At Village Church, the safety and spiritual care of children in Village Kids (VK) is a high priority. Because of this, we have a clear process to ensure that every volunteer serving with children is spiritually prepared, properly trained, and thoroughly screened.

Personal Faith

Village Kids exists to help children grow in their relationship with Jesus. For this reason, we ask that volunteers serving with children have an active personal faith in Jesus Christ.

As part of the onboarding process, volunteers meet with a Village Kids team member to share their personal testimony and discuss how the gospel is currently shaping their life. We also confirm how long they have been attending Village Church.

If a potential volunteer has been attending Village Church in person for less than six months, we request two personal references who can speak to their character and faith.

We understand that no one is perfect. Our goal is not perfection, but evidence of a genuine and growing faith in Christ.

Background Checks

All adult Village Kids volunteers (age 18 and older) must have a completed background check on file before serving with children.

The Village Kids Core Team oversees this process and confirms completion before a volunteer is approved to begin serving.

Child Protection Policy Training

All Village Kids volunteers—including junior volunteers and adults—must complete Village Kids Child Protection Policy (CPP) training every year.

New volunteers must complete this training before serving in any Village Kids environment. The training outlines our policies and expectations for appropriate interactions with children and helps ensure a safe environment for all students.

Village Kids typically renews this training each year during the summer/VBS season.

This policy is also provided in writing as an addendum at the end of this document.

DCFS Mandated Reporter Training (Adult Volunteers Only)

All Village Kids volunteers age 18 and older are required to complete the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Mandated Reporter Training and submit their certificate of completion.

This online training is renewed every three years. It equips volunteers to recognize and respond appropriately to signs of potential child abuse or neglect.

While Village Kids asks volunteers to inform the Village Kids Director or Village Church Leadership Team if concerns arise, Illinois law requires mandated reporters to report suspected abuse or neglect directly to DCFS.

Through these screening steps and trainings, Village Kids seeks to provide a safe, loving, and Christ-centered environment for every child.