Child Safety Comes First at the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA

At the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA, nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve. Every day, parents trust us with their most precious gift—their children—and we take that responsibility seriously.

That’s why we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of Child Abuse Prevention and Risk Management through our partnership with Praesidium. The Praesidium Accreditation® is the national standard for demonstrating a YMCA’s commitment to preventing sexual abuse and creating a culture of safety for youth and vulnerable individuals.

As we enter the accreditation phase of Praesidium, members, participants, volunteers, and staff may notice updates to our policies, procedures, training requirements, facility practices, and program operations. These enhancements strengthen our already strong commitment to providing safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Together, we are building a culture where everyone plays a role in protecting children.

Our Commitment to Safety

Through our work with Praesidium, we implement best practices in:

• Staff screening and hiring
• Comprehensive training and education
• Supervision and monitoring
• Safe program operations
• Reporting and response protocols
• Ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement

Child protection is not a one-time training or a single policy—it is a culture that guides every decision we make. From our childcare programs and preschool classrooms to our youth sports, swimming lessons, camps, and family and community events. We strive to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and valued.

At the Lebanon Valley Family YMCA, child safety is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone Has a Role: Know. See. Respond.

• KNOW the warning signs of abuse and the policies that protect children.
• SEE situations, behaviors, or concerns that could place a child at risk.
• RESPOND immediately by taking action and following proper reporting procedures.

Reporting Concerns can help protect a child and connect families with vital support. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you can report it confidentially to:

Pennsylvania ChildLine 🕒 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 📞 1-800-932-0313