Child Abuse Prevention

PREPARING FOR SOME CHANGES

Safety of every member and guest who uses the Y is our #1 priority. In an effort to keep our Y facilities even safer for children against any type of abuse our Y has embarked on a yearlong accreditation process through Praesidium. 

Everything we do, every change we implement, is to make children safer at our Ys. 

 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

Creating safer spaces takes all of us. Beginning October 26, 2026, the updated Building and Pool Age Policies below will take effect. Over the next 90 days, let’s work together to build new habits. Our staff will be here to guide and support members along the way.

 

Building Age Use Policy

  • Youth 12 and up are allowed in the facility without a parent/guardian or supervising individual (18+).
  • Youth ages 10-11 may use approved areas independently, provided a parent/guardian or supervising individual (18+) remains in the building at all times.
  • Youth Ages 9 and under must have a parent/guardian or supervising individual (18+) with them at all times who is actively supervising the youth. 
  • Youth (11 and under) enrolled in programs must be escorted to and from the program space. No front entrance drop off allowed. Parent/guardian or supervising individual (18+) may leave the premises during program timeframe.

**Additional 10 minute parking spots will be added at West Washington and Feith Family branches to accommodate this new policy. **

 

Pool Age Use Policy

  • Youth ages 12 and up are allowed in the pool without a parent/guardian or supervising individual (18+).
  • Youth ages 8-11 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian supervising individual (18+) on the pool deck and actively supervising the child(ren).
  • Youth ages 7 and under must have a parent/guardian or supervising individual (18+) in the water at all times actively supervising the child(ren).

*If a child(ren) ages 7 and under can pass a swim test, the parent/guardian or supervising individual (18+) does not need to be in the water, but must be on the

pool deck actively supervising the child(ren).

 

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Reynolds, Branch Director, West Washington, [email protected], or Matt McCann, Branch Director, Feith Family, [email protected].

 

Visit our website for up-to-date information on changes and progress.

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.