Child Abuse Prevention
We demonstrate our commitment to children by leading with care, serving with purpose, and building trusted relationships. By creating environments where every child feels safe, supported, and valued, we help them thrive. The safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care remains our highest priority.
As part of the YMCA movement and our commitment to the communities of Northeastern North Carolina, we believe every child deserves a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Serving youth is one of our greatest responsibilities, and the safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care is foundational to everything we do.
Through strong policies, well-trained staff, active supervision, and a culture rooted in caring for one another, we work every day to ensure children and teens have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment.
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Partnership with Praesidium
To further support the safety and well-being of all children and participants, we have partnered with Praesidium, a national non-profit dedicated to helping organizations like the YMCA better understand and prevent child sexual abuse. In partnership with YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), Praesidium Accreditation has become a key component of the YMCA's commitment to child protection. Y-USA requires all YMCA associations to achieve and maintain Praesidium Accreditation, ensuring consistent, high-quality abuse prevention standards across the movement and reinforcing the YMCA's commitment to providing safe environments for children, families, staff, volunteers, and members.
Part of obtaining Praesidium Accreditation requires that we certify at least one leadership staff member as a Praesidium Guardian to lead our accreditation team. Our YMCA currently has two certified Praesidium Guardians to ensure Praesidium’s gold standards in abuse prevention are being followed:
Melissa Farmer
Ashley Bethea
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
- Contact the local Department of Social Services (DSS) in the county where the child lives or is currently located.
- Contact local law enforcement when abuse or criminal activity is suspected.
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services 1-800-662-7030
If you observe suspicious/inappropriate behavior or observe a policy violation, please call the number below anytime to report. All calls and reports are confidential.
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Our Shared Commitment to Protecting Children
At the YMCA, the safety and well-being of children is at the heart of everything we do. Creating safe, welcoming environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive is a responsibility we all share—staff, volunteers, members, families, and community partners alike.
The Three Habits of Child Abuse Prevention serve as simple, everyday reminders that each of us plays an important role in protecting children. Throughout our YMCA, these reminders encourage us to remain aware, speak up when concerns arise, and help create a culture where every child feels safe, respected, supported, and valued.
When we understand how abuse can occur, recognize warning signs, and know how to respond to concerns, we are better prepared to protect the children in our care and throughout our communities.
Together, through awareness, action, and a commitment to one another, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Recognizing When a Child May Need Help
Children often communicate concerns through their behaviors, emotions, or actions. While these signs do not automatically indicate abuse or neglect, they may signal that a child needs support from a trusted adult.
Pay attention to changes in behavior, mood, or appearance. If something doesn't seem right, take time to check in with the child in a calm, supportive setting.
Signs a child may need additional support include:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or welts
- Poor hygiene, chronic hunger, or signs of neglect
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Sudden withdrawal, aggression, anxiety, or clinginess
- Fear of a particular person, place, or activity
- Signs of depression, sadness, or increased fearfulness
- Discomfort with physical contact
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors
- Statements or behaviors that suggest something may be wrong
Recognizing Concerning Adult Behaviors
Most adults who work with children do so because they care deeply about their well-being. However, it is important to recognize behaviors that may place children at risk.
Individuals who intend to harm children often build trust and gradually cross boundaries over time—a process commonly known as grooming. Because these individuals may be well-known and trusted, it is important to focus on behaviors rather than reputation.
Warning signs may include:
- Giving a child inappropriate special attention
- Frequently seeking one-on-one time with a child
- Testing or ignoring established rules and boundaries
- Giving gifts, favors, or privileges outside normal expectations
- Using physical affection that exceeds appropriate boundaries
- Encouraging a child to keep secrets
- Creating opportunities to isolate a child from others
- Communicating with a child outside approved channels
- Offering help primarily to gain increased access to a child
By recognizing warning signs, maintaining healthy boundaries, and speaking up when something doesn't seem right, we all help create safe, supportive environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Responding to Concerns to Prevent Abuse
If you notice warning signs in a child, observe concerning adult behaviors, or hear something that suggests a child may be unsafe, take action. Protecting children starts with recognizing concerns and responding appropriately.
- If a Child Shares a Concern
- How you respond matters.
- Stay calm and listen carefully.
- Give the child your attention and support.
- Believe the child and take their concerns seriously.
- Let the child share their own words.
- Ask open-ended questions such as, "Can you tell me more?" or "What happened next?"
- Avoid leading questions or conducting your own investigation.
Reassure the child:
- "I believe you."
- "Thank you for telling me."
- "This is not your fault."
- "You did the right thing by speaking up."
If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
You do not need proof to make a report. If you have a reasonable suspicion based on what you have seen, heard, or been told, report your concerns.
- Report concerns promptly.
