YOUTH AND CHILD SAFETY

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Child Abuse Prevention

Abuse and neglect can have a profound effect on children’s development, potentially resulting in long-term challenges, including mental health disorders. As adults and mentors, we bear a legal and moral responsibility to shield children from harm. Failing to protect children can lead to significant social repercussions and considerable economic costs. All Community YMCA employees and volunteers must follow state specific mandatory reporting requirements. Our employees and volunteers are trained to be aware of and understand their legal and ethical obligation to recognize and report suspicions of mistreatment and abuse. Employees and volunteers are familiar with the symptoms of abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse. They know and follow organization policies and procedures that protect against abuse. They are mandated to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities as required by state mandated reporter laws; and follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken.

At the Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County, child safety is our top priority. However, we need your assistance to ensure a safe environment. We urge all adults to be vigilant: if you see something concerning, please say something. Together, we can prevent abuse by embracing the responsibility of reporting.

To make an anonymous report see options below. Reports are confidential.

Visit: Report Child Abuse or Call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313

ChildLine is part of a mandated statewide child protective services program designed to accept child abuse referrals and general child well-being concerns. Once received, the information is transmitted quickly to the appropriate investigating agency.

ChildLine is responsible for receiving verbal and electronic referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additionally, child abuse investigation outcomes and general protective services assessment outcomes are submitted to, reviewed, and finalized by ChildLine specialists.

To report to CYEDC leaders Click Here

Additional Resources:

Childhelp – The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline Crisis counselors are here to support those concerned about or affected by child abuse and provide appropriate, individualized guidance for those that reach out. We can also help research additional resources that may be available.

Delaware County Children & Youth Services –The mission of Children and Youth Services (CYS) is to provide for the immediate safety and protection of children, to keep children with their own families whenever possible, to provide temporary, substitute care for children when necessary and to reunite children with their families as quickly as possible after placement.