Kids Cars and Coffee is designed to be welcoming, public, supervised, and family-centered. These standards distinguish event participation from group volunteering and help protect young people, families, volunteers, car owners, speakers, community volunteers, and partners.
If a young person is in immediate danger, needs urgent medical help, or an emergency is happening now, call 911 or the appropriate local emergency service first. KCC email and website reporting pathways are not emergency services.
Young people under 18 are welcome at KCC family events when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or family-authorized adult who remains part of the experience. A family-authorized adult means an adult whom the parent or legal guardian has expressly authorized to accompany and supervise the young person for that event. KCC events are not drop-off programs.
Activities depend on age suitability, interests, the confirmed schedule, capacity, and designated adult supervision.
Group conversations and activities happen in visible, public areas with other adults present, including parents and guardians, staff, and volunteers.
No adult is ever alone with a young person, out of sight, at a KCC event.
KCC does not offer private one-to-one mentoring or mentor matching. Adults must not have unsupervised one-to-one interactions, provide private transportation, or exchange private electronic messages with minors through KCC activities. Any emergency or other controlled exception must be specifically authorized by Board-adopted youth-safety policies. Concerns about any KCC-connected adult can be reported even if they arise away from an event.
Displaying a vehicle or speaking at an event does not authorize private contact with minors. Car owners and guest speakers can share stories and encouragement onsite in visible, public areas as part of supervised group activities.
Adults serving in youth-facing group activities must complete any role-specific screening, orientation, training, and approval before serving. Participation does not authorize private contact with minors. Explore volunteering.
Each KCC event will identify an Event Safety Lead by name at the check-in area. Families, volunteers, car owners, speakers, community volunteers, and guests can bring supervision, conduct, boundary, or safety concerns directly to that person at any time.
For non-emergency concerns before or after an event, use the dedicated youth-safety reporting pathway.
Safety concerns may be raised without retaliation from Kids Cars and Coffee.
You may also contact law enforcement or your state or county child protective services directly. For guidance and referrals related to suspected child abuse or neglect, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 1-800-422-4453. For suspected child sexual exploitation, including online exploitation, use the NCMEC CyberTipline.
Kids Cars and Coffee youth activities are alcohol- and drug-free. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and impairment are not permitted at youth program activities. Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use are not permitted around participating young people or in youth program areas.
