1a. Five Days of Action IG

Join Five Days of Action to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse, April 24-28

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re participating in the Five Days of Action – a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By taking part in this important campaign and through implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, the YMCA of Natrona County is committing to the safety of all children in our community.

The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, tying in three impact areas – preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and in youth sports, and internet safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, U.S. Center for SafeSport and Praesidium have shared resources to support this campaign.

Know: Summer Camp KNOWing about child sexual abuse can help adults better understand what to look for and how to prevent it. As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults to the young people in our lives, we play an important role in protecting them from abuse. This requires our commitment to continually learn and then ask questions about the safety of our loved ones.

The Y – and other youth serving organizations – implement a series of measures to keep the kids in their care safe. Next time you enroll your loved one in a new program, ask them about their child protection practices. For this summer, you can use this list.

See: Youth Sports

When we SEE boundaries being crossed or suspect a child is being abused, we can and should act quickly. Sports should be safe places for children to grow, both as people and athletes. As a parent, caregiver, coach, or volunteer, it is up to you to make sure any environment in which children in your care interact is free from abuse. Learn more about the signs and how you can help prevent child sexual abuse in youth sports at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/parents/.

Respond: Internet Safety

Did you know that you don’t need evidence to report abuse—only reasonable suspicion? But even for adults, reporting abuse is hard. We don’t want to falsely accuse someone or get someone in trouble. On the other hand, reporting might be the one thing that saves a child – or children – from abuse. It is our responsibility to RESPOND to any and all disclosure, discovery or suspicion of child sexual abuse.

As adults and children alike have turned to digital tools for school, work and socialization, online safety matters now more than ever. Many online dangers put children at risk, such as cyber bullying, online enticement and more. As an adult, keeping an open line of communication with any children in your care who may access online content can be key to helping prevent sexual abuse. Learn the facts, how you can keep kids safe, and how to respond to online victimization at https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz.

We take our commitment to child protection seriously and we hope you do too!

4a. Child Abuse Prevention Month IG

Child Abuse Prevention Month | Listening and Responding to Children

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Throughout April, we’ve addressed the importance of understanding the Y’s abuse prevention policies, recognizing red flags and boundary violations and how to talk with your children about abuse. Now, it’s important that all parents and caregivers know how to respond to boundary violations and warning signs if children tell you about abuse. At the Y, we are mandated reporters, so we have procedures in place for responding and reporting suspected abuse. As a parent, you can follow these 5 steps:

1. Keep your eyes & ears open

2. Talk with your child

3. Ask your child about any concerns you have.

4. If what you learn from your child or what you have observed/overheard sounds like abuse, call Child Protective Services or the police.

5. If what you’ve heard or observed sounds like a boundary violation, suspicious or inappropriate behavior, or a policy violation:

a. Share your concerns with the employee/supervisor/person in charge of the organization.

b. If you are unable to do this, make a report to the organization by making a call, sending an email, or submitting an online form.

3a. Child Abuse Prevention Month IG

Child Abuse Prevention Month | Talking with Your Children About Abuse

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Many parents and caregivers find speaking to their children about abuse to be uncomfortable. Framing these conversations around other safety conversations you have may help you work through some of that uncomfortableness. Below you’ll find age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about boundaries and preventing abuse.

Young Children

Parents can start these conversations simply by ensuring young children know the correct names for their body parts. Children who know the proper names are able to talk more clearly to parents or other adults if something inappropriate happens. As you’re teaching body part names, you can help your child learn that parts of their body are private and that only their parents/caregivers can see them. Don’t forget to note that doctors may see them naked but only because you’re there with the doctor!

Equally important is to teach children boundaries both for themselves and for others. Boundaries have easily teachable moments, such as when a child doesn’t want to hug a relative, or during a tickle fight a child yells “Stop!”. Allowing young children to set their own boundaries teaches them body autonomy and helps them know when something makes them uncomfortable so that they can speak up.

Many abusers will tell a child to keep abuse a secret. It’s important that children understand that adults should never ask them to keep a secret, and if they do, they should tell you.

Teens

As children grow older, it’s key to keep lines of conversation open, so that they feel comfortable talking to parents or trusted adults if something happens to them or a friend. Talk to your teens about their friends, the other adults in their lives, social media and electronic communication. They need to know to not accept requests from people they don’t know, how to respond if someone (even a friend) asks them to send nude photos and that conversations online are never truly private. Continue the conversations about boundaries and what boundary violations look and feel like. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them.

2a. Child Abuse Prevention Month IG

Child Abuse Prevention Month | Recognizing Boundary Violations and Warning Signs

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At the Y, creating safe spaces for youth to learn, grow and thrive is our top priority. Kids need a safe space now more than ever, and we take pride in the measures we’ve taken to help keep your kids safe. Here are some important tips for parents to know as we work together to keep kids safe from abuse.

Offenders seek three things in order to abuse: access, privacy and control. What does this mean for a parent?

1) Know who has access to your children. For example,

a. When your children are at school, what are the school’s procedures for screening staff, volunteers, parents, etc.?

b. When your children attend a sleepover, who will be in the home?

2) Know what type of privacy is allowed. For example,

a. When your children play sports, can the coach be alone with a player?

b. When camp is over, can the counselor text your child?

c. When the program ends, is one adult ever alone with one child?

3) Know how offenders gain control through boundary violations. For example,

a. Physical boundaries violations – Excessive tickling, hugging, massaging, etc.

b. Emotional boundaries violations – Spending too much time with them; acting possessive; sharing personal information to make a child feel they have a special relationship, sending excessive or inappropriate texts or messages

c. Behavioral boundaries – Offenders manipulate kids into doing things they wouldn’t otherwise do, such as: – Sneaking around – Keeping secrets – Looking at pornography – Use of drugs or alcohol

1a. Child Abuse Prevention Month IG

Child Abuse Prevention Month | Our YMCA Employee Code of Conduct

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The development of children is the core of which the Y’s values were built. This is why the safety of all children in our care is our number one priority. Staff and volunteers at YMCA of Natrona County follow our Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of all children who come through our doors, whether they’re regular program participants or only visit once a year.

During Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Y wants to make sure that all members understand this Code of Conduct. A key tool in abuse prevention is knowledge, so it’s important that parents and caregivers are informed of the Y’s policies around children. Together we can work to ensure all children in Natrona County reach their full potential.

YMCA of Natrona County Child Abuse Prevention Code of Conduct

In order to protect organization staff, volunteers, and program participants – at no time during an organization program may a staff person be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed by others. As staff supervise children, they should space themselves in a way that other staff can see them. When this is not feasible, the staff person must immediately notify their supervisor.

Staff shall never leave a child unsupervised.

Restroom supervision: Staff will ensure:
• The restroom is not occupied by suspicious or unknown individuals before allowing children to use the facilities.
• Children are with an adult staff member and proceed in groups of three or more (e.g. 1 staff and 2 children or 2 staff and 1 child) when using the bathroom.
• Either ‘line of sight’ or ‘line of sound’ supervision is maintained while children are using the facilities.
• No child, regardless of age, enters a bathroom alone on a field trip.
• If staff are assisting younger children, doors to the facility must remain open.

Staff should conduct or supervise private activities in pairs – diapering, putting on bathing suits, taking showers, etc. When this is not feasible, staff should be positioned so that they are visible to others.

Staff shall not abuse children including:
• physical abuse – strike, spank, shake, slap;
• verbal abuse – humiliate, degrade, threaten;
• sexual abuse – inappropriate touch or verbal exchange;
• mental abuse – shaming, withholding love, cruelty;
• neglect – withholding food, water, basic care, etc.
Any type of abuse will not be tolerated and may be cause for immediate dismissal.

Staff must use positive techniques of guidance, including redirection, positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison and criticism. Staff will have age
appropriate expectations and set up guidelines and environments that minimize the need for discipline.

Staff should conduct a health check of each child, each day, as they enter the program, noting any fever, bumps, bruises, burns, etc. Questions or comments will be addressed to the parent or child in a non-threatening way. Any questionable marks or responses will be documented.

Staff respond to children with respect and consideration and treat all children equally regardless of sex, race, religion, culture.

Staff will refrain from intimate displays of affection towards others in the presence of children, parents, and staff.

Staff will respect children’s rights to not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no. Other than diapering, children are not to be touched in areas of their bodies that would be covered by a bathing suit.

While the organization does not discriminate against an individual’s lifestyle, it does require that in the performance of their job they will abide by the standards of conduct set forth by the organization.

Staff must appear clean, neat, and appropriately attired.

Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours is prohibited.

Smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco on YMCA property and/or in the presence of children or parents during working hours is prohibited.

Profanity, inappropriate jokes, sharing intimate details of one’s personal life, and any kind of harassment in the presence of children or parents is prohibited.

Staff must be free of physical or psychological conditions that might adversely affect children’s physical or mental health. If in doubt, an expert should be consulted.

Staff will portray a positive role model for youth by exemplifying core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and maintaining an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity.

Staff may not be alone with children they meet in organization programs outside of the organization. This includes babysitting,
sleepovers, and inviting children to your home. Any exceptions require a written explanation before the fact and are subject to administrator approval.

Electronic communication with children is not allowed. Staff will not engage in direct messaging, social media interactions, or other online or digital communication with youth participants.

Staff are not to transport children in their own vehicles.

Staff may not date program participants under the age of 18 years of age.

Under no circumstance should staff release children to anyone other than the authorized parent, guardian, or other adult authorized by the parent or guardian (written parent authorization on file with the organization).

Staff are required to read and sign all policies related to identifying, documenting, and reporting child abuse and attend trainings on the subject, as instructed by a supervisor.

In addition to our Code of Conduct, the Y also has a number of safety measures intended to keep kids safe. This includes criminal background checks on staff and volunteers; required staff training on recognizing and preventing abuse; and prohibiting staff/volunteers from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others; limiting staff contact with children outside of Y programs; and reporting any allegations or suspicions of abuse to law enforcement.]

If you have questions about the Y’s Code of Conduct or our child safety measures policy, please contact Stephanie Disburg, CEO, at sdisburg@casperfamilyymca.org.

Hunger Action Month 1 (1)

AS SCHOOL YEAR STARTS, REFRESH HEALTHY HABITS

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September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school-year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. As families settle into new school-year routines this month, the YMCA of Natrona County is offering tips to help Natrona County families incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives.

  • Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and back packs.
  • Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and bodies moving.
  • Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.
  • Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e. turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).
  • Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.

For more information on how your family can live a healthy, active life, visit the Y.

LindaTaggert

DON’T LET A FEAR OF FALLS HOLD YOU BACK

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Did you know that one in four older Americans falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people over the age of 65. These startling statistics are why the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has deemed September 18-24 as Falls Prevention Week the YMCA of Natrona County is asking older adults, caregivers, family members and health care professionals in Natrona County to join us in raising awareness to prevent falls among older adults.

“Falling and fear of falling may prevent older adults from staying active, which leads to reduced mobility, diminished quality of life and actually increases their risk of falling,” said Risa Sabus, Senior Membership Director, YMCA of Natrona County. “The good news is that falls are highly preventable and help is available for older adults and their families who want to get active. We’re encouraging all older adults to learn their risk for falls by taking an assessment through NCOA here: https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-free-checkup”

Once risk is assessed, the YMCA of Natrona County is helping older adults feel strong, steady and safe by reducing falls risk through programs like Active & Ageless, Active Older Adults,  Aqua Fit, Deep Water Exercise, Water Up! and different varieties of yoga.

NCOA has 6 steps older adults can take to reduce their risk of falling:

  • Find a good balance and exercise program – Classes like [INSERT NAME OF CLASS AT YOUR Y] help build balance, strength and flexibility—all key in preventing falls. Sign up online today https://casperymca.org/class-schedule/
  • Talk to Your Health Care Provider – Share any history of falls and ask your doctor for an assessment on your risk.
  • Regularly Review Medications with Your Doctor or Pharmacist – Make sure the medications you may be taking don’t have side effects that increase your risk of falling.
  • Have Vision and Hearing Checked Annually and Update Your Glasses – Some falls occur simply because a person cannot see well. Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet!
  • Keep Your Home Safe – Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe and install grab bars in key areas.
  • Talk to Your Family Members – Enlist support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue!

To learn more about the above programs please call or stop by the Y today!

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Welcoming Week: Belonging Begins With Us

by with 1,003 Comments Uncategorized

This Welcoming Week (September 9-18), YMCA of Natrona County will join Welcoming America, other YMCAs and organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Each year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of the country. The event is an opportunity for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to get to know one another and celebrate what unites people as a community.

“At the YMCA of Natrona County, we believe Natrona County is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Risa Sabus, Senior Membership Director. “We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities. It is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls our community home.”

About the Y

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.

About Welcoming Week

Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and

communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.