Child Abuse Prevention

At the Kettle Moraine YMCA, the safety and well-being of every child and family we serve is our highest priority. We are proud to share that we have begun the Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention Accreditation® process, a major step in strengthening our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment. Praesidium is a nationally recognized leader in abuse risk management.

What this means for you:

  • Stronger safeguards: We are reviewing and improving our existing practices to ensure they meet rigorous national standards.
  • Enhanced staff and volunteer training: Our team will receive additional tools and education to prevent, recognize, and respond to concerns.
  • Communication: Watch for more information in registration emails, social media, and monthly newsletters.

This accreditation process is one more way we are ensuring that every child, family, and member of our community can feel safe and supported within our organization.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in helping us create a positive, safe environment for all.

Protecting children in our programs is our top priority. The Kettle Moraine YMCA provides a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens who participate in our programs throughout Washington and Ozaukee Counties. We maintain rigorous procedures and policies related to hiring, training and supervising staff, and caring for children of all ages.

How We keep Kids Safe

Screening and Hiring – All new hires go through a comprehensive interview process, three reference checks, a criminal background check, and a sex offender record check.
Training – All staff members complete extensive child abuse prevention training programs and receive education on creating a child-safe environment.
Volunteers – Volunteers who will have ongoing interactions with children or young adults also complete thorough background checks and receive abuse prevention training.
Policies and Procedures – We maintain rigorous policies and procedures which are enforced at all locations to ensure that children are supervised at all times.
Prevention – The Kettle Moraine YMCA engages with Praesidium, a team of experts in child abuse prevention, to assess all aspects of our programs and implement best practices. In addition, our YMCA has regular board oversight of our child protection practices per our Y-USA Charter for Child Protection and Aquatic Safety.
Reporting – If any staff member or volunteer suspects, or becomes aware of any inappropriate behavior toward a minor, they are to report the incident immediately.
Parents as Partners – We consider parents/guardians as our partners in protecting children. As an ongoing practice, we invite parents to review our written standards and to engage with us in the care and development of their children.

Help Prevent Child Abuse

 

To learn more about 5 Days of Action & sign the pledge today, click the link here! 

Additional Resources

Organizations

Code of Conduct

Adult Worksheets

Resources

The Kettle Moraine YMCA Association has zero tolerance for abuse, bullying, policy and/ or Code of Conduct violations. If you have any concerns please stop at the front desk or reach out to Ashley at 262-247-1008 for the West Washington Branch or Matt at 262-247-1015 for the Feith Family Branch. They will then reach out to you to set up a meeting, launch an investigation and report back in a timely manner. To make an anonymous report please call 262-247-1023.