Boys Town put our safety and abuse protection practices under the microscope of a leading organization, and we’re proud to share the results. The Praesidium Accreditation, a prestigious designation awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence in safety and adherence to the highest standards in abuse prevention, was recently awarded to Boys Town.
Achieving this designation is confirmation of our unwavering commitment to safety, compliance and the highest standards of care for the children, families and communities we serve.
Rigorous Review
Earning the Praesidium Accreditation is no small feat. Over the past year, Boys Town underwent a comprehensive and rigorous review. After a detailed self-review of our policies, two outside experts spent three days on campus conducting more than 60 interviews with direct care staff, teachers, support services and foster parents. Areas evaluated include:
· Policies and procedures
· Screening/selection processes for employees, volunteers and vendors
· Training content related to youth safety and youth boundaries
· Youth monitoring and supervision practices
· Staff response to safety concerns and crisis events
· Staff response to youth, parent, legal guardian and employee concerns and grievances
Our policies, procedures and guidelines were measured against 125 Praesidium standards – each derived from scientific research and extensive field experience.
Enduring Mission
At Boys Town, it’s not enough to say safety and trust are at the heart of our mission. It’s something we act on every day. Engaging in this process gave us access to best practices, innovative tools and expert consultations. More than an evaluation, it’s an ongoing collaboration that benefits those we serve in several ways:
Quality Assurance — We’re committed to continually improving our processes to maintain the highest levels of service and safety.
Continuous Improvement — This accreditation motivates us to stay ahead of industry standards, ensuring we deliver better results for those we serve.
Professional Development — Our team members receive specialized training to ensure the protection of every individual in our care.
Credibility and Trust — This designation strengthens the trust our supporters and partners have in Boys Town by providing assurance that we are dedicated to the highest standards of safety and care.
Access to Resources — With access to the latest tools and resources, we can continually improve our safety practices.
Sustainability — Because we’re in this for the long run, safety and trust remain solidly at the core of everything we do.
Team Effort
Achieving Praesidium Accreditation would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our employees. Their hard work and unwavering dedication have made this significant achievement possible. We are incredibly grateful for their efforts and for the support of our donors and partners. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of children and families who need it most. To learn more about the work that went into achieving this recognition, click here.
