CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AT THE Y

The Y does not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of children in its program by an adult or the mistreatment or abuse of one child by another child, including any behavior that is classified under the definition of bullying. Staff, volunteers, and the children in our programs are expected to act in a caring, honest, respectful and responsible manner.
 

SEE OUR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION POLICIES HERE

Screening & Hiring – All new hires go through an interview process, three reference checks, a criminal background check and sex offender check.

Training – All staff members complete child abuse prevention training and receive education on creating a child-safe environment. Staff members renew training every year.

Volunteers – Volunteers who will have ongoing interactions with children or young adults also complete thorough background checks and receive abuse prevention training annually.

Policies & Procedures – We maintain rigorous policies and procedures which are enforced at all locations to ensure that children are supervised at all times and no single staff person is ever alone with a child.

Prevention – The Gaston County Family YMCA partners with Praesidium, a team of experts in child abuse prevention, to assess all aspects of our programs and implement best practices. Additionally, the Gaston County Family YMCA operates under the YUSA Child Protection and Aquatics Safety Membership Qualification Standards.

Reporting – If any staff member or volunteer suspects or becomes aware of any inappropriate behavior toward a minor, they are to report the incident immediately.