04/06/2026
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we are committed to child safety in all of our spaces. This is highlighted in our Praesidium Accreditation, which is the highest honor for Youth Development organizations.
We as Y staff, members, community members and volunteers need to build on the work we’ve done and develop the three habits in child abuse prevention:
Know: when we understand the common practices of those who harm you and the best practices to stop them.
See: when we can recognize the warning signs or behaviors that signal abuse or risk for abuse.
Respond: when we take action in response to behaviors we recognize as being inappropriate or questionable.
Together, let’s commit to protecting the youth in our YMCA and our communities by practicing the three habits of child abuse protection each day. Because when we know and understand how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and are prepared to respond quickly to prevent it, we create a culture of child abuse prevention that results in even safer environments for kids to reach their full potential. See our commitment from our President & CEO, Tony Collins: https://f.mtr.cool/vclkxwthtw