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. 

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

Risk Management Director
Certified Praesidium Guardian™
[email protected]
 

Ashley Bethea

Executive Director of School Age & Early Learning Programs
Certified Praesidium Guardian™
[email protected]
 
 

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse 

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. 
  • 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 
In our commitment to provide the best in programs, services and supporting our community, the Southeastern YMCA of North Carolina has partnered with Praesidium to provide an anonymous Concern/Complaint Reporting platform for your use. 
 
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. 
 
24/7 Praesidium Helpline for YMCA's: 855-347-0751
  
 
 
 

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. 

 

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. 
These statistics highlight why child abuse prevention, awareness, and early intervention are so important. Every adult has a role to play in creating safe environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. 
 

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. 

Preschool-aged children already understand simple rules about safety and treating others with kindness. As you teach those lessons, it is important to include conversations about personal boundaries and body safety. 
Start by teaching your child the proper names for all parts of their body, including private body parts. This helps children communicate clearly if they are hurt, uncomfortable, or need help. 
As children grow, help them understand these important safety messages: 
  • 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. 
Children should also know that there are trusted adults in their lives who will listen, help, and take their concerns seriously. Encourage your child to identify several trusted adults, such as parents, caregivers, teachers, YMCA staff, or other safe adults they can turn to if they need help. 
Most importantly, remind your child that they will never get in trouble speaking up about something that makes them feel unsafe. By teaching children about body safety, personal boundaries, and trusted relationships, we help them develop confidence, self-advocacy skills, and the ability to seek help when they need it. 
 
 

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. 

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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.