Our Commitment to Child Safety
At the YMCA of Tuescaloosa, we are committed to do everything we can to protect children physically and emotionally. We create spaces where children feel safe and supported; where they can learn, play, make friends, discover who they are and find a place where they belong. This means we all play a roll in educating ourselves and our community about child abuse prevention.
Did you know?
-
One in ten children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday
-
90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser
-
Approximately 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members
-
60% of child sexual abuse victims never tell anyone
-
False reports are rare – Research shows that only 4% to 8% of child sexual abuse reports are fabricated
Praesidium Accreditation® publicly demonstrates to consumers that the YMCA of Greater Birmingham has achieved the highest industry standards in abuse prevention. Praesidium is the leading innovator of scientifically based solutions designed to transform the way organizations approach the prevention of sexual abuse. Praesidium’s expertise, consulting, and solutions help to foster safer environments for children, vulnerable adults, staff, volunteers, and all parties involved. For over 30 years, Praesidium has trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person. As the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally, Praesidium knows how sexual abuse happens and, more importantly, how to prevent it. For more information visit www.PraesidiumInc.com
​
*Information Provided by Darkness to Light
How We Protect Children
Know.See.Respond.
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Concerns
You don’t need proof that abuse is occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that you have witnessed maltreatment or boundary violations, either in the child and/or adult, or you have received a disclosure from a child about abuse, neglect, or boundary violations towards them. Child sexual abuse reports should be made to the police and/or state child protective services.
MANDATORY REPORTERS
All Y team members are recognized as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse under the State of Alabama laws and are therefore required to report any suspicion of abuse against those who participate in programs at the Y.
HOW TO REPORT A CONCERN
If you need to report a situation involving child abuse:
-
For reports of immediate danger, please call 911.
-
To report known or suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, please call your county’s DHR office. The county numbers can be found HERE.
If you have any questions or concerns about Y staff or volunteers, or another program participant, you can:
-
Report concerns to a YMCA Director.
-
Call the Praesidium Helpline dedicated to YMCAs at 1-855-347-0751. Praesidium’s Y Helpline allows employees, volunteers, parents, and participants to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations anonymously if desired.
-
Complete our online reporting form. Your submission is confidential.
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to the Executive Director at your branch or email us at membership@ymcatusc.org.
How to Talk to a Child About Abuse
Teaching children about sexual abuse is the best way to help keep them safe. Talking with your child regularly about their activities, people in their life, and how they are feeling helps lay the groundwork for open, non-threatening conversations to be your norm. Learn more about talking to your child about abuse by visiting Our Kids Center and Fight Child Abuse below.
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.
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Online Training by Darkness to Light
Darkness to Light offers training that specializes in the education and prevention of child sexual abuse, other forms of abuse, and mandated reporting. Click here to access all online training materials.