We Want All Children and Teens to Be Safe.
Unfortunately, child abuse does exist, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and neglect.
FACT: Most abuse happens by people whom youth know and trust. Abusers can be caretakers, friends, neighbors, activity leaders, parents relatives, and even other youth.
FACT: Although rare, every major youth-serving organization in the country has had incidents or allegations of abuse by a staff member, volunteer or program participant.
YMCA staff have open conversations with the children in our care about personal safety to help them recognize and avoid potentially abusive situations. We encourage children to tell an adult if someone is bothering them or touching them in a way that they don’t like. We emphasize respect for yourself and for others in all of our programs.
Here's What We Do to Keep Your Child Safe:
- We thoroughly screen staff and volunteers, including completing criminal background checks.
- We train all staff in recognizing and preventing abuse.
- We carefully supervise and monitor our programs.
- We talk to children about appropriate and inappropriate touching and how to respond.
- We have a “rule of three” policy to prevent staff and volunteers from being alone with a child or teen where others cannot observe them.
- We have policies that discourage staff contact with children and teens outside of YMCA programs.
- We believe that quality programs for youth require open, ongoing communication between families and staff.
It Takes Everyone's Help to Stop Abuse.
Parent and Caregiver Resources
Florida Abuse Hotline
1-800-96-ABUSE (962-2873)
www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report
Fax: 1-800-914-0004
TTY: 1-800-955-8771
You will be asked for names and identifying information about the victim, the alleged perpetrator, and witnesses (if available), and for a brief description of the abuse.
FL Department of Children and Families
www.MyFLFamilies.com
Offers detailed information on how to report abuse, what DCF needs to know, and mandated reports.
Lauren’s Kids
www.SaferSmarterFamilies.org
Interactive tool that provides language and activities for you and your child.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
www.CDC.gov
IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD, OR ANY CHILD YOU CARE ABOUT, HAS SUFFERED ABUSE, TAKE ACTION. THE YMCA IS HERE TO HELP. CONTACT US FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR HELP WITH THE REPORTING PROCESS. CALL OUR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AT 850-432-8327.
Teaching a Child Personal Safety:
- I have the right to be safe.
- I deserve respect.
- My body belongs to me.
- If someone make me feel uncomfortable, scared, or touches my private areas, I will yell "STOP" and GO TELL a trusted adult who will listen.
Strategies for Parents
Talk to your child about his or her experiences in Y programs, school, sports and activities.
Stay in close communication with your child’s caregiver and program leaders.
Trust your instincts. If something seems “strange” or “off,” speak up.
Listen and watch for signs that your child is receiving special attention that others aren’t, such as favors, treats, gifts, rides, increasing affection or time alone, especially outside of the typical activities of school, child care and extracurricular activities.
Watch for warning signs of abuse:
- Unexplainable bruises or other physical marks.
- Disturbed sleeping, eating, or bathroom behavior and patterns.
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as anxiety, clinging, aggressiveness, withdrawal, depression.
- Fear of a certain person or place.
- Discomfort with physical contact.
- A child who abuses other children.
Occasionally ask your child or teen these questions:
- Is anyone scaring or threatening you?
- Is anyone asking you to keep secrets?
- Has anyone said something to you that made you feel bad?
- Is anyone touching you in a way that you don’t like?
Encourage your child to tell you or another trusted adult if anything happens to him or her.
Responding to a Child or Teen
Set up the environment by getting on his or her level and ensuring privacy.
Stay calm. Avoid showing any strong emotions.
Listen. Allow him or her to talk freely.
Be supportive. Let your child know you believe him or her. Tell your child he was right to tell you. Express your love. But don’t make promises you may not be able to keep.
Assure your child the abuse was not her fault. Avoid judgmental comments and questions such as “That’s awful!” or “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Reassure your child that you will do everything you can to keep him safe.
Take action:
- If you think your child is physically injured, seek appropriate medical attention.
- If you see signs of distress, withdrawal, or action out, consider counseling.
- Document the conversation as soon as possible, sticking to the facts.
- Talk to your YMCA program director or another Y professional leader.
- Follow reporting procedures by calling the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (962-2873).