Protecting Children from Sexual Harm: What Teachers and Child Care Providers Need to Know We all know the importance of making schools and daycare setting places where children feel and are safe. Here are some steps that teachers and child care professionals can take to help protect children and...
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Talking to kids can be an important part of prevention. “How much should I explain to them?” Many parents struggle with the question “what do I tell my kids?” As your children grow and mature, each family must decide what works for the culture of their particular household. What is most important...
"What’s my responsibility as a mandated reporter?" Professionals who work with families and children are, in most states, legally required to report suspected cases of child abuse to the authorities. If you have any questions about whether or not you are a mandated reporter in your state, please consult with your supervisor or the statutes for mandated reporting in your state. You can review the statutes at the Child Welfare Information Gateway .
Faith communities offer children wonderful opportunities to develop spiritually and to be part of a larger, caring community. Close caring relationships with adults are an important protective factor for children. Families who are struggling often particularly need the friendship and informal...
More than a third of all sexual abuse of children is committed by someone under the age of 18. Children, particularly younger children, may take part in inappropriate interactions without understanding how it might be hurtful to others. For this reason, it may be more helpful to talk about a child’...
There is no doubt that loving support is key to helping a child heal from sexual abuse or overcome a sexual behavior problem. But sometimes we can feel loving without knowing what loving steps we can take to help our children. As a parent or caretaker, here are some loving actions you can take to...
Anyone may file a report In all states in the US any person concerned for the welfare or safety of a child can voluntarily file a report. You do not have to be in a professional relationship with a family to contact Child Protective Services (CPS) or police on behalf of a child. Remarkably, some...
Children’s safety in school, camps, sports, and in other extracurricular activities is more likely assured when organizations, staff, and parents learn about the steps and resources they can take to create a safer environment. Providing children with healthy sexuality education and actions they can...
Creating safe environments for student athletes in both competitive and leisure sports activities is possible when all adults, including parents and those in athletic youth-serving programs, commit to learning warning signs when codes of conduct are breached, how to speak up when there is a concern...
You can learn to recognize typical behaviors. If you are a parent or work with children, learning about sexual development is key to preventing child sexual abuse. You can learn to recognize typical behaviors -- as well as the concerning behaviors that need intervention. You can learn to talk to...
Choosing a school or program is one of the most complicated and emotional decisions you have to make as a parent. The specific activities, the schedule, the costs, how it matches your child’s needs and interest-- all these things play a part in your decision. Whether or not the school has a child...
Children learn best in safe environments. Most child care providers and teachers know that protecting children from physical harm includes taking actions such as monitoring stairway entrances. But what about keeping children safe from sexual harm? What actions can be taken then? Protecting Children...
Faith communities offer children wonderful opportunities to develop spiritually and to be part of a larger, caring community. Close caring relationships with adults are an important protective factor for children. Families who are struggling often particularly need the friendship and informal...
Summer often means new activities and increased independence for children as they try new summer programs, go to day or overnight camps, or even spend extended visits with family or friends. Recent headlines are a good reminder as we make summer plans for children that adults need to be educated,...
Talking To Coaches Who Show Inappropriate Interest In Kids Too often, the news carries stories about a bus driver, teacher, or even coach who sexually abused a child, stories that leave us wringing our hands. And yet, how many of us know what to watch out for or how to talk to our child when the...
For Parents Of Children With Disabilities *Program settings refer to residential, educational and recreational programs in which your child might be involved Note: These tip sheets provide parents and caregivers of children with disabilities the information they need to keep their child safe from...
A Summer Of Happy Memories You’re sending your children off to summer camp – for the day, the week or maybe longer. You’ve applied sunscreen and packed enough warm clothes. What else can a parent do to make sure their summer is filled with happy memories? Most camps and summer recreation programs...
These resources give you the information to strengthen your own youth-serving organization's ability to prevent child sexual abuse, provide you with the questions and skills to evaulate youth-serving organizations your child, or children you care after, are attending, and teaches you how to talk...
Sports are a big part of many young people’s lives. Over half of U.S. kids between 6 and 17 participate in sports—about 41 million youth [1] . Sports help kids build confidence, make friends, and learn important life skills. But not all experiences are positive. Studies show that nearly 5% of young...