CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

PROTECTING THE PEOPLE WE SERVE 

At the YMCA, we believe ALL children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are, and what they can achieve. Every day, we are proud and respectful of the TRUST parents and the community place in our YMCA. From Summer Camp, After School programs, Youth Sports, and Teen experiences, our Ys are buzzing with activity to serve youth. We work to ensure your children have a safe, fun filled experience.

As you know, at the Y, child protection is our number one priority. Our goal is to help educate parents and children on how to be safe from child abuse in any environment with the skills they learn at our Y. Our staff and volunteers are trained on comprehensive and innovative practices around child safety to ensure your children are safe in our care. The trust that you, as parents and guardians, place in us to care for your children is important to us and we do not take that trust for granted.

To make an anonymous report, please call the number below.
All calls and reports are confidential.

Child Abuse & Neglect  855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453)

Praesidium Helpline  855-347-0751

MANDATORY REPORTERS
All Y team members are recognized as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and are therefore required to report any suspicion of abuse against those who participate in programs at the Y..   

KNOW. SEE. RESPOND.

When we KNOW how abuse happens and SEE the warning signs we can RESPOND quickly to prevent it. Together we can foster a culture of child abuse prevention.
Please read our  YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Parent Handbook 
and our YMCA CODE OF ETHICAL PRACTICE AND RELATIONSHIPS 

REPORT ABUSE

If you have witnessed or suspect abuse, please contact the Ohio Department of Children and Youth at Child Abuse & Neglect  855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453) or the Praesidium Helpline  855-347-0751.

MANDATORY REPORTERS: All Y team members are recognized as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and are therefore required to report any suspicion of abuse against those who participate in programs at the Y.

• PreventAbuse.com - Praesidium Parent Resources 
• Parent Resource Video Series - education materials your YMCA can use to help youth and their parents or guardians learn how to:
  • Recognize Abuse and Warning Signs
  • Talk to Youth About Abuse

  • Respond

• Report a Grievance 
  

CHILD ABUSE RESOURCES

Learn more about local and national resources for youth, parents, and families. 
https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/help-center/child-safety-concerns/child-safety-concerns

Child and Parent Resources

Together, we can help prevent child sexual abuse. Take a look at some of these helpful resources from other organizations who share the Y’s commitment to the safety of children.

Educational Videos and Information for Parents & Caregivers by Praesidium 

Abuse Prevention Introduction
Recognize Abuse and it’s Warning Signs
How to Talk to Youth About Abuse
How to Respond to Child Abuse
6 Key Questions a Parent Should Ask of a Camp
Advice for Parents with Young Children

Other Resources
5 Steps to Protecting Children
Body Safety and Boundaries
Tips for Safe Sleepovers
Keeps Kids Safe and Busy
Who is a Trusted Adult?
Being the Trusted Adult
Internet Safety
Family Code of  Conduct

Online Training for Parents & Caregivers by U.S. Center for SafeSport 
The U.S. Center for SafeSport produces online abuse awareness and prevention courses. Click here to access all online training materials. After following the link, click the “Get Trained Now” button. This will take you to the Learning Management System, where you can create a free account and access the training.