Child Protection & Safety

Child Protection & Safety

Keeping Kids Safe Is Our Priority

At the YMCA of Corry, the safety and well-being of every child is at the heart of everything we do.

We believe every child deserves a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

Child protection is everyone’s responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously. The YMCA of Corry has zero tolerance for child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct.

Our commitment goes beyond policies and procedures. We work to create a culture of safety where children feel protected, families feel confident, and staff and volunteers understand their responsibility to keep children safe.

How We Protect Children

The YMCA of Corry is committed to maintaining strong child protection practices throughout our programs and facilities.

Our prevention efforts include:

• Staff and Volunteer Screening: Required background checks, clearances, and screening procedures in accordance with applicable laws and YMCA policies.
• Training and Education: Child abuse prevention training to help employees recognize warning signs, maintain appropriate boundaries, and respond to concerns.
• Supervision and Accountability: Established expectations for appropriate interactions, supervision, and professional conduct.
• Reporting Procedures: Clear procedures for identifying, documenting, and reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior.
• Ongoing Evaluation: Regular review of our policies and practices to identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen child safety.

Our Journey Toward Praesidium Accreditation

The YMCA of Corry is actively pursuing Praesidium Accreditation, a nationally recognized accreditation process focused on abuse prevention and organizational safety.

Through this process, we are evaluating and strengthening our child protection policies, screening procedures, training, supervision practices, reporting systems, and organizational accountability.

Pursuing accreditation is another important step in our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for every child and family we serve.

Our goal is not simply to meet accreditation standards, but to build and maintain a lasting culture of safety throughout the YMCA of Corry.

Recognizing and Reporting Concerns

Keeping children safe requires all of us to be alert, informed, and willing to speak up.

We encourage parents, guardians, staff, volunteers, members, and community members to report concerns involving:

• Suspected child abuse or neglect
• Inappropriate interactions or boundary violations
• Violations of YMCA child protection policies
• Unsafe supervision practices
• Any behavior or situation that may place a child at risk

You do not need proof of abuse to raise a concern.

All reports will be taken seriously and addressed promptly, with sensitivity and respect for the privacy of those involved.

How to Report a Concern

If you have a concern about the safety or well-being of a child participating in a YMCA of Corry program or activity, please contact:

Michele Brady, CEO
YMCA of Corry
814-664-7757 ext. 223
mbrady@ymcaofcorry.org

Stephanie Cox, Operations Director
YMCA of Corry ext. 225
814-664-7757

scox@ymcaofcorry.org

If a concern involves YMCA leadership, individuals may contact the YMCA of Corry Board Chair or report directly to the appropriate authorities.

Pennsylvania ChildLine
1-800-932-0313
www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

Suspected child abuse may be reported directly to Pennsylvania ChildLine. Individuals who are mandated reporters must follow Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting requirements, including making required reports directly to ChildLine.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

The YMCA of Corry prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a child protection concern or makes a report in good faith.

Our Promise to Families

When families choose the YMCA of Corry, they place their trust in us. We recognize the importance of that trust and the responsibility that comes with it.

We are committed to creating an environment where children are safe, respected, supported, and empowered to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Child protection is not simply a requirement. It is a responsibility we share and a commitment we make every day.

Because every child deserves to feel safe at the Y.

YMCA of Corry
906 N. Center Street
Corry, PA 16407
814-664-7757
www.ymcaofcorry.org