Praesidium’s Praesidium Accreditation® is the highest recognition an organization can receive for child abuse prevention.
Published: February 21, 2025
By: Julianna Steen
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham was recently awarded the Praesidium’s Praesidium Accreditation®, which is the highest recognition an organization can receive for child abuse prevention. Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm across the globe, and it specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Since the Y provides programs and services for people of all ages, including youth, this award demonstrates their dedication and ability to cultivate a safe environment for all.
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham focused on eight primary pillars of their operation to receive the accreditation: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. While the accreditation lasts for three years, the Y will not stop the practices and principles that led to the distinguished honor. “We are pleased to send the message that we will not compromise the safety of those in our care—for any reason,” said Rhonda Elmore, Vice President of Youth Development at the Y. “As an entire organization, we are dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care safe from sexual abuse.”
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is hosting school and youth leaders from across Central Alabama in April to celebrate this accomplishment and raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
You can learn more about the values and offerings the YMCA of Greater Birmingham provides at ymcabham.org.