Child Sexual Abuse: Tips and Story Ideas

 

Educators stress that prevention is adults’ responsibility, but where can they learn? Contact your state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse (see source list below) and other child protection organizations to see what’s available. The state sexual violence assault line may also have programs or leads.

 

Some schools also use a CSA prevention curriculum. Prevent Child Abuse-Vermont (see source list) has a SAFE-T curriculum for middle-schoolers because that’s where sexually abusive behaviors often begin; it also offers Care for Kids, a program for pre-K teachers and parents developed by a group in Canada. K-6 curriculum is also offered by nonprofits such as Child Help and Darkness to Light.

 

What if abuse has already occurred?
 

Child advocacy centers can be important resources. CACs are one-stop facilities for children who may be victims of maltreatment, where professionals from health fields, law enforcement and child protection can collaborate on case management. Find a list of state CACs here.

The CAC model has been evaluated by the Crimes Against Children Research Center.

 

 

Community-based nonprofits are having trouble finding funding – those working in CSA prevention may be especially vulnerable because they rarely have robust support. What is the funding situation in your community? Will child maltreatment – particularly CSA – be included in social service or law enforcement spending in your state’s stimulus package?

 

 

The sexual abuse scandal that shook the Catholