaper changes and assist with bathroom breaks. Diaper changing and bathroom assistance must be done in the presence of another volunteer. If a child needs assistance, the door must be propped open. 

  • Personal Interactions: No photographs of children are to be taken without the permission of the parent and kids program director. Hugs are encouraged but cannot be initiated by the team member. Physical contact must be limited to appropriate touch.

  • Check-in: Parents will receive a tag to put on each child’s shirt along with a parent tag that contains the names and security numbers of each child. Parents will receive a new security number each time their child is checked in. 

  • Parent tag verification: Before the child can be released from class, the parent MUST display their parent tag that matches the child’s name tag information. If the parent does not have a parent tag or the security number does not match, parents will be redirected to the Kids Welcome Desk for assistance. 

  • Emergency protocols: Each classroom has a plan for what to do with the children in the event of a storm, an evacuation (fire) or a “threat” (aggressive person on site). If any suspicious activity arises, Vine Kids Volunteers may also page the security team. 

Child Abuse Protection Policy:

All Vine Kid’s volunteers and paid childcare workers are mandated reporters. Our policy is designed to prevent child abuse and to intervene in an abusive situation if a volunteer or paid childcare worker becomes aware of one. If there is any suspicion that a child is a victim of child abuse, volunteers and childcare workers must contact the kids program director or overseeing pastor immediately. The DCFS hotline number is 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)

There are four distinctive types of child abuse:

  • Physical Abuse

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Neglect

  • Emotional Maltreatment


  • For anything visible, such as unusual bruising or scars, the kids program director or overseeing pastor must be notified immediately. If they are unavailable, notify another staff member. Anyone who can see the bruise or mark can make the call to the DCFS hotline.

  • If a child shares something verbal with a volunteer/childcare worker, DO NOT “DIG” and ask the child any major follow up questions. Some questions are considered “leading” or may prompt children to respond a certain way. According to DCFS, this approach may potentially disqualify the report. Whoever the child talks to must be the one to make the call. 

  • All volunteers/childcare workers are asked to inform the kids director and/or overseeing pastor prior to the call. (This is not a legal requirement, but rather, to inform the leadership of the occurrence as well as provide the worker with assistance.)

Vine Kids Volunteers 

  • Screening:

All volunteers that serve directly with children in Vine Kids must complete the following screening procedures:

  • Complete application

  • Reference form completed by small group leader 

  • Approval from staff pastor

  • Complete background check (will be repeated every 3 years)

  • Complete training to review Vine Kids policies and procedures

Paid Childcare Workers:

For events outside of Sunday services Vine church may hire individuals from outside the church to help with childcare. All paid Childcare Supervisors must be trusted members of Vine Church and must also adhere to the outlined procedures and policies.

  • Screening:

All paid childcare workers must complete the following screening procedures:

  • Complete application and include references

  • Complete interview

  • Complete background check (will be repeated every 3 years)

  • Complete training to review Vine Kids policies and procedures