Published: April 1, 2024
The development of children is the core of which the Y’s values were built. This is why the safety of all children in our care is our number one priority. Staff and volunteers at the Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA follow our Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of all children who come through our doors, whether they’re regular program participants or only visit once a year.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Y wants to make sure that all members understand this Code of Conduct. A key tool in abuse prevention is knowledge, so it’s important that parents and caregivers are informed of the Y’s policies around children. Together we can work to ensure all children in our community reach their full potential.
In addition to our Code of Conduct, the Y also has a number of safety measures intended to keep kids safe. This includes:
Screening:
- YMCA employees undergo a background check prior to hiring, and they must provide at least four references.
- Volunteers are screened using social media and internet searches, which include The National Sex Offender Registry. Volunteers must complete a two staff behavioral interview process and provide four references prior to volunteering.
- Daily ourmembers and guests identification are scanned through the web-based Raptor system; which integrates with The National Sex Offender Registry.
Training:
- YMCA employees must complete comprehensive online and in-person mandatory child abuse prevention training annually.
- YMCA volunteers must complete a comprehensive online training.
Reporting:
- Should any allegation arise, the YMCA will proactively work with the authorities and all parties involved responding in a prompt, thorough and empathetic manner.
Policy:
- The Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA maintains a zero tolerance policy toward child abuse and child endangerment, and staff are to report any questionable behavior they see, or violations of the Staff/Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Auditing:
- To ensure we continously uphold the highest standards in child safety and protection, we have a Certified Praesidium Guardian on staff and utilize the Praesidium's Know Your Score Assessment tool. Praesidium is a consulting firm that specializes in abuse prevention and risk management.
If you have questions about the Y’s Code of Conduct or our child safety measures policy, please contact Theresa McKAy-Booth at childcare@ccaymca.org.