Preventing Child Abuse at the Tampa Y
At the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA (Tampa YMCA), ensuring safety is our foremost priority. We understand that child abuse and inappropriate interactions with youth are critical issues that must be proactively managed to safeguard those in our care. To address these concerns, our leadership has crafted a thorough plan to oversee our programs and minimize the risk of such incidents. If an allegation or incident occurs, we are dedicated to working with authorities and the affected families to respond quickly and compassionately.
The Tampa YMCA believes that the following policies and practices are essential for the protection of youth in our care. These practices are communicated to and enforced among all staff, volunteers, partner organizations and guardians.
Abuse Prevention Policy
It is the policy of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA that we as an organization maintain zero tolerance for abuse and neglect and will not condone the mistreatment or abuse of any youth or vulnerable adult.
Facts About Child Abuse
Many children wait to report or never report child sexual abuse. Therefore, the numbers below likely underestimate the true impact of the problem. According to the CDC:
- At least one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse.
- About 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or the child's family members.
Our Commitment
Tampa YMCA requires a Level II criminal background check for all prospective employees working in all child programming (BASE, Camp, Stay & Play, Gymnastics, Preschool, First Tee, etc.) upon hire once a conditional offer of employment has been extended by the hiring manager or a representative of Human Resources. All High Access Volunteers (volunteers working directly with children and youth) are required to complete and pass a criminal background check.
All staff and registered volunteers must sign and date a copy of the Code of Conduct before starting any work duties. This signed Code of Conduct is kept in the individual's personnel record. New staff members will review the Code of Conduct during their initial signing process. Additionally, the Tampa YMCA staff sign the Code of Conduct annually.
Tampa YMCA associates and volunteers will be sensitive to each person’s need for personal space (i.e., not everyone wants to be hugged). The Tampa YMCA encourages appropriate touch; and prohibits inappropriate touch or other means of sexually exploiting children. The Tampa YMCA utilizes the Rule of Three standard (3:1 ratio). Youth participating in Association-registered programs must not be sent to bathrooms without a YMCA staff member and at least three other children. Staff are prohibited from having outside contact with the children we serve, and only authorized personnel are permitted to take photos of children at the YMCA. Additionally, staff are not allowed to give special attention or gifts to children.
In Florida, all citizens, including Tampa YMCA staff members, are mandated reporters of child abuse. Any evidence or suspicion of potential child abuse or inappropriate contact by a parent, staff member or another child must be reported to the Department of Children and Families at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Before performing any job functions, all new staff members and volunteers must complete a comprehensive online (Child Abuse Prevention Training - CAPT). The goal is to educate on inappropriate conduct, while also teaching the warning signs of abuse and neglect. All childcare positions will also participate in an annual education session that revisits CAPT. Registered volunteers receive ongoing education on child abuse prevention. Staff are also trained on all supervision guidelines to ensure the protection of the program participants and staff.
Maintaining the highest standards in child safety and protection, we have established internal teams to routinely monitor our operations and use the Praesidium assessment tool on an annual basis, developed by Praesidium, a firm specializing in abuse prevention and risk management. In the event of an allegation involving a staff member, participant or member, the Tampa YMCA administration will conduct a thorough investigation, and actively collaborate with authorities and all involved parties to ensure a prompt, thorough and compassionate response. This may involve engaging third parties or other agencies to conduct interviews. The Tampa YMCA administration will also promptly notify the YMCA of the USA.
Additional Resources
Below are some additional resources to learn more about steps everyone can take to help create a culture of safety and prevent child sexual abuse.
5 Steps to Protecting Children