Protecting Children at the Y

Every child deserves a safe, welcoming place to grow.

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe environment for every person who enters our doors, most importantly children who are entrusted to our care. As an organization, we take the following actions to keep kids safe in our Y facilities, camps and programs and to maintain the reputation of safety we have built during our 170+ year history.

Screening

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is committed to placing safe, qualified, and trustworthy individuals in every role that serves children. We use a comprehensive screening process for all employees and volunteers working with youth. This process includes:

  • Criminal history background checks, conducted in accordance with applicable laws and YMCA standards
  • Sex offender registry searches at the national and state level
  • Role-based hiring practices designed specifically for youth-serving environments

Staff & Volunteer Training

The Y sets clear expectations for professional conduct, appropriate boundaries, and adherence to YMCA policies. All staff and volunteers are expected to:

  • Follow YMCA abuse prevention policies at all times
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with youth
  • Avoid situations that create unnecessary risk, including unauthorized one-on-one interactions
  • Report any suspicious, inappropriate, or policy-violating behavior immediately

Examples of behaviors that must be reported include:

  • Seeking unauthorized private or one-on-one time with youth
  • Communicating with youth outside approved YMCA channels
  • Showing favoritism toward a specific child
  • Giving personal gifts to individual youth
  • Making comments or engaging in behavior that could be perceived as inappropriate
  • Any situation where a child reports feeling uncomfortable

By combining thorough screening practices with clear expectations and accountability, we work to ensure that every child in our programs is supported by safe, caring, and responsible adults.

Additional Training for Youth-Serving Staff

We require youth-serving staff to understand both prevention and response. Before working independently with children, YMCA Youth Development staff complete required pre-service training. Ongoing annual training includes child safety, youth development, behavior guidance, health and supervision practices, and related safety topics, including:

  • Child abuse prevention
  • Behavior guidance practices
  • Playground safety
  • Understanding child and youth development
  • Health and supervision practices

Staff are also trained to:

  • Interrupt suspicious or inappropriate behavior
  • Report concerns promptly
  • Document facts without investigating
  • Continue reporting until appropriate action is taken

Prevention

Child safety depends on daily supervision, clear boundaries, and engaged staff. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads expects staff to create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for youth. Staff are expected to model respectful behavior, maintain appropriate boundaries, communicate concerns to supervisors, and lead by example in all interactions.

Our prevention practices include:

  • Active supervision
  • Maintaining ratios
  • Minimizing one-on-one situations
  • Increased monitoring in higher-risk settings such as transportation, restrooms, changing areas, transitions, and playgrounds
  • Professional boundaries in talk, touch, and communication
  • Immediate escalation of concerns.

Youth-to-Youth Safety

We also take harmful or inappropriate behavior between youth participants seriously.

If sexualized or inappropriate behavior between youth is observed or suspected, staff take immediate action by intervening and separating those involved. The situation is reported to YMCA leadership, documented, and handled according to established procedures, including communication with parents/guardians and reporting to authorities when required.

YMCA leadership carefully reviews each situation and may implement additional supervision, provide support to those involved, and take appropriate corrective action. Our focus is always on ensuring the safety and well-being of every participant and preventing future incidents.

Community Awareness

We believe families, staff, volunteers, and community members all play a role in creating safe environments for children. We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about personal safety, boundaries, trusted adults, and what to do if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

We also expect staff to communicate professionally and constructively with families and to partner with them to provide a safe, rewarding experience for every child.

In addition, the YMCA participates in the national child abuse prevention campaign, 5 Days of Action, every April.

Responding to Concerns

We take all reports seriously. Any YMCA staff member or volunteer who believes a child may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or harm is required to take immediate action. Concerns are reported promptly to YMCA leadership and, when required, to child protective services or law enforcement in accordance with state laws.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads responds to all reports by:

  • Acting quickly to ensure the immediate safety of children
  • Documenting the concern thoroughly
  • Taking appropriate steps based on the situation
  • Cooperating fully with child protective services, law enforcement, and other authorities

All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior, policy violations, or suspected abuse are taken seriously. Our priority is always to protect children and respond with care, responsibility, and accountability.

Report a Concern

If you have a concern about the behavior of a YMCA staff member, volunteer, member, or participant, please report it immediately.

Internal Reporting Options

Mandated Reporting Contacts

Virginia Child Protective Services Central Intake

  • 1-804-786-8536
  • 1-800-552-7096

North Carolina

  • Statewide referral line: 1-800-422-4453
  • Currituck County: 1-252-232-3083
  • Dare County: 1-252-475-5500
  • Elizabeth City / Pasquotank: 1-252-338-2126