May 12, 2017 – Cook County Public Health & Human Services has received a child maltreatment report concerning the YMCA Kids Club drop-in child care program after a three-year-old child being cared for in the facility was reported to have left the room unnoticed this week.

The child reportedly left the Kid’s Club and went looking for their parent in the workout area, unknown to the on-duty staff. The child was unharmed and did not leave the YMCA building and was reunited with their parent.

“The County reviews and responds to all reports that have the potential to meet the guidelines for maltreatment,” said Joshua Beck, Director – Public Health & Human Services. “We take this responsibility seriously and child safety is paramount.”

The current missing child report occurred in a legal non-licensed drop-in child care program. These programs fall into a gray area whereby since they are licensed exempt, they do not fall under the County’s licensing authority, and yet similarly as licensed exempt childcare they are not under our child protection jurisdiction.

The current missing child report will be referred to local law enforcement to determine if an investigation is warranted. The safety of the children of Cook County is the highest priority.

Contact: Joshua Beck, Director – Public Health & Human Services, 218-370-9903 or [email protected]