The YMCA’s of Australia are committed to providing opportunities for all children and young people to grow in body mind and spirit and be protected from harm.
We have an unwavering focus and commitment to safeguarding children first and foremost in everything we do. We have official accreditation as a Child Safe Organisation and strong Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures. These frameworks are helping us to continually embed a child and young people safe culture into the YMCA.
YMCA has a legal, moral and Mission-driven responsibility to protect children and young people from harm and to ensure that any incidents of suspected child abuse are promptly and appropriately managed.
A crucial aspect of Safeguarding Children and Young People is ensuring our staff understand the process for reporting any concerns they have about a child or young person’s wellbeing and that our staff also understand the YMCA expectations in relation to their code of conduct around children and young people. Our Reporting procedure and Practice and Behaviour Guidelines are available here:
- Safeguarding Children at the Y
- Parents and Guardians Safeguarding Guidelines
- The Y Australia Safeguarding Policy
- SCYP Child Friendly Poster
- Responding to Abuse Reports and Allegations Policy and Procedure
Programs and services that advocate for children and young people to air their concerns with our services, and be confident in offering feedback, is another important aspect of creating a culture where children and young people’s well-being is safeguarded.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss this very important topic with a YMCA staff member.
View YMCA Australia Safeguarding page for more information.