Child Abuse Prevention

Child holding hand of an adult smiling as they walk away from the camera.

The safety and well-being of children in the care of Ys across the U.S. is, and always will be, our priority.

Serving the youth in our community is a vital part of our mission, and we are committed to creating a safe environment for the thousands of children and teens we serve every year. As the nation's largest youth-serving organization, our most important work includes ensuring their safety and well-being — it is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow and thrive.

KNOW

We KNOW when we understand the common practices of those who harm and the best practices to stop them. Learn the key questions to ask from Praesidium, the YMCA's partner in child abuse prevention.

SEE

When we SEE grooming patterns—methodical, subtle, gradual, and escalating behaviors used to groom a child for sexual abuse—we can identify them, strengthen our intuition, and protect children.

Recognize Abuse Warning Signs

RESPOND

We RESPOND when we take action in response to behaviors we recognize as being inappropriate or questionable.

Report

Accredited by Praesidium

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.

Praesidium's Website

YMCA OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY