UPDATES TO PRAESIDIUM STANDARDS
Strengthening Safety Systems Across Organizations
The Praesidium Accreditation Standards for Consumer-Serving Organizations are informed by thousands of root cause analyses, continuous scientific research, and over three decades of field experience with more than 4,000 organizations that serve children, youth, and vulnerable persons. Anchored by the Praesidium Safety Equation®, these Standards provide a framework to help organizations focus their efforts where we know it makes the greatest impact.
There are a total of 24 standards across the eight operations of the Praesidium Safety Equation®, and these standards are designed for any consumer-serving organization. Each standard has components that need to be implemented to meet the standard. Components have specified criteria to identify a level of implementation.
About the Updated Praesidium Standards
Praesidium's newly enhanced Standards represent the culmination of decades of experience and cutting-edge research in abuse prevention across youth-serving, social services, education, and faith-based organizations. These comprehensive updates deliver enhanced clarity, practical application guidance, and adaptability to help your organization strengthen safety systems, support staff, and maintain a culture of accountability.
These evidence-based Praesidium Standards offer measurable, sustainable approaches to abuse prevention that can be implemented across your organization's unique environment.
WHAT'S NEW
The Revised Praesidium Standards Include Meaningful Updates in Several Areas
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Enhanced supervision requirements for youth under 12 based on latest research
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Clarified standards for minor employees and volunteers in youth-serving organizations
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Increased oversight protocols for high-risk activities
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Comprehensive tiered screening process for volunteers and third-party vendors
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New leadership guidelines for accountability and transition planning in organizations
Culture of Safety
Safety is not a checklist. It is a culture built through clear expectations, consistent oversight, and informed decisions.
Lead from the Top
Children and vulnerable adults are safest when organizations have strong policies, well-trained employees, and leaders who stay engaged in prevention.
Lead with Intent
Meaningful prevention is intentional. These standards help organizations move from good intentions to consistent, protective practice.
Why This Matters
The Praesidium Accreditation Standards set the bar for excellence in abuse prevention, helping organizations not only reduce risk but truly build environments of trust, accountability, and care.
The updates reflect what we have learned from decades of data, research, and partnerships across youth-serving, social services, education, and faith-based sectors. The result? Standards that are clearer, more adaptable, and more effective than ever before.
With clearer guidance for supervising younger children, minor employees, volunteers, and third parties, organizations can build the layers of protection that research shows are most effective.
Why did Praesidium revise its Standards?
Praesidium Standards are designed to reflect the most current research, field insights, and best practices in abuse prevention. We revise them periodically to ensure they remain relevant, actionable, and aligned with what’s most effective in reducing risk. The latest updates are based on feedback from the field, emerging trends, and lessons learned from thousands of assessments and site visits.
Are the updated Praesidium Standards more or less strict?
They are not about being stricter or looser, they are about being smarter. The revised Praesidium Standards are clearer, more adaptable to different environments, and focused on what's essential for preventing abuse. In many cases, we’ve streamlined requirements to reduce unnecessary burden while still maintaining a strong foundation of protection.
Will our organization have to do more work because of the new standards?
Not necessarily. Many of the changes are clarifications or refinements of existing practices. In some cases, the updates may make it easier for organizations to demonstrate adherence. Where additional action is needed, it’s because those areas are critical to consumer safety and long-term culture change.
When did the updated Praesidium Standards go into effect?
The updated Praesidium standards are effective for all organizations beginning December 9, 2025. Any organization beginning a new accreditation or reaccreditation cycle after this date will use the updated standards.
We started our Self-Assessment or Accreditation before 12/9/25. Which version applies to us?
If your organization started your Self-Assessment or Accreditation process before December 9, 2025, you will continue under the version of the Praesidium Standards you began with until your current cycle is complete.
If your organization is already accredited, you’ll transition to the updated version during your next renewal cycle.
Your Accreditation Specialist will confirm which version applies to your organization and guide you through what to expect during your next assessment or renewal.
How were the updated Praesidium Standards developed?
The updated Praesidium Standards were developed through an extensive, collaborative process guided by the Praesidium Standards Advisory Panel, composed of experts from multiple industries, researchers, and insurance professionals. We reviewed recent abuse prevention trends, analyzed internal assessment data, and incorporated feedback from consultants, assessors, and organizations globally. Every change was made with both prevention and practicality in mind.
Will there be support to help us implement the new Praesidium Standards?
Absolutely. We are providing webinars, updated resources, and individualized support through your Accreditation Specialist and Consultant.
How do these changes affect our current policies or procedures?
The Praesidium Standards provide a framework, but they do not dictate specific policy language. That said, some organizations may need to update policies or procedures to better align with clarified expectations around supervision, screening, training, or other key areas. We’ll provide tools to guide those updates.
What should our first step be to prepare?
Start by reviewing the updated Praesidium Standards and comparing your organization’s current policies and procedures to the new expectations. If you have questions or need clarification, reach out to your Consultant. We will also discuss the updates in more detail during your next annual assessment call or renewal check-in to help you plan your transition.
Want to Learn More About Praesidium Accreditation?
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Get hands-on guidance from Praesidium Experts every step of the way
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Identify blind spots before they become risks
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Showcase your commitment to protecting those you serve
Stronger standards lead to stronger cultures of safety.
Prevention starts long before an incident occurs.
Have Questions?
We have answers!
If you’re ready to learn more or if you have questions about your current accreditation, reach out to us by emailing the team or visiting the Accreditation Page below.
Together, we’re raising the bar for safety, one standard at a time.