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YMCA OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY
YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

Child Abuse Prevention

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

Empowering Children and Participants

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 largest youth-serving organization in greater Kansas City, 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. As part of that commitment, we provide access to abuse prevention education and information for participants, parents, and guardians.
We strive to equip children, youth, and other vulnerable individuals with tools to protect themselves.

Abuse is Preventable When We All Play a Part

KNOW

We KNOW when we understand the common practices of those who harm and the best practices to stop them. 

SEE

We SEE when we can recognize the warning signs or behaviors that signal abuse or risk for abuse.

Recognize Abuse Warning Signs

RESPOND

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

Report an Incident

Creating Safe a Environment for Youth

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is committed to the highest standards in youth safety, and we are proud to be Praesidium Accredited.
What is Praesidium Accreditation?

Praesidium is a nationally recognized leader in abuse risk management. Their rigorous accreditation process evaluates eight key operational areas that impact safety, including:
 

  • Policies and Procedures
  • Screening and Selection
  • Training
  • Monitoring and Supervision
  • Internal Feedback Systems
  • Consumer Participation
  • Response
  • Administrative Practices
     

Organizations that earn this accreditation must demonstrate compliance with over 800 best practice standards and complete an intensive review and site visit.
 

What does Praesidium Accreditation mean for our community?

Being Praesidium Accredited means that you can trust the YMCA of Greater Kansas City to:
 

✔ Prioritize the safety and well-being of children and families
✔ Uphold the highest standards of screening, supervision, and training
✔ Provide staff and volunteers with ongoing abuse prevention education
✔ Respond swiftly and responsibly to any concerns


We don't just meet expectations—we strive to exceed them in every area of youth protection.

Mandated Reporting & Program Licensing

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is committed to the safety and well-being of all children in our care. In accordance with Kansas and Missouri law, YMCA staff are mandated reporters and are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate state authorities.

Our association operates a combination of state-licensed programs (such as early learning and licensed child care including Y Club before and after school programs and summer day camps) and non-licensed programs (such as Kids Zone, youth sports and enrichment programs). Regardless of licensing status, all YMCA programs follow strict safety policies, child protection practices, and staff training requirements to ensure a safe and supportive environment for every participant.

All reports of abuse are made to the state where the child abused resides. See below for information on how to report abuse or neglect in Kansas and Missouri.

Kansas Hotline

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1.800.922.5330, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn More About Making a Report in Kansas

Missouri Hotline

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call Missouri's toll-free hotline at 1.800.392.3738, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Learn More About Making a Report in Missouri

Accredited by Praesidium

Praesidium Accreditation® publicly demonstrates to consumers that the YMCA of Greater Kansas City 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.