Child Protection

We take a thorough approach to keeping children in our programs safe. Policies exist to ensure staff & volunteers are not alone with a child. All interaction between a staff member and a child must be observable and interruptible. Staff are prohibited from working 1-on-1 with or contacting youth outside of the Y (including babysitting and social networking). Staff and volunteers are mandated to report any suspected child abuse. All staff complete an extensive Child Abuse Prevention Training Program. Supervisors complete additional training to further promote a child-safe environment. Prevention Policies are in place at all levels of our organization. Please read our staff Code of Conduct. If someone is non-compliant, let us know immediately. Statement of compliance with the Greater Philadelphia YMCA Code of Conduct and Abuse. Criminal background, sex offender, and FBI background checks are conducted. Comprehensive reference checks that include standardized questions that assess risk for abuse. Detailed employment application forms we review/audit periodically.

Not only does Camp Speers focus on the safety of your children in our care, but we also want to provide you with the information to protect your child everywhere.

Employees who are trained in abuse prevention are more likely to understand their role as protector, to recognize the signs that abuse is occurring, and to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors. Trained staff members are also less likely to place themselves in situations where they could be falsely accused.