Child Safety - Woodson YMCA

WOODSON YMCA

Safety

The safety and well-being of vulnerable populations in the YMCAs across the U.S. is, and always will be, our priority.

Serving the youth & vulnerable populations in our community is a vital part of our mission, and we are committed to creating a safe environment for the community we serve every year.

As the nation's largest youth-serving organization and growing senior population, our most important work includes ensuring their safety and well-being — it is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow and thrive.

Concern Form

Together, let's commit to protecting the Vulnerable Populations in our YMCA and our communities by practicing the three habits of abuse protection each day.

Because when we know and understand how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and are prepared to respond quickly to prevent it, we create a culture of abuse prevention that results in even safer environments for everyone to reach their full potential.

For resources and more information on what you can do to keep children safe, visit Five Days of Action.

What we do to protect Vulnerable Populations:

Screening

We conduct background checks prior to hire for employees and volunteers. Our members and guests are also screened through a Raptor system daily that integrates with The National Sex Offender Registry.

Training

Comprehensive online and in-person child abuse prevention training is mandatory to all YMCA employees and volunteers, and they are required to refresh their training annually. The goal is to educate on inappropriate conduct, while also teaching the warning signs of abuse.

Reporting

Should any allegation arise, the YMCA will proactively work with the authorities and all parties involved to respond in a prompt, thorough and empathetic manner.

Policy

The Woodson YMCA maintains a zero tolerance policy toward child abuse and child endangerment, and staff are to report any questionable behavior they see, or violations of their Employee Code of Conduct.

REPORT ABUSE

In our commitment to provide the best in programs, services and supporting our community, the Woodson YMCA has provided an anonymous Urgent Concern Form for your use.

Please fill out the form below. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reports can be made anonymous.

Additional Resources

CHILD SAFETY FAQs

Why does the Y provide child safety resources?

At Woodson YMCA, the safety and well-being of children are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating secure, nurturing environments across all programs, facilities, and community partnerships. These resources are designed to help staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities, follow established child protection practices, and uphold Woodson YMCA's Child Abuse Prevention policies and procedures.

Who supports child safety practices?

Protecting children is a shared responsibility at Woodson YMCA. Our commitment to child safety is supported by executive leadership, program supervisors, branch management, Child Safety Team members, staff, and volunteers working together to maintain a culture of safety and accountability. Woodson YMCA also partners with YMCA of the USA and recognized child protection experts to continuously strengthen policies, training, and best practices that help keep children safe.

Where can staff find prevention policies?

How should suspected abuse be reported?

All Woodson YMCA staff are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with YMCA policies and state laws. When a child is believed to be in immediate danger, contact emergency services by calling 911 without delay. In all other situations, follow Woodson YMCA's established child abuse reporting procedures and promptly notify the designated supervisor or appropriate leadership team member.

Who can receive safety suggestions?

CHILD SAFETY COMMITTEE

Since 2018, the Woodson YMCA has maintained a dedicated focus on strengthening child protection practices and fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization. The Child Safety Team works collaboratively to support and enhance policies, training, and procedures across all programs and branches. Staff are encouraged to share questions, concerns, or recommendations related to child safety with their supervisor, Branch Executive Director, or a member of the Child Safety Team.

If you have questions, please reach out to Stephanie Daniels.

Urgent Concern Form

The Woodson YMCA continues its commitment to ensuring that our Y community is welcoming and safe for all. If you wish to anonymously report an urgent or critical concern related to member safety, bias, feeling unwelcome, or suspicious behavior, please complete the from and provide the necessary information. Any anonymous information provided will be addressed promptly. If you wish to speak to a Woodson YMCA employee directly, please include your name and contact information.

Name

First Last

Which Woodson YMCA location did this occur at?(Required)

Aspirus Branch

Wausau Branch

Other

Date of Incident(Required)

Time of Incident(Required)

Choose a Department(Required)

Where in the Y did this take place?(Required)

Your Comment Here:(Required)

Please disclose all details of the incident to the best of your knowledge. We appreciate your concern & help to keep our YMCA safe.

Would you like a YMCA staff member to follow up with you?(Required)

Yes

If yes, please confirm email address

Upload a picture if applicable

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