How selective is Disney when choosing their kids-area staff?

[msim]

Does Disney do a thorough background check? There seems to be so many heartbreaking stories in the news these days..... How much attention do they pay to the children? What are their children/staff ratios? What about the teen-only shore excursions in Nassau and Castaway Cay? Has anyone had any problems? The "no adults allowed" policy makes me worry that it could turn in to a "no witnesses allowed" situation. If I want to check in, how do I find my teenage children if they're on an excursion? Sorry to be so paranoid, but I know my older children will want to hang without parents- I just need to know that it is safe. Thanks.

 

[msim]

anyone know?

 

[jordgubben]

Background checks seem to be becoming regular practice for most lines of work (including mine which has nothing to do with children) so I would almost assume.

If you really want to know for sure, call DCL.

 

[COPancho]

I'm not sure about the teen programs, but we just got home today from our 7 day Western on the Wonder (stayed an extra night at Disney) and our six-year old son had an incredible experience. I'm kind of a "hover-er" and we were made to feel welcome to pop in at any time and observe, talk to Jack, etc. That being said, they were quite sure that the people going in and out were in fact the parents of the child in question. The older kids always had staff around and seemed to be having a great time and the teenagers looked like they were having fun and making new friends in "The Stack". The staff was very Disney-esque.....wholesome and great with the children. I wouldn't have any reservations about leaving him with the counselors at all next time.

 

[swcruiser]

We cruised last Aug and while I don't have a teen, I am a social worker and questioned the staff at length. Any place that works with children under 18 has to have their staff livescan (fingerprint). DCL's website mentions something about that on their career portion if I am not mistaken. I know for a fact that DL and WDW do background checks so it would only make sense that DCL would as well. If nothing else but for the lawsuit factor. In the lab, no adult ever seemed to be alone with a child. My son isn't one for new adventures without mom but we took him and when we brought him back for the evening he ran right into the club. He is 9 and when we go in July I still won't allow him to sign himself in and out. I think your teens should be fine. Disney is so known for safety....
Lori (swcruiser)

 

[kcashner]

We've done 12 cruises on the Magic, and had DD in Club (only once), Lab (many times), and Stack (twice, I think).

DCL is very careful about their children's counsellors. Yes, they do background checks, train carefully, etc. The "no adults" policy????? They do feel that most of the time, kids do better without parents around, but I've never seen it as "no adults." In fact, in the club, almost 3s or 3 but not potty trained are allowed to "play" in the area with a parent present, but not officially participate. Also, parents are welcome to come in any time to check on their child and/or to escort them to the potty (not a bad idea for a newly trained kiddo who might get involved in an activity and "forget.")

On one cruise, there was a child who was always with her nurse for medical reasons. She participated fully, but the nurse was always in the room. On another cruise, my DD hadn't really made friends in the Lab, and was hesitant about going in alone. The staff allowed me to sit in on the activity, and even offered that I could participate....my logic was that if she got in there and made friends, she would be happy to return.

In the Stack, again...it's one of those "the kids like a private space" sort of thing. However, a couple of times, I went up to get my DD (rather than calling).

In 12 cruises, I've never seen anything innapropriate in any of the kid areas from staff. There have been occasional problems with teen boys--this was very promptly taken care of as soon as the staff was aware. DD refers to one of the teen counsellors as "a teen wanna-be." The only caveat I'd add is that we usually cruise off season, so the teen load is usually quite light (and I like it that way!)

If you have questions, feel free to pm me.

 

[tvguy]

Not sure if there are any background checks they can do on international staff.
I've been involved in Little League, we do Megan's law checks, and have in the past down complete Department Of Justice background checks.
But the most important things to keep kids safe is for parents to check in on their kids at unexpected times, and never have just one adult alone with the kids.
The sad fact is, in the majority of cases of child abuse, the abuser has no criminal record at all. Not even a parking ticket.