The YMCA of Frederick County was recently awarded Praesidium Accreditation by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. This prestigious honor publicly demonstrates the YMCA of Frederick County’s efforts to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.
To achieve accreditation, the YMCA of Frederick County underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within their business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified the Y’s successful implementation of these standards.
The YMCA of Frederick County is accredited for three years. During this time, the Y is committing to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices. Also, this honor demonstrates their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse. With the Praesidium Accreditation providing solid proof of sound risk management practices, the honor distinguishes the YMCA of Frederick County.
A Commitment to Protection
“At the YMCA of Frederick County, safety is not just a priority — it’s a core part of who we are,” said Chris Colville, the president and CEO of the Y, in a press release. “Earning Praesidium Accreditation is a powerful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to protecting the children, teens and vulnerable individuals who walk through our doors every day. Moreover, this recognition reflects the intentional work our team has done to create a culture of safety — from how we train our staff and volunteers to how we monitor programs, and how we continually evaluate and strengthen our practices.”
The YMCA of the USA requires all Ys across the nation to uphold fundamental organizational values, standard safety and child sexual abuse prevention practices. However, Praesidium Accreditation distinguishes an organization’s abuse policies and practices as above and beyond.
The Y’s mission largely focuses on providing safe spaces for individuals and families. To learn more on how the YMCA of Frederick County keeps children in the Frederick County area safeguarded against abuse through staff training, policies, protocols and ongoing knowledge of awareness and prevention, visit frederickymca.org/about-us/child-abuse-prevention.
