PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ABUSE

Our organization provides our youth with the highest quality services available. We are committed to creating an environment for youth that is safe, nurturing, empowering and that promotes growth and success.

To protect children from abuse, the Chambersburg Memorial YMCA works in partnership with parents and guardians of children participating in our activities and programs. We also work closely with Praesidium, a national leader in abuse prevention, to ensure our policies, staff training, and procedures reflect the highest standards in youth safety.

Creating a Child-Safe Environment

We take a thorough approach to keeping children in our programs safe. Policies exist to ensure staff & volunteers are not alone with a child. All interactions between a staff member and a child must be observable and interruptible. Staff are prohibited from working 1-on-1 with or contacting youth outside of the Y (including babysitting and social networking). Staff and volunteers are mandated to report any suspected child abuse. All staff complete an extensive Child Abuse Prevention Training Program and supervisors complete additional training to further promote a child-safe environment. Prevention Policies are in place at all levels of our organization. Please read our staff Code of Conduct. If someone is non-compliant, let us know immediately.

Not only does the Y focus on the safety of your children in our care, but we also want to provide you with the information to protect your child everywhere.

Employees who are trained in abuse prevention are more likely to understand their role as protector, to recognize the signs that abuse is occurring, and to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors. Trained staff members are also less likely to place themselves in situations where they could be falsely accused.

Our Commitment to Child Protection

The Chambersburg YMCA is currently in the process of obtaining Praesidium Accreditation - a national standard in abuse prevention for youth-serving organizations.

As part of this commitment, we follow a thorough screening process for all employees and volunteers, which includes:

• Detailed application forms
• Comprehensive interviews, with screening questions related to abuse risk
• Personal and professional reference checks, with abuse risk screening
• Criminal, sex offender, and FBI background checks

In addition to screening, we uphold high standards in training, policies, and accountability, including the following child abuse prevention training for all staff and volunteers:

• Mandated reporting of suspected abuse
• A Certified Praesidium Guardian on staff
• Organization-wide implementation of the Praesidium Safety Equation

Why Abuse Prevention Matters

Abuse is far more common than many people realize - and it often involves someone the victim knows and trusts. According to Praesidium, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. In the vast majority of cases - 90% - the offender is someone the child or their family knows. The long-term effects can be devastating. Survivors are significantly more likely to face challenges such as depression, substance abuse, strained relationships, and physical health issues.

At the Chambersburg YMCA, we take these realities seriously. That’s why we’ve made abuse prevention a top priority - by putting strong safeguards in place and fostering a culture of vigilance, accountability, and care.

Report Concerns or Policy Violations

If your child shares something with you - or if you observe or overhear something - that sounds like abuse, contact the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline via 1-800-932-0313, or, contact your local police department immediately via 911.

If what you learn seems like a boundary violation, suspicious or inappropriate behavior, or a violation of YMCA Code of Conduct, take action in any of the following ways:

• Speak directly with someone at the Y - share your concern with the staff involved, their supervisor, or the person in charge. Follow up with your child and the staff or supervisor to ensure your concern was addressed.
• Submit a confidential online form through the Chambersburg YMCA Feedback Form.

8 Warning Signs of Child Abuse

1. Unkempt or malnourished appearance
2. Unexplained bruises, welts, or burns
3. Disturbed sleeping or eating patterns
4. Abrupt changes in behavior, anxiety, clinging, aggressiveness, or withdrawal
5. Sexually transmitted diseases & infections
6. Discomfort with physical contact
7. Fear of a certain person or place
8. Fearfulness or depression

Resources and Helpful Links

Families place their trust in us every day - and we take that responsibility to heart. That’s why we’ve put strong safety practices in place to protect every child in our care. But creating a culture of safety takes all of us. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, staff member, or volunteer, staying informed is one of the most powerful ways to help prevent abuse.

The resources below offer guidance, tools, and support to keep children and vulnerable individuals safe - in our YMCA and in the wider community.

Videos:

    Abuse Prevention Introduction - Praesidium
    Recognize Abuse and it’s Warning Signs - Praesidium
    How to Talk to Youth About Abuse - Praesidium
    How to Respond to Child Abuse - Praesidium

Guides:

    Tips for Protecting Youth - Praesidium
    Tips for Talking With Youth - Praesidium

Organizations:

    Darkness To Light - End Child Sexual Abuse
    Stop It Now - Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
    Common Sense Media - Protecting Children in the Digital Age
    Committee for Children - Safety through social-emotional learning and development
    Kidpower International - Personal Safety Education for All Ages

Pennsylvania State and Federal:

    Keep Kids Safe - PA Department of Human Services (ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313)
    Megan’s Law - PA Sex Offender Registry