Kid Watch was initiated by the members of the Safety Task Force of the Family of Five Schools Committee. The Family of Five Schools represent a united effort by USC, five neighborhood schools and community stakeholders to improve the quality of life for local children and their families. The five elementary schools involved are, 32nd Street/USC Magnet Center, Foshay Learning Center, Norwood Street School, Vermont Avenue School, and L.B. Weemes School. Ongoing program development and maintenance are conducted collaboratively by the Los Angeles Police Department, Southwest Division, the Los Angeles Unified School District Police, the USC Department of Public Safety, the Family of Five Schools, and community residents.

The program has proven successful in helping to reduce crime in the area and to mobilize residents and other stakeholders to watch out for local children. With over 375 Kid Watch volunteers, the program has received numerous accolades from local media and politicians. Kid Watch has yielded the unanticipated benefit of bringing neighbors closer together and revitalizing community spirit. The Los Angeles Police Department found that Kid Watch revitalized the Neighborhood Watch/Block Club captain structure. The high visibility of Kid Watch volunteers in the community, along with their reporting of crimes and suspicious activity, have contributed to an eight percent decrease in crime in the area. Informal surveys have shown that students and their parents feel safer knowing that designated residents are looking out for the community's children.

Volunteer participants are residents, business people and individuals associated with churches and community service centers. These volunteers have completed an application and background check process. Kid Watch volunteers are not expected to act as an escort service, provide medical treatment, or allow children into their homes, places of business or work. Kid Watch volunteers also agree to attend meetings twice a year to receive training and program updates.