Child Abuse Prevention

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OUR COMMITMENT TO CHILD PROTECTION

As a youth-serving organization, creating a safe environment for children is most important to us. Serving the youth in our community is a crucial part of our mission. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the youth in our community, as it is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Praesidium – Child Protection at the Y

Praesidium Accreditation® publicly demonstrates to consumers that the Union County Family YMCA has achieved the highest industry standards in abuse prevention. Praesidium is the leading innovator of scientifically based solutions designed to transform the way organizations approach the prevention of sexual abuse. Praesidium’s expertise, consulting, and solutions help to foster safer environments for children, vulnerable adults, staff, volunteers, and all parties involved. For more information, visit www.PraesidiumInc.com.

Earning this accreditation validates our work in building a culture of safety and our continued commitment to protecting your loved ones. This distinction sets our Y apart. It publicly affirms that we are not only meeting industry standards—we are striving to exceed them. It reflects our core belief that safety is not negotiable.

It is a responsibility we take seriously, and one we renew every single day. You can be assured that the individuals in our care are surrounded by a team of professionals who are deeply committed to their safety and well-being. We are proud to share this milestone with you and will continue working tirelessly to uphold your confidence and protect those you entrust to us.

REPORT AN INCIDENT OR ABUSE

The YMCA is committed to responding promptly and appropriately to all concerns, complaints, or allegations to ensure the safety of all participants. If you need to report a situation involving child abuse:

  • For reports of immediate danger, please call
  • For reports of known or suspected abuse or neglect of a child, please contact the South Carolina DSS 24-hour hotline at 1-888-227-3487.
  • To report an incident, a concern, or a situation involving concerns of child abuse in YMCA programs and facilities, please fill out the Confidential Reporting Form

If you would like to contact YMCA leadership directly, please call 864-427-0668 or contact any of the following by email.

ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY

Our organization is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all youth. The safety and well-being of youth is our highest priority.

Our organization has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse or misconduct of any kind. All employees and volunteers share responsibility for protecting youth and for maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times.

Any allegation or suspicion of abuse will be taken seriously and reported in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law. Any confirmed violation of our child protection policies will result in immediate dismissal from employment or volunteer service.

PARTNERING WITH PARENTS

At the YMCA, we believe that strong partnerships with families create a safe and supportive environment for children. Parents and guardians are an essential part of our commitment to child protection and abuse prevention. We are dedicated to providing resources for families to stay informed, recognize warning signs, and have age-appropriate conversations about personal safety. Below you will find several resources that offer factual information and guidance to support you in protecting your child. Together, we can build a culture where every child feels safe, respected, and supported.