YMCA Child Safe Policy
Watertown Family YMCA offers programs and services to over 6500 children ages 6 months to 15 years in Jefferson County.
These include:
- Day Care, Preschool, and SACC at 11 different sites through our Youth Development Branch.
- Sports, Gymnastics, Fitness, Aquatics, Swim Team through our three branches
- Carthage YMCA
250 State St. Carthage - Downtown YMCA
146 Arsenal Street. Watertown - Fairgrounds YMCA
585 Rand Dr. Watertown
Parents place their trust in the YMCA to help their children thrive. Our core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are part of everything we do. Because of this, we place great value on creating the most child-safe environment possible.
OUR STAFF
The Watertown Family YMCA is proud to have more than 500 dedicated staff members and volunteers who make a difference every day. Together, they bring energy, expertise, and compassion to the many youth and community programs we offer.
OUR SCREENING
To keep in our programs safe, we take the following stpes in our screening of staff & volunteers:
- Detailed application forms
- Comprehensive interview process
- Reference checks
- Sex offender screening and criminal background checks
- Internet Searches
OUR TRAINING
Staff complete a child abuse prevention training program. Supervisors and managers complete additional training to further promote a child-safe environment. Supervisors and managers complete additional training to further promote a child-safe environment. All staff members are encouraged to report any suspected child abuse.
OUR POLICIES
Staff are guided by a comprehensive protection plan which shapes the way we relate to children. This includes ensuring that staff and volunteers are not alone with a child.
Child abuse can be committed by parents, caregivers, friends, neighbors, or anyone who interacts with a child—including other youth. Protecting children requires the awareness and action of everyone in the community. Together, we can help break the cycle of abuse.
Talk to your child about his or her experiences in YMCA programs, school, sports, or other activities.
Drop in on your child's programs.
Trust your instincts. Don't wait to tell us if something seems "strange." Speak up!
Watch for warning signs of abuse
- Unexplainable bruising or other physical markings
- Disturbed sleeping or eating patterns
- Abrupt changes in behavior-anxiety, clinging, aggressiveness, withdrawal, depression
- Fear of a certain person or place
- Discomfort with physical contact
- A child who abuses other children
Listen and watch for signs of your child receiving special attention that other children or teens are not receiving, including favors, treats, gifts, rides, increasing affection or time alone, particularly outside the activities of school, child care, or other activities.
Every once in a while ask your child these questions
- Is anyone scaring or threatening you?
- Is anyone asking you to keep secrets?
- Has anyone said anything to you that made you feel bad?
- Is anyone touching you in a way you don't like?
Encourage your child to tell you or another trusted adult if anything happens to him or her.
Read our Staff Code of Conduct. If someone breaks it, let us know immediately.
The YMCA wants all children to be safe.
Unfortunately, child abuse does exist, taking many forms.
Emotional- Threatening a child or using words that can hurt a child's feelings and self esteem; withholding love and support from a child.
Physical-Causing injuries to a child on purpose, such as bruises, burns, scars, or broken bones.
Sexual- Having sexual contact in any from with a child, including exposing, fondling, intercourse, pornography, or internet solicitation.
Neglect- Not providing children with enough food, clothing, shelter, medical care, hygiene, or supervision.
IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE
If you think a child is physically injured, seek out appropriate medical attention.
If you see signs of distress, withdrawal, or acting out, consider counseling for your child.
Talk to your YMCA director for assistance.
Contact Child Child Protective Services or the police to report any abuse.