Safety & Child Protection
Safety is our #1 priority. Every child deserves a safe environment to learn, play, and grow.
Child Safety Hotline
If you suspect abuse or have a safety concern, call immediately
Our Commitment to Safety
The Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha is deeply committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every young person who walks through our doors. The safety and well-being of our Club members is the foundation of everything we do. We work closely with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to uphold the highest safety standards in the youth-serving sector.
Parents and guardians trust us with their most precious responsibility — their children. We take that trust seriously and have implemented comprehensive safety policies, training programs, and reporting procedures to ensure every child is protected.
Our Safety Standards
Zero-Tolerance Abuse Policy
The Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of abuse — physical, emotional, or sexual. Any staff member, volunteer, or individual found in violation of this policy will be immediately removed and reported to the appropriate authorities. There are no exceptions.
Background Check Requirements
Every employee and volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha must pass a comprehensive background check before they are permitted to work with young people. Background checks include criminal history, sex offender registry searches, and reference checks. Re-screening is conducted on a regular basis.
Mandatory Safety Training
All staff members receive comprehensive safety training as part of their onboarding and participate in ongoing training throughout the year. Training covers child abuse recognition and prevention, mandatory reporting requirements, emergency procedures, and proper supervision techniques.
Open Door Policy
Parents and guardians are always welcome to visit the Club, observe programs, and speak with staff. We maintain an open-door policy to ensure transparency and build trust with the families we serve. Visitors must check in at the front desk upon arrival.
Supervision Standards
We maintain strict staff-to-member ratios in all program areas to ensure adequate supervision. No staff member or volunteer is permitted to be alone with a child in an unsupervised area. All program spaces are designed with visibility in mind, and regular monitoring is conducted.
SafeSport Compliance
Our sports programs follow SafeSport guidelines to protect young athletes from all forms of abuse and misconduct. All coaches, referees, and sports staff complete SafeSport training. We are committed to creating a positive, respectful, and safe athletic environment.
Reporting Procedures
If you suspect abuse or have a safety concern regarding any child at the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, we urge you to report it immediately. All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly. You do not need to be certain that abuse has occurred to make a report — if something does not seem right, say something.
Immediate Danger
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
How to Report a Safety Concern
-
1
Call the BGCA Child Safety Hotline
Call 866-607-SAFE (7233) to report concerns directly to Boys & Girls Clubs of America's national hotline. Reports can be made anonymously.
-
2
Contact Club Leadership
Speak directly with a Club director or our CEO, Tara Panasewicz, at (262) 654-6200.
-
3
Contact Local Authorities
You may also report concerns directly to Kenosha County Department of Human Services or the Kenosha Police Department.
Safety Resources
BGCA Child Safety
Boys & Girls Clubs of America's national child safety resources, policies, and reporting tools.
Visit BGCAU.S. Center for SafeSport
The national center for addressing abuse in sport, including reporting tools and training resources.
Visit SafeSportChildhelp National Hotline
24/7 crisis intervention, information, and referrals for child abuse situations. Call 1-800-422-4453.
Visit ChildhelpSafety Is Our #1 Priority
Every child who enters the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. We will never compromise on the safety of our members.
Child Safety Hotline: 866-607-SAFE