The Central Coast YMCA has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. Our organization follows strict protocols to ensure a safe environment for children and vulnerable individuals. Every suspicion or allegation of abuse is taken seriously and handled according to local, state, and federal laws.
- Mandated reporting of suspected abuse by all staff and volunteers.
- Comprehensive screening and background checks for all employees and volunteers.
- Strict supervision policies ensuring no staff member is alone with a child in an isolated area.
- Abuse prevention training for all staff.
Abuse Prevention Policies & Procedures
All YMCA staff and volunteers are considered mandated reporters under California law. This means they are legally required to report any suspected abuse or neglect to child protective services or law enforcement immediately.
- Reports must be made by phone immediately and followed up with a written report within 36 hours.
- Failure to report is a criminal offense and may result in legal action.
- Parents, guardians, and community members can also report concerns confidentially.
How to Report Suspected Abuse:
- California Child Protective Services
- Monterey County: (800) 606-6618
- San Benito County: (831) 636-4190 or (831) 636-4330 (after hours)
- Santa Cruz County: (877) 505-3299
- Local Law Enforcement
- Monterey County Sheriff's Office: (831) 647-7702
- San Benito County Sheriff's Office: (831) 636-4080
- Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office: (831) 454-7600
- Central Coast YMCA Contact
All YMCA staff and volunteers must adhere to strict behavioral guidelines to protect children from inappropriate interactions.
Prohibited Conduct:
- Being alone with a child in a private, unobservable area.
- Using personal devices to communicate privately with children.
- Engaging in physical punishment, favoritism, or inappropriate physical contact.
- Accepting personal gifts from or giving gifts to children.
Required Conduct:
- Staff should always maintain visibility when working with children.
- Restroom use is supervised by following structured restroom policies (see below).
- Staff must immediately report any policy violations or suspicious behavior.
To protect children, YMCA staff follow strict supervision policies.
- Staff should always be visible to others when interacting with children.
- No staff member should ever be one-on-one with a child in an isolated area.
- If one-on-one interaction is necessary, it must take place in an open, observable setting.
Restroom Safety Policies:
- Staff will escort groups of children for restroom breaks but will not enter stalls.
- Before children enter, staff must check the restroom for unauthorized individuals.
- No child will ever be left alone in a restroom.
- If assistance is needed, a second staff member must be present.
Child Safety in Specific Programs
Each program at the YMCA has specific abuse prevention procedures.
- Child Watch: Strict check-in and check-out policies, small staff-to-child ratios, structured schedules, restroom supervision, and emergency procedures.
- Sports & Youth Programs: Coaches and volunteers undergo background checks.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in child abuse prevention.
- Talk to your child about personal safety and appropriate boundaries.
- Recognize the signs of abuse (see below).
- Monitor your child’s interactions with adults and peers.
- Stay informed about the YMCA’s abuse prevention policies.
- Report any concerns immediately to YMCA leadership or child protection authorities.
Physical, emotional, and behavioral changes in a child may indicate abuse. Be alert for:
- Physical Signs:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures.
- Frequent complaints of pain with no medical cause.
- Behavioral Signs:
- Sudden fear of a certain person or place.
- Nightmares, sleep disturbances, or bedwetting.
- Extreme changes in mood, appetite, or school performance.
- Emotional Signs:
- Low self-esteem, withdrawal, or depression.
- Excessive secrecy or reluctance to discuss their day.
If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, please report it immediately.
-
- California Child Protective Services
- Monterey County: (800) 606-6618
- San Benito County: (831) 636-4190 or (831) 636-4330 (after hours)
- Santa Cruz County: (877) 505-3299
- Local Law Enforcement
- Monterey County Sheriff's Office: (831) 647-7702
- San Benito County Sheriff's Office: (831) 636-4080
- Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office: (831) 454-7600
- Central Coast YMCA Contact
- External Resources
- Reports are confidential and can be made anonymously.
- Trained professionals will investigate to protect the child’s well-being.
- The YMCA will cooperate fully with authorities while maintaining privacy and discretion.
