Organization Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month with Community Events, Education, and Action
The South Shore YMCA has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation, the highest honor in abuse prevention practices, recognizing the organization’s commitment to creating the safest possible environment for children and families. Praesidium, the national leader in abuse risk management, grants this accreditation only to organizations that demonstrate the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.
To earn this distinction, the South Shore YMCA completed a comprehensive review and implementation of Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards, spanning eight key operational areas: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified the Y’s practices through rigorous assessment. The accreditation is valid for three years, during which the Y will continue upholding stringent safety practices and organizational values that protect the children and communities it serves.
“This accreditation sends a clear message that the safety of children in our care is our highest priority,” said Trevor Williams, President & CEO of the South Shore YMCA. “We will not compromise on safety, ever. Whether in our pools, camps, gymnastics centers, Early Learning Centers or After-School programs, all staff, volunteers, and leadership are deeply committed to proactive, effective measures that keep kids safe.”
Celebrating Accreditation During National Child Abuse Prevention Month
In honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, the South Shore YMCA will host a Praesidium Accreditation Ceremony on April 20, honoring this milestone and reaffirming its commitment to child safety. Throughout the month, the Y will provide resources, education, and family activities aimed at helping the community recognize, prevent, and respond to child abuse.
As part of these efforts, the South Shore YMCA will join YMCAs across the country in Five Days of Action, a national awareness campaign running April 13–17, 2026, designed to inspire adults to protect children from abuse. This year’s campaign places special focus on keeping kids safe in digital spaces.
“Technology is an incredible tool for learning and connection, but it also presents new risks,” said Kristine Swan, Vice President of Youth Development at the South Shore YMCA. “By staying informed and working together, we can create safer digital spaces for all children.”
Throughout the week, the Y will share resources from Praesidium and its 2026 partners, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Lauren’s Kids, and National Children’s Alliance, to help parents and caregivers recognize red flags, start open conversations, and strengthen digital safety at home. Community members are encouraged to take the official pledge to protect children at ssymca.org/5daysofaction.
Healthy Kids Day: A Free Community Celebration of Safety and Wellness
To close out the month’s activities, the South Shore YMCA will host Healthy Kids Day on April 18, a free community event, celebrating all the ways the Y helps children grow healthy and strong, physically, mentally, and socially. Families are invited to enjoy games, activities, healthy snacks, interactive learning, and opportunities to discover programs that keep kids active and safe year-round.
Healthy Kids Day takes place at the South Shore YMCA Emilson Y branch in Hanover and Hale Family Y branch in Quincy, and encourages families to prepare for an active, engaged spring and summer in environments that promote safety and well being. More information is available at ssymca.org/hkd.
About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a leading charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover, and surrounding communities, the South Shore YMCA provides opportunities for individuals and families to grow, learn, and thrive. Financial Assistance, a core Y community benefit, is available to all families in need and applies to all Y programs and services.