Playing it Safe - Policies & Guidelines

Background Check Policy

TYPICAL VOLUNTEER ROLES: In most cases, volunteers participate in the following activities while at an Adventure: greeter, registration, food service, distributing shirts/AKA gear, handing out presents/mementos.

In addition, many volunteers in A Kid Again offices put together/deliver boxes, send birthday cards, or wrap presents.

As typical volunteer roles do not yield direct contact with AKA Kids, we do not require a background check. However, at any point A Kid Again may request a background check.

VOLUNTEER ROLES THAT MAY REQUIRE A BACKGROUND CHECK: Any volunteers who may have direct contact with AKA kids (playing Santa, face painting, “ride buddy”) or represent us in the community without additional A Kid Again staff present may be asked to complete, or provide proof of, a background check.

DISQUALIFYING BACKGROUND INCLUDES: If an individual has been convicted of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect of a child, crimes of violence or physical assault, spousal abuse, any offences that present a threat to the health, safety or welfare of children, and drug related offenses within the last five years.

Family Interaction Policy

Volunteers should NEVER be alone with a child at an Adventure. It is not permitted for a volunteer to go off to a secluded area, escort a child to the restroom, etc. while at an Adventure.

A parent/guardian must remain with a child at all times while at the Adventure. Volunteers are not permitted to “keep an eye on”, “watch for just a minute” while at an Adventure. If a parent/guardian makes that request of a volunteer, volunteers are instructed to politely decline and tell them they can speak to an A Kid Again staff member if they need assistance.

Failure to ensure that this safety standard is adhered to may result in the dismissal of the volunteer.

Lost Child Policy

If a volunteer should come across a lost child, A Kid Again Staff and/or venue staff should be notified immediately. If an incident occurs and the venue staff is contacted first, please follow up with a phone call to A Kid Again staff to alert the team of the situation.

Medical Assistance Policy

A Kid Again children may have a medical episode during an Adventure. Simple ask the parents what is needed and follow their direction. Every situation is different, and some may require further medical assistance by an on-site medical team or emergency services. If further emergency services are needed, please call 911. If an incident occurs, A Kid Again staff should be notified and an incident report needs completed.

Illness Policy

Feeling under the weather? Please do not come to an Adventure.

Confidentiality Policy

The families have every right to assume that confidential information will be kept as that, confidential. You as a volunteer have an ethical duty to maintain this confidentiality.

Personal Gain Policy

No volunteer is to approach a family or another volunteer to ask for assistance of any kind. Volunteers are also not permitted to solicit families or other volunteers on behalf of his/her business.

Appropriate Behavior Policy

All volunteers are expected to treat families, A Kid Again staff, and fellow volunteers with respect. A Kid Again will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or any form of disrespectful behavior. Should such behavior occur, A Kid Again has the right to dismiss a volunteer from an Adventure and/or from future events.

Theft Policy

Volunteers may be asked to assist with collecting funds at an event. A Kid Again does not tolerate theft. Theft will result in dismissal from A Kid Again for future Adventure and/or future events.

Playing it safe – Policies & Guidelines