YMCA of Central Stark County
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Child Abuse Prevention Month: Creating Safe Spaces at the YMCA

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April 23, 2025

Our Commitment to Child Safety

The development of children is at the core of the YMCA's values. This is why the safety of all children in our care is our number one priority. At the YMCA of Central Stark County, our staff and volunteers follow a strict Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of every child who comes through our doors, whether they're regular program participants or visiting for the first time.

During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we want to ensure all members understand this commitment to safety. The YMCA of Central Stark County has recently been awarded full accreditation by Praesidium, a global leader in abuse risk management.  Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates achieving the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.  The YMCA of Central Stark County will be accredited for three years, and during this time, will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices as our commitment to protecting those in our care from abuse.

A key tool in abuse prevention is knowledge, so it's important that parents and caregivers are informed about our policies and procedures regarding children's safety. Together, we can work to ensure all children in our community reach their full potential.

Understanding How Abuse Happens

Offenders typically seek three things to commit abuse: access, privacy, and control. As parents and caregivers, here's what you should know:

1. Monitor Access to Your Children

  • Know who interacts with your children at school, sports, and other activities
  • Understand the screening procedures for staff and volunteers at organizations your child attends
  • Be aware of who will be present during sleepovers or other social gatherings

2. Be Aware of Privacy Situations

  • Learn about supervision policies: Can coaches or instructors be alone with your child?
  • Understand communication boundaries: Are staff allowed to text or message your child?
  • Check if programs have policies preventing one-on-one adult-child interactions

3. Recognize Boundary Violations

Offenders often gain control through various boundary violations:

  • Physical boundary violations: Excessive tickling, hugging, massaging
  • Emotional boundary violations: Spending excessive time with a child, acting possessive, sharing personal information to create a "special relationship," sending inappropriate texts or messages
  • Behavioral boundary violations: Manipulating children into activities like keeping secrets, sneaking around, viewing inappropriate content, or using substances

Age-Appropriate Conversations About Safety

Many parents find discussing abuse with their children uncomfortable. Try framing these conversations around other safety topics you regularly discuss.

For Young Children

  • Teach the correct anatomical names for body parts so children can communicate clearly if something inappropriate happens
  • Help children understand which parts of their body are private
  • Teach and respect boundaries (e.g., when a child doesn't want a hug or says "stop" during play)
  • Explain that adults should never ask them to keep secrets

For Teens

  • Maintain open communication about their friends and the adults in their lives
  • Discuss social media safety, including not accepting requests from strangers
  • Talk about appropriate online communication and the risks of sharing personal images
  • Continue conversations about boundaries and how to recognize violations
  • Ensure they know you're there to support them

How to Respond to Concerns

If you notice warning signs or if your child discloses information about potential abuse, follow these steps:

  1. Stay alert: Keep your eyes and ears open to concerning behaviors or situations
  2. Communicate: Talk with your child about any concerns you have
  3. Ask questions: Encourage your child to share their experiences and feelings
  4. Anonymous Reporting: A system that allows anyone to confidentially report red-flag behaviors or suspected abuse.
  5. Report abuse: If what you learn sounds like abuse, contact Child Protective Services or the police immediately
  6. Address boundary violations: If you observe suspicious behavior or policy violations:
    • Share your concerns with the supervisor or person in charge of the organization
    • If unable to do so, report to the organization through appropriate channels (phone, email, or online form)

Our Safety Measures

The YMCA implements comprehensive safety measures to protect children, including:

  • Criminal background checks for all staff and volunteers
  • Required staff training on recognizing and preventing abuse
  • Policies prohibiting staff/volunteers from being alone with children where they cannot be observed
  • Limitations on staff contact with children outside of YMCA programs
  • Mandatory reporting of any allegations or suspicions of abuse to law enforcement

At the YMCA of Central Stark County, we are mandated reporters with clear procedures for responding to and reporting suspected abuse. Learn more about our policies.

Together, we can create a safer community for all children.