HAMPTON ROADS — The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has announced that it has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation, the highest honor for child abuse prevention practices, by Praesidium, the national leader in abuse risk management.
The accreditation publicly demonstrates the YMCA’s unwavering commitment to creating the safest possible environment for children and vulnerable individuals in its care, a spokesperson said.
According to the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, Praesidium Accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in abuse prevention. To achieve this distinction, the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas said it underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards, focusing on eight primary operational areas within its business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding,and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified the YMCA’s successful implementation of these standards.
Following this process, Praesidium confirmed that the YMCA successfully met the highest industry benchmarks for safety and risk management.
“Our YMCA is one of the largest child care providers in the region, and the safety of those we serve is our top priority,” said Adam Klutts, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. “Receiving Praesidium Accreditation reinforces our commitment to protecting children and families in the communities we serve. We will never compromise on safety,” Klutts added.
Praesidium has spent over 30 years helping organizations prevent sexual abuse, reviewing thousands of cases to identify root causes and developing best practices. Accreditation provides organizations with proven tools, expert consultation, and ongoing accountability to maintain a culture of safety, according to the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas.
It now joins a select group of YMCAs nationwide that have earned this distinction, setting a powerful example of leadership in child protection.
To learn more about the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, visit ymcavp.org.