CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

What the YMCA of MEWSA Does to Protect Children

• Screening - All new employees undergo a background check prior to hiring, and they must provide at least four references. All staff must also go through new chucks on a biannual basis, or if they're returning to the Y after a 6-month break or transferring into a new licensed program. Our members and guests are also screened daily through Daxko's Trusted Screening Program that is integrated with the National Sex Offender Registry. 

• Training - Comprehensive online and in-person child abuse prevention training is mandatory to all YMCA employees. The goal is to educate on inappropriate conduct, while also teaching the warning signs of abuse. 

• Reporting - Should any allegations arise, the YMCA will proactively work with the authorities and all parties involved to respond in a prompt, thorough and empathetic manner. 

• Policy - The YMCA of MEWSA maintains a zero tolerance policy toward child abuse and child endangerment, and staff are to report any questionable behavior they see, or violations of their Employee Code of Conduct. 

share child safety concern

Reporting signs of child sexual abuse or your child safety concerns is key in preventing and intervening in abuse. You do not need proof that abuse if occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that you have witnessed maltreatment or boundary violations, either in the child or adult, or both. Or, you have received a disclosure from a child about abuse, neglect, or boundary violations towards them.

To report child abuse or child safety concerns, complete our Child Safety Concern Form below. You can respond anonymously or with your contact information.

Click here to complete our Child Safety Concern form