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Our Commitment to Child Safety

The Y Works to Ensure All Children Are Protected

At the YMCA of Southern Nevada, the safety and well-being of every individual, especially children, is our highest priority. Creating a secure, welcoming environment is essential to who we are and what we do.

Each year, we serve more than 65,000 people, including 20,000 youth, and we take pride in being a place families can trust. From comprehensive staff training and background checks to ongoing child protection and safety protocols, we go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

The Y is more than a place to work out or play; it’s a community where safety, care, and belonging come first.

All Children Are Protected

Child Safety First

All Y team members undergo thorough background screens, criminal history checks, as well as reference checks during the interviewing process. However, we also implement safety procedures for members and other visitors.

  • Y Staff

    All Y Staff go through specialized training to recognize signs of abuse, how to report suspected abuse, and measures to prevent abuse from occurring at the Y.

  • Members

    The Y screens all members and program participants against a national sex offender registry to allow us to continue to provide a safe, welcoming environment for every person at the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

  • Volunteers

    The YMCA of Southern Nevada screens all volunteers, mandating background and criminal record checks in addition to required child abuse prevention training.

  • REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

    Witnessing Abuse

    • One in 9 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old.
    • Roughly 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. Approximately 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.
    • At least 60% of children who are sexually abused will never report it.
    • False reports are rare. Research shows that only 4–8% of child sexual abuse reports are fabricated.

    Reporting Abuse

    You don’t need to have proof that abuse is occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that you have witnessed maltreatment or boundary violations, either in the child and/or adult, or you have received a disclosure from a child about abuse, neglect, or boundary violations towards them. Child sexual abuse reports should be made to the police and/or state child protective services. Contact Child Protective Services at (702) 399-0081

    Contact the Darkness to Light Helpline by calling 866-FOR-LIGHT, or texting LIGHT to 741741. Questions will be answered by trained counselors at no charge.

     

  • 5 Days of Action

    Leading up to Healthy Kids Day, a nationwide YMCA initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids, 5 Days of Action is a national campaign designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.

    Learn More

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YMCA of Southern Nevada