We created this resource page for YMCAs to help you create and maintain the safest environment possible in your youth programs. The resources available here will help you efficiently train you and your staff, execute strong monitoring and supervision practices, and access additional materials you may need. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at capinfo@praesidiuminc.com
- The Praesidium Team
Praesidium's Top 10 Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Essentials for Youth Programming
Download and review these recommendations for providing safe, youth programming.
Youth Programming Top 10 Essentials - Assessment
Praesidium and the YMCA Guardian Group collaborated to create an assessment that may be used to evaluate your Y's youth programs based on the Top 10 Essentials for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention.
Facility Monitoring Checklist
The most incidents of sexual behavior occur in private, the extent to which privacy is managed, the risk is managed. In order to ensure that all of the locations are properly and consistently monitored, designate a staff member to complete a site inspection checklist. Start with this sample and edit as necessary.
All staff should receive your Code of Conduct with Youth. We've provided a sample which outlines specific expectations of the staff and volunteers. Click the button below to automatically begin the download
of the word document.
All youth participants should receive a Code of Conduct for Youth. We've provided a sample which outlines specific expectations for participants. Click the button below to automatically begin the download of the word document.
YMCA Model Abuse Prevention Policies
As a YMCA you have access to model policies that set the stage for safe environments by defining acceptable and unacceptable employee and volunteer conduct. Policies also facilitate effective monitoring and supervision by helping others to recognize and take action when they see policy violations.
Praesidium's YMCA Helpline
Download this flyer and place in easily accessible areas for staff and volunteers. The download describes how to make an anonymous call to the Y Helpline for confidential, expert consultation for abuse prevention questions and issues.
Mandated Reporting Information
Visit Childwelfare.gov for a complete listing of each state's reporting requirements and the available reporting methods.
Praesidium's APC Quick Check for Ys
This quick check is designed to help reduce an offender’s opportunity to gain access, privacy, and control at your Y. It can also be used to identify situations where one youth could be alone with another youth in the Y facility.
Handling Babysitting & Outside Contact
Many Ys are wondering how to handle questions from staff and/or parents about staff providing in-home babysitting services while programs are shuttered. Praesidium has developed this resource to address those questions.
Electronic Communications
As online interaction increases between personnel and youth, it is important that the correct policies and procedures are in place. Please follow the provided guidelines based on your electronic communication policy and review these tips.
Best Practices for Third Parties
Working with third parties and facility rentals present abuse risk management challenges. When possible, there are several things to include in your organizations contracts. Consider integrating the items listed in the download into written agreements and evaluate whether your organization can.
Parent Resources
Providing parents with resources on how to talk to their youth about abuse is always a great practice. View the link to the right that includes a breakdown of resources based on the youths' age.
Guidelines for Supporting Staff
During unprecedented times, the Y continues to commendably serve youth in programming. It is important for supervisors to support their staff as they navigate these changes and challenges. Consider these steps on how to effectively support your staff.
Who is Praesidium?
Praesidium is the national leader in abuse risk management of sexual abuse of vulnerable populations. With more than 25 years of experience, and serving thousands of clients, our dedicated team of researchers, psychologists, attorneys, social workers, and human resources professionals have analyzed thousands of cases of abuse and synthesized the latest scientific research. We know how abuse happens in organizations and more importantly, how to prevent it.
What is Praesidium's approach to managing the risk of abuse in clients' organizations?
Praesidium uses a systems-based approach created from the scientific research of thousands of reported incidents of abuse. This analysis identified that the root-causes of incidents fall into one or more of eight organizational operations which, taken together, comprise Praesidium’s Safety Equation®. We help our clients implement best practice standards in each of the eight operations to close gaps, decrease risks, and creates safer environments within their organizations.
Praesidium is dedicated to helping our clients fulfill their mission safely, whether they are just getting started in their abuse prevention efforts, focused on the compliance aspects of risk management, or are committed to creating a culture of safety with years of experience. We work with clients across the spectrum.
If you're not sure what your next step is to preventing abuse, contact us today.
Copyright Praesidium 2020 | The information contained herein is for educational purposes to assist in the prevention of organizational abuse. However, it must be noted that no system can guarantee prevention of abuse. This information is not legal advice, either expressed or implied. Consultation with qualified legal counsel is recommended. This information is provided “As Is” without warranty, express or implied. The reader assumes all risk for reliance thereon.
