YMCA enhances training procedures

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - YMCA is enhancing the training procedures at their facilities, after an alleged incident at the Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA.

The following information is from a release from the YMCA:

'YMCA Buffalo Niagara currently does a minimum of four reference checks before any hire and conducts a comprehensive background check. This search, which includes name, social security number, and address verification, also includes use of the sex offender registry and multi-state criminal databases. This step is done through the Ys vendor, Commercial Investigations LLC.

Once hired, but prior to starting, all YMCA staff is required to complete New Employee Orientation and Child Abuse Prevention training. A code of conduct, which clearly defines the parameters of behavior, is reviewed and agreed to during this training. Annually, all YMCA staff review the child abuse prevention policies and procedures and sign off on them noting their compliance.

In addition to the association wide training held annually for new camp employees, branches conduct a child abuse prevention refresher course using YMCA of the USA training materials which include a “What Do You Do” video, engaging employees in group discussions about identifying and reporting child abuse.

Looking ahead, the Y will further strengthen its team by having all existing YMCA management and key staff review policies and procedures regarding staff supervision and progressive discipline guidelines. All child abuse prevention trainers will be evaluated periodically to ensure consistency in delivering the training to its intended design. The Y will also take a closer look at its policies and procedures surrounding independent contractors and school chaperones.

“The Y locally has always been in the forefront of proactive and exhaustive employee training and sexual abuse prevention courses,” said John D. Murray, President and CEO of YMCA Buffalo Niagara. “Nonetheless, we know our members and the community hold us to the highest-possible standards, so we want to reiterate and review our training regimen for all our employees.”'