Procedure for Youth and Parents/Guardians to Report Concerns
The Salina Family YMCA believes that youth and parents/guardians have valuable thoughts and insights to share regarding our operations. We encourage youth and parents/guardians to share opinions, suggestions, concerns, or questions about our policies, personnel, and any other matters that impact their experience at the YMCA.
In most cases, the first point of contact for concerns is the Senior Director of Youth Development. If the concern involves that position or if the youth or parent/guardian feels the matter was not adequately addressed, it may be brought directly to the President & CEO or to the Salina Family YMCA Executive Leadership Team at admin@salinaymca.org or 785-827-1311.
If a concern appears to have been ignored or remains unresolved, individuals may use this formal reporting process. This process is intended to provide a timely, thorough, and objective response to concerns involving inappropriate or suspicious behavior by employees, volunteers, youth, or parents/guardians in programs; retaliation; or whistleblower complaints.
Verbal concerns are welcomed for issues that may be quickly resolved. However, a written complaint is required to begin the formal review process. Written concerns should include the names of individuals involved; dates of the behavior; any known witnesses; a summary of the issue including any relevant statements or documentation; and the remedy or resolution being sought.
Formal written concerns should be emailed to the Senior Director of Youth Development within 10 business days of the incident or awareness of the issue. A meeting will be scheduled with the youth or parent/guardian to review the concern and attempt resolution within 15 business days. After that meeting, a written response will be provided within 15 business days by either the Senior Director of Youth Development or a designated investigator appointed by the President & CEO.
If the individual submitting the concern is not satisfied with the response, they may submit an appeal to the President & CEO within 15 business days. A follow-up meeting will be held, and a final written response will be provided within 15 business days. The decision of the President & CEO is considered final.
The Senior Director of Youth Development, the assigned investigator, and/or the President & CEO will conduct a thorough investigation into reported concerns. Privacy and confidentiality will be protected as much as possible within legal limits. All parties involved are expected to cooperate fully. If it is determined that a policy or legal violation has occurred, corrective action will be taken, which may include termination and/or notification of external authorities.
Retaliation of any kind against youth or parents/guardians for reporting a concern or participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Any suspected retaliation should be reported immediately to the Senior Director of Youth Development, the designated investigator, or the President & CEO. Reports of retaliation will be investigated promptly, and if validated, appropriate action will be taken.
This procedure will be shared with youth and parents/guardians annually. It will also be included in applicable YMCA handbooks and manuals. Any updates to this policy will be communicated in writing via the email address on file.
Child Abuse Prevention
The Y works closely with Praesidium, the national leader in organizational abuse risk management. Presidium's 24/7 Y Helpline provides employees, volunteers, parents, and participants with a way to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations - anonymously, if desired.
Y staff and volunteers can also use the helpline to ask specific and topical questions about child sexual abuse prevention and seek advice and guidance about abuse prevention best practices.
Call 800.743.6354 to report suspicious or inappropriate behavior.
Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls and reports are confidential.
Note: This helpline does not replace any applicable mandated abuse and neglect reporting to state authorities and does not include legal advice.