- Do not investigate on your own.
- Do not confront the suspected individual.
- Share the information you know with the appropriate authorities.
Code Of Conduct
The following are required expectations that all staff and volunteers should abide by at all times:
1. Staff/Volunteers will not abuse children in any way. Refer to Section VIII for further description.
2. The YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one youth by another youth. Refer to Section IV for further description.
3. Under no circumstances will staff/volunteers release children in child programs to anyone other than the authorized parent, guardian, or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian (written parent authorization on file with the YMCA).
4. To protect YMCA staff, volunteers and youth, staff/volunteers are not to be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others.
5. Staff/Volunteers may not be alone with children they meet in YMCA programs outside of the YMCA. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, driving or riding in cars, and inviting children to their homes. Should a staff member/volunteer have a pre-existing relationship with a child in a YMCA program, that should be disclosed and documented with Human Resources or Risk Management, as appropriate.
6. Staff/Volunteers may not transport children in their own vehicles or allow youth participants old enough to drive to transport younger children in the program.
7. In situations where one-on-one interactions are approved, such as tutoring and private coaching sessions, staff and volunteers should observe the following policies to manage the risk of abuse or false allegations of abuse:
i. When meeting one-on-one with a youth, always do so in a public place where you are observable by others.
ii. Avoid physical interactions that can be misinterpreted. Limit physical interactions to pats on the shoulder, high-fives, and handshakes.
iii. If meeting in a room or office, leave the door open or move to an area that can be easily observed by others passing by.
iv. Document and immediately report any unusual incidents, including disclosures of abuse or maltreatment, behavior problems and how they were handled, injuries, or any interactions that might be misinterpreted.
v. Supervisors must keep a schedule of private tutoring and coaching sessions, which should include times, youth involved, and location of sessions.
vi. Staff/Volunteers must have supervisor approval for any tutoring or private coaching sessions.
vii. Tutoring and coaching sessions with our organization’s youth may not occur outside of YMCA Facilities or programs.
8. Staff/Volunteers may not date program participants, volunteers or staff who are under the age of 18.
9. Staff/Volunteers will never leave a child unsupervised.
10. Restroom Supervision
i. Staff/Volunteers will make sure the restroom is not occupied before allowing children to use the facilities.
ii. Staff/volunteer will monitor the restroom area while it is being occupied by children.
iii. This policy allows privacy for the children and protection for the staff (not being alone with a child).
iv. When staff are needed to assist younger children with bathroom needs, doors to the facility must remain open. The “rule of three” will be followed (i.e. two children and one staff; two staff and one child; or a staff, child, and volunteer) at all times.
11. Staff/Volunteers will conduct or supervise private activities in pairs: diapering, putting on bathing suits, helping children with bathroom accidents, taking showers, and the like. When this is not feasible, staff shall position themselves so that they are visible to others. Staff should ensure that participants are not 1:1 with other participants, staff or volunteers in changing stalls or showers.
12. Staff/Volunteers will not give excessive gifts to or receive excessive gifts from youth (e.g., TV, video games, jewelry).
i. Small gifts may be given on behalf of the YMCA with approvals from a supervisor and the youth's family
ii. Small gifts given to staff/volunteers from youth, or their families are permitted if disclosed to a supervisor.
13. Staff/Volunteers should assess all children daily and take note of any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, and all symptoms or issues that are visible on a child. Questions or comments will be addressed to the parent or child in a non-threatening way. If a child states that the parent caused an injury, staff/volunteer will contact the program director immediately. Staff/Volunteers will document any questionable marks or responses.
14. Staff/Volunteers will respond to children in a respectful manner and consideration and treat all children equally, regardless of sex, race, religion, culture, economic level of the family, or disability. Discrimination on any basis will not be tolerated.
15. The YMCA prohibits the access, display, production, possession, or distribution of pornography and Child Sexual Abuse Materials on the YMCA’s property or equipment or within any YMCA-associated Facilities, Programs, or events.
16. Staff/Volunteers are to report to a supervisor any observation or suspicion of another staff or volunteer in violation of these policies and/or other concerns related to potential abuse of minors. Refer to Section II for further information.
17. While assigned to work with youth, staff/volunteers are not permitted to use electronic communication devices except during approved breaks and emergency situations. Internet use, text messaging and/or emailing pictures while assigned to work with youth is strictly prohibited regardless of the type of device used and whether for business or personal reasons. Staff/Volunteers should ensure that friends and family members are aware of this policy and provide alternate means of reaching them.
18. There are occasions in which staff/volunteers will need to use approved personal or YMCA-issued electronic communication devices. In these cases, staff will have explicit policies and practices from supervisors governing use; staff should abide by all policies and practices for use. Situations which may require use of personal or YMCA-issued electronic communication devices include: (a) Field Trips, (b) Off-site Programs, and (c) Emergencies.
19. Staff/volunteers shall not withhold as punishment or require as punishment any physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups. Staff/volunteers shall also not withhold or require food/meals.
20. Staff/volunteers have never been adjudged liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or physical abuse of children.
21. Staff/volunteers have never been subject to any court order involving sexual or physical abuse of a minor, including but not limited to a domestic order or protection.
22. Staff/volunteers will immediately notify their supervisor or Human Resources Department if they are arrested or convicted of a crime while they are employed by the organization
Child Abuse Prevention by the Numbers
- Approximately 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.
- At least 1 in 7 children experience abuse or neglect each year, though experts believe the actual number may be higher due to underreporting.
- In 2024, child welfare agencies across the United States responded to concerns involving nearly 8 million children, with approximately 3 million children receiving an investigation or alternative response.
- An estimated 532,228 children were identified as victims of abuse or neglect in 2024, representing approximately 7 children for every 1,000 nationwide.
Helping Your Child Understand Personal Safety and Boundaries
One of the most important lessons we can teach children is that their body belongs to them. From an early age, children should know they have the right to feel safe, respected, and heard.
- Their body belongs to them.
- They have the right to say "no" to unwanted touch.
- They do not have to hug, kiss, or show physical affection if they do not want to.
- They should respect the boundaries and personal space of others.
- No one should ask them to keep secrets about touching or private body parts.
- If something makes them feel uncomfortable, confused, scared, or unsafe, they should tell a trusted adult right away.
See the Warning Signs
Recognizing When a Child May Need Help
Children often communicate concerns through their behaviors, emotions, or actions. While these signs do not automatically indicate abuse or neglect, they may signal that a child needs support from a trusted adult.
Pay attention to changes in behavior, mood, or appearance. If something doesn't seem right, take time to check in with the child in a calm, supportive setting.
Signs a child may need additional support include:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or welts
- Poor hygiene, chronic hunger, or signs of neglect
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Sudden withdrawal, aggression, anxiety, or clinginess
- Fear of a particular person, place, or activity
- Signs of depression, sadness, or increased fearfulness
- Discomfort with physical contact
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors
- Statements or behaviors that suggest something may be wrong
Recognizing Concerning Adult Behaviors
Most adults who work with children do so because they care deeply about their well-being. However, it is important to recognize behaviors that may place children at risk.
Individuals who intend to harm children often build trust and gradually cross boundaries over time—a process commonly known as grooming. Because these individuals may be well-known and trusted, it is important to focus on behaviors rather than reputation.
Warning signs may include:
- Giving a child inappropriate special attention
- Frequently seeking one-on-one time with a child
- Testing or ignoring established rules and boundaries
- Giving gifts, favors, or privileges outside normal expectations
- Using physical affection that exceeds appropriate boundaries
- Encouraging a child to keep secrets
- Creating opportunities to isolate a child from others
- Communicating with a child outside approved channels
- Offering help primarily to gain increased access to a child
By recognizing warning signs, maintaining healthy boundaries, and speaking up when something doesn't seem right, we all help create safe, supportive environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Responding to Concerns to Prevent Abuse
If you notice warning signs in a child, observe concerning adult behaviors, or hear something that suggests a child may be unsafe, take action. Protecting children starts with recognizing concerns and responding appropriately.
- If a Child Shares a Concern
- How you respond matters.
- Stay calm and listen carefully.
- Give the child your attention and support.
- Believe the child and take their concerns seriously.
- Let the child share their own words.
- Ask open-ended questions such as, "Can you tell me more?" or "What happened next?"
- Avoid leading questions or conducting your own investigation.
Reassure the child:
- "I believe you."
- "Thank you for telling me."
- "This is not your fault."
- "You did the right thing by speaking up."
If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
You do not need proof to make a report. If you have a reasonable suspicion based on what you have seen, heard, or been told, report your concerns.
- Report concerns promptly.
- Do not investigate on your own.
- Do not confront the suspected individual.
- Share the information you know with the appropriate authorities.
Code Of Conduct
The following are required expectations that all staff and volunteers should abide by at all times:
1. Staff/Volunteers will not abuse children in any way. Refer to Section VIII for further description.
2. The YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one youth by another youth. Refer to Section IV for further description.
3. Under no circumstances will staff/volunteers release children in child programs to anyone other than the authorized parent, guardian, or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian (written parent authorization on file with the YMCA).
4. To protect YMCA staff, volunteers and youth, staff/volunteers are not to be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others.
5. Staff/Volunteers may not be alone with children they meet in YMCA programs outside of the YMCA. This includes babysitting, sleepovers, driving or riding in cars, and inviting children to their homes. Should a staff member/volunteer have a pre-existing relationship with a child in a YMCA program, that should be disclosed and documented with Human Resources or Risk Management, as appropriate.
