Keeping Kids Safe

Committed to the Highest Standards in Youth Safety

At our Y, nothing matters more than creating a safe, supportive environment where kids can thrive. That’s why we’re working with Praesidium, a trusted national leader in abuse prevention, to strengthen our policies, practices, and training. By pursuing Praesidium Accreditation, we’re taking extra steps to protect the children and families we serve, because safety is at the heart of everything we do.

What the YMCA of Metro Denver does to Protect Children

Screening - All new employees and volunteers undergo a background check prior to hiring, and they must provide at least four references. All staff and volunteers must also go through new checks on a biannual basis, or if they're returning to the Y after a 90-day break or transferring into a licensed program. 

Training - Comprehensive online and in-person child abuse prevention training is mandatory for all YMCA employees and volunteers, and they are required to refresh their training annually. The goal is to educate on inappropriate conduct while also teaching the warning signs of abuse.

Reporting - Should any allegation arise, the YMCA will proactively work with the authorities and all parties involved to respond in a prompt, thorough, and empathetic manner.

Policy - The Denver 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 their Employee Code of Conduct.

Auditing - To ensure we continuously uphold the highest standards in child safety and protection, we have developed internal teams that routinely audit our operations and utilize the Praesidium assessment tool developed by Praesidium. This consulting firm specializes in abuse prevention and risk management.

The Facts about Child Sexual Abuse

• 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• 60 million adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse are walking among us; 80 percent never reported their abuse
• In 90% of cases, the child knows and trusts the abuser.
• More than 70% of children who are sexually abused are abused by a peer.
• Survivors of child sexual abuse have a higher likelihood of psychological disorders, excessive drug and alcohol use, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, and violence.
• Approximately 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.
• False reports are rare. Research shows that less than 5% of child sexual abuse reports are fabricated.
   

Sources: Darkness to Light and Praesidium

ABUSE IS PREVENTABLE WHEN WE ALL PLAY A PART.

Click the button below to learn how the YMCA of Metro Denver protects our youth and vulnerable adults, and see how you can partner with us in creating a safe environment for everyone. 

Code of Conduct    

Colorado Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline 
844-CO-4-KIDS (844-264-5437) 
TTY: 720-292-4855

Mitratech Ethics Hotline
Anytime an employee needs to share a concern, they are encouraged to talk to their immediate supervisor. Employees can also share anonymously through the YMCA's third party provider. Contact Mitratech or 833-222-1098.