MONTCLAIR, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in safety and abuse prevention.
“At the YMCA of Montclair, safeguarding the wellbeing of children in our care is not just a duty, it is our heartfelt commitment, said Buddy Evans, President and CEO. “We create an environment where every child can reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing setting. This accreditation is validation that safety is not just a priority – it is a core value woven into every aspect of our operations.”
To achieve Accreditation, the YMCA of Montclair underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within their business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified the YMCA of Montclair’s successful implementation of these standards.
The YMCA of Montclair will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse.
The initiative to obtain Praesidium Accreditation® was led by Tammy Como, Executive Director of Aquatics and Risk Management. This year, Ms. Como achieved certification as a Certified Praesidium Guardian (CPG) by Praesidium. Professionals who have attained this designation have demonstrated a commitment to creating a culture of safety through risk management and best practices in sexual abuse prevention.
“I am proud of our team that worked diligently to meet the standards required for accreditation,” said Como. “Praesidium Accreditation enables our Y to strengthen our prevention efforts and provide resources, tools, and training to make a difference in the lives of youth in our facilities and programs.”
The Y maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse and endangerment. To learn more about what the YMCA of Montclair does to protect children, visit https://www.montclairymca.org/child-protection/.
Photo: Pictured left to right is YMCA of Montclair’s Tammy Como, Executive Director of Aquatics and Risk Management and Buddy Evans, President and CEO with the Praesidium Accreditation Certificate and Award.
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About the YMCA of Montclair
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. We focus on healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.
About Praesidium
Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 30 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings. Praesidium employs more than 50 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor–led trainings, organizational risk assessments, model policies, and background checks. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally. For more information visit www.PraesidiumInc.com.