Kid Watch volunteers agree to help watch children and report crimes against them. Volunteers stand outside their homes or places of business or work during the times children walk to and from school. In the event of a problem, volunteers contact local law enforcement.

If a child sees an emergency or is involved in one, the child can go to a volunteer and ask him/her to call 911. Children are told not to enter any home when reporting an emergency. If the volunteer is not outside, the child is told to knock on the door, step back, and wait outside for the volunteer.

The Kid Watch program has two coordinators who handle recruitment and selection of volunteers, program awareness, trainings, recognition events, and other program activities. The program coordinators work with school personnel to provide lessons and information to ensure students, parents, guardians, and community members understand the purpose of Kid Watch and are familiar with the Kid Watch logo.

The Kid Watch program is financially supported through a combination of grant and university funding, and in-kind contributions by the participating agencies. Program expenses typically include coordinators' salary, supplies, training and recognition events, printing, and publicity.

Program Planning and Implementation
The USC Family of Five Schools offer the following suggestions and items to consider when starting your own Kid Watch program:

• Form a planning committee. Include parents, school personnel, local busines and community leaders, law enforcement representatives, and members of the faith community. Contact all stakeholders to explain the program and solicit their support.
• Work with local law enforcement to determine if a network of block club captains or other Neighborhood Watch-type programs exist in the community who assist the police department in interacting with the community. Verify that once the program is in effect, the police department will be able to complete a background check of Kid Watch applicants.
• Inform school administrators that once the program is in effect, they will be provided with a list of Kid Watch volunteers. Let school personnel know that the Kid Watch program will need their help in recruiting volunteers and educating parents, guardians, and students about Kid Watch.