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CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

What the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley 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. Our members and guests are also screened through a Raptor system daily that integrates with The National Sex Offender Registry. Read more about Raptor below.

  • Training - Comprehensive online and in-person child abuse prevention training is mandatory to 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.

  • Raptor - This web-based platform identifies unwanted visitors instantly by scanning driver’s licenses and state-issued ID’s and keeps unwanted guests from entering our YMCA. If a potential threat is identified, the Raptor system will send an instant alert to designated management staff. If necessary, law enforcement will be notified.

  • Policy - The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley 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, a consulting firm that specializes in abuse prevention and risk management.

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YMCA of the Chippewa Valley Policies:

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​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

Child Sexual Abuse Resources:

Together, we can help prevent child sexual abuse. Take a look at some of these helpful resources from other organizations who share the Y’s commitment to the safety of children.
 

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