At the Sewickley Valley YMCA, nothing matters more than the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve. We’re committed to providing a caring, nurturing environment where everyone feels secure and supported.
To protect children from abuse, the Sewickley Valley YMCA works in partnership with parents and guardians of children participating in our activities and programs. We also work closely with Praesidium, a national leader in abuse prevention, to ensure our policies, staff training, and procedures reflect the highest standards in youth safety.
Our Commitment to Child Protection
The Sewickley Valley YMCA is currently in the process of obtaining Praesidium Accreditation—a national standard in abuse prevention for youth-serving organizations.
As part of this commitment, we follow a thorough screening process for all employees and volunteers, which includes:
- Detailed application forms
- Comprehensive interviews, with screening questions related to abuse risk
- Personal and professional reference checks, with abuse risk screening
- Criminal background checks
- In addition to screening, we uphold high standards in training, policies, and accountability, including:
Child abuse prevention training for all staff and volunteers
- Mandated reporting of suspected abuse
- An extensive Child Abuse Parent Education Guide
- A certified Certified Praesidium Guardian on staff
- Organization-wide implementation of the Praesidium Safety Equation
Why Abuse Prevention Matters
Abuse is far more common than many people realize—and it often involves someone the victim knows and trusts. According to Praesidium, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. In the vast majority of cases—90%—the offender is someone the child or their family knows. The long-term effects can be devastating. Survivors are significantly more likely to face challenges such as depression, substance abuse, strained relationships, and physical health issues.
At the Sewickley Valley YMCA, we take these realities seriously. That’s why we’ve made abuse prevention a top priority—by putting strong safeguards in place and fostering a culture of vigilance, accountability, and care.
Report Concerns or Policy Violations
If your child shares something with you—or if you observe or overhear something—that sounds like abuse, contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453, the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline via 1-800-932-0313, or, contact your local police department immediately via 911.
If what you learn seems like a boundary violation, suspicious or inappropriate behavior, or a violation of YMCA policy, take action in any of the following ways:
- Speak directly with someone at the Y—share your concern with the staff involved, their supervisor, or the person in charge. Follow up with your child and the staff or supervisor to ensure your concern was addressed.
- Leave a handwritten note in the comment card box at the Welcome Desk (checked regularly by the CEO).
- Submit a confidential online form through the Sewickley Valley YMCA Feedback Form.
- Call our anonymous reporting hotline at 412-741-9622 ext. 223 or toll-free at 1-800-743-6354.
Resources and Helpful Links
Families place their trust in us every day—and we take that responsibility to heart. That’s why we’ve put strong safety practices in place to protect every child in our care. But creating a culture of safety takes all of us. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, staff member, or volunteer, staying informed is one of the most powerful ways to help prevent abuse.
The resources below offer guidance, tools, and support to keep children and vulnerable individuals safe—in our YMCA and in the wider community.
Videos:
- Abuse Prevention Introduction,Praesidium
- Recognize Abuse and it’s Warning Signs, Praesidium
- How to Talk to Youth About Abuse, Praesidium
- How to Respond to Child Abuse, Praesidium
Guides:
- Tips for Protecting Youth, Praesidium
- Tips for Talking With Youth, Praesidium
Organizations:
- Darkness To Light, End Child Sexual Abuse
- Stop It Now, Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
- Common Sense Media, Protecting Children in the Digital Age
- Committee for Children, Safety through social-emotional learning and development
Pennsylvania State and Federal:
- Keep Kids Safe, PA Department of Human Services, 1-800-932-0313
- Megan’s Law, PA Sex Offender Registry
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD
Building a Culture of Safety, Together
Protecting children and vulnerable individuals is a shared responsibility—and one we take seriously every day. By staying informed, speaking up, and supporting a culture of safety, we can create a community where everyone feels secure, supported, and valued. Thank you for being part of the effort!
