*

Know 

When evaluating camps, sports, and other activities for your child, do you KNOW what questions to ask about abuse prevention? As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults, we play a vital role in protecting children and teens from abuse. Learn the key questions to ask from Praesidium, the YMCA's partner in child abuse prevention: praesidiuminc.com/6-key-questions-a-parent-should-ask-of-an-organization. 

See 

When we SEE grooming patterns—methodical, subtle, gradual, and escalating behaviors used to groom a child for sexual abuse—we can identify them, strengthen our intuition, and protect children. Learn about the six grooming behaviors every parent or caregiver needs to recognize and know what to do if you see them, from our partner, Saprea: saprea.org/blog/6-perpetrator-grooming-behaviors. 

Respond

RESPONDing starts when a child or teen feels heard and is helped. How can you take action to prevent child sexual abuse? The Trusted Triangle (for younger children) and the Safety NETwork (for older youth) are strategies from Lauren’s Kids Safer, Smarter Families Family Safety Toolkit. These resources are designed to help families and caregivers teach personal and digital safety in a comfortable and accessible way. 

• Grades K-2: safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-k-2
• Grades 3-5: safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-3-5
   

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