"It's a good rule of thumb to have a parent really ask the organization or the program, 'how do you screen your staff? What policies do you have in place to protect children?'," she said. These types of questions are not meant to be accusatory, but rather as a parent, Farber said it is a primary responsibility to protect their child.
Particularly, Farber said that parents should inquire about background screenings or checks, and what type of screenings are done. While it is common for places to require references, they are not always followed up or confirmed, she said. Parents should ask how seriously these precautions are taken before enrolling their child in a program.
Farber told CNA that parents should look for organizations that utilize the "rule of two" when adults are working with children. This means that at any given time, there should be at least two adults present with at least two children at all times.
According to KidCheck, a company that makes software and equipment to assist with child protection, the rule of two is beneficial for both adults and children. The presence of another adult would dissuade a predator from harming a child, and it also helps to prevent any false accusations against someone. The presence of two adults also helps to reduce liability and negligence claims, and can be beneficial in the case of an emergency situation.
"There should not be secrecy, there should be transparency," said Farber. Parents should also speak to any coach, volunteer, or mentor and get to know them, and identify why it is they went into coaching. Parents should also ensure that anyone they leave their children with is properly educated about what the policies are if things were to go wrong, she said.
"I as a parent should consider how well (the caregiver) interacts with me," said Farber. "I mean, in other words, it's like, as a parent you are putting your child in the care of another person, another adult, so you have a responsibility to really get to know that person," she added. If a parent is made uncomfortable by something a coach or supervisor says or does, they should have no qualms about taking their child out of that situation.