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. 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. Trevor Williams, CEO, South Shore YMCA

About Praesidium

Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 30 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings. Praesidium employs more than 50 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor–led trainings, organizational risk assessments, model policies, and background checks. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally.