Why do you ask me for my ID?
We’ve had some parents recently ask, “Why do I have to show my ID at pick-up?” “Why can’t I just come into the Club and help my child gather their things?” “Why do I have to tell you if someone else is picking up my child?”
The short answer is safety.
The longer answer is that while these precautions may seem frustrating or unnecessary to you, for some of our members and families they are vital measures that ensure protection. A child is abducted every 40 seconds in the USA, and more than half of those children are taken by a family member. Another 27% are abducted by family acquaintances. You may be a trusted friend of the child’s family, but if you are not on the authorized pick-up list, we cannot release them to you. In addition, Boys & Girls Clubs of America requires that all parent IDs are checked at every pick-up. We are a small community and we get to know most of you well, but we must follow these requirements to make sure the Club stays open and operational.
All our staff go through the Live Scan background check with the Sheriff/Police Department, and their names are screened against numerous lists at the federal, state, and local level. Anyone in the building who has not been background checked must be accompanied by a staff member. During Club time this is difficult because our staff are busy supervising and teaching members, and they cannot also escort parents around the building. For that reason, and to ensure your child’s safety, we do not permit parents into members’ activity spaces during Club hours.
There are times when the Club is open to parents and families, such as open houses or public events. On those occasions, we reinforce safety with extra staff and additional procedures so that we can continue to provide a safe and supervised environment for our members.
A few things you can do to make safety easier for you:
- Update your child’s authorized pick-up list in the parent portal. Log in, click on your child’s information, and update as needed. This is easier than having to contact the Club.
- Always bring your ID when you come to pick up your child. If it’s easier, keep a picture of your ID on your phone.
- Provide us with any copies of court orders pertaining to custody, restraining orders, guardianship, or visitation changes.
- If multiple parents from a sports team may be picking up your child, consider giving your child self-check-out permissions. This should only be done for older grades and only if you trust that your child will not take advantage of it.
Please remember that our safety precautions are in place to protect your child as well as all of the others in our care.
Thank you for your help in keeping your child safe.