6. Staff/Volunteers may not transport children in their own vehicles or allow youth participants old enough to drive to transport younger children in the program.
7. In situations where one-on-one interactions are approved, such as tutoring and private coaching sessions, staff and volunteers should observe the following policies to manage the risk of abuse or false allegations of abuse:
i. When meeting one-on-one with a youth, always do so in a public place where you are observable by others.
ii. Avoid physical interactions that can be misinterpreted. Limit physical interactions to pats on the shoulder, high-fives, and handshakes.
iii. If meeting in a room or office, leave the door open or move to an area that can be easily observed by others passing by.
iv. Document and immediately report any unusual incidents, including disclosures of abuse or maltreatment, behavior problems and how they were handled, injuries, or any interactions that might be misinterpreted.
v. Supervisors must keep a schedule of private tutoring and coaching sessions, which should include times, youth involved, and location of sessions.
vi. Staff/Volunteers must have supervisor approval for any tutoring or private coaching sessions.
vii. Tutoring and coaching sessions with our organization’s youth may not occur outside of YMCA Facilities or programs.
8. Staff/Volunteers may not date program participants, volunteers or staff who are under the age of 18.
9. Staff/Volunteers will never leave a child unsupervised.
10. Restroom Supervision
i. Staff/Volunteers will make sure the restroom is not occupied before allowing children to use the facilities.
ii. Staff/volunteer will monitor the restroom area while it is being occupied by children.
iii. This policy allows privacy for the children and protection for the staff (not being alone with a child).
iv. When staff are needed to assist younger children with bathroom needs, doors to the facility must remain open. The “rule of three” will be followed (i.e. two children and one staff; two staff and one child; or a staff, child, and volunteer) at all times.
11. Staff/Volunteers will conduct or supervise private activities in pairs: diapering, putting on bathing suits, helping children with bathroom accidents, taking showers, and the like. When this is not feasible, staff shall position themselves so that they are visible to others. Staff should ensure that participants are not 1:1 with other participants, staff or volunteers in changing stalls or showers.
12. Staff/Volunteers will not give excessive gifts to or receive excessive gifts from youth (e.g., TV, video games, jewelry).
i. Small gifts may be given on behalf of the YMCA with approvals from a supervisor and the youth's family
ii. Small gifts given to staff/volunteers from youth, or their families are permitted if disclosed to a supervisor.
13. Staff/Volunteers should assess all children daily and take note of any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, and all symptoms or issues that are visible on a child. Questions or comments will be addressed to the parent or child in a non-threatening way. If a child states that the parent caused an injury, staff/volunteer will contact the program director immediately. Staff/Volunteers will document any questionable marks or responses.
14. Staff/Volunteers will respond to children in a respectful manner and consideration and treat all children equally, regardless of sex, race, religion, culture, economic level of the family, or disability. Discrimination on any basis will not be tolerated.
15. The YMCA prohibits the access, display, production, possession, or distribution of pornography and Child Sexual Abuse Materials on the YMCA’s property or equipment or within any YMCA-associated Facilities, Programs, or events.
16. Staff/Volunteers are to report to a supervisor any observation or suspicion of another staff or volunteer in violation of these policies and/or other concerns related to potential abuse of minors. Refer to Section II for further information.
17. While assigned to work with youth, staff/volunteers are not permitted to use electronic communication devices except during approved breaks and emergency situations. Internet use, text messaging and/or emailing pictures while assigned to work with youth is strictly prohibited regardless of the type of device used and whether for business or personal reasons. Staff/Volunteers should ensure that friends and family members are aware of this policy and provide alternate means of reaching them.
18. There are occasions in which staff/volunteers will need to use approved personal or YMCA-issued electronic communication devices. In these cases, staff will have explicit policies and practices from supervisors governing use; staff should abide by all policies and practices for use. Situations which may require use of personal or YMCA-issued electronic communication devices include: (a) Field Trips, (b) Off-site Programs, and (c) Emergencies.
19. Staff/volunteers shall not withhold as punishment or require as punishment any physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups. Staff/volunteers shall also not withhold or require food/meals.
20. Staff/volunteers have never been adjudged liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or physical abuse of children.
21. Staff/volunteers have never been subject to any court order involving sexual or physical abuse of a minor, including but not limited to a domestic order or protection.
22. Staff/volunteers will immediately notify their supervisor or Human Resources Department if they are arrested or convicted of a crime while they are employed by the organization
Our Shared Responsibility
Creating safe environments for children requires all of us to stay aware, speak up, and take action when concerns arise. By recognizing warning signs, listening to children, and reporting concerns promptly, we help ensure every child feels safe, supported, and valued.
