CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

At Crestwood Before & After School Care Program

Investigations underway after altercation between child, staff member: YMCA

Sep 28, 2022 | 3:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The YMCA of Medicine Hat says three investigations are underway following a physical altercation involving a child and a YMCA staff member at the YMCA Crestwood Before & After School Care Program on the afternoon of Sept. 27.

CEO Sharon Hayward says her organization responded immediately when the incident happened and has contacted the appropriate organizations for follow-up.

“Fortunately our team responded really well, they notified us right away when it happened we were able to come and deal with the situation right away last night,” says Hayward. “The person no longer works for YMCA and we immediately reported to children’s services and Medicine Hat Police Service and we’re co-operating fully with their investigations.”

Hayward says that as is the case with any child-related occurrence, she cannot disclose specific details.

She says the YMCA has been interviewing all of the staff present collecting information on what happened and will review that to make sure that moving forward everybody that works in the program feels well supported and confident in the rules.

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“We do have really stringent national child safety and protection standards. So that’s always a part of what we do at the YMCA it starts right from the time that we interview people and potential candidates all the way to the training that’s provided on an annual basis,” Hayward says.

She adds the thoughts of the YMCA are with the child and family and the people that have been impacted by the incident.

“We’re doing our best to reach out and provide support and make sure that we do what we can do there yo minimize impact and make the program safe and happy for everybody.”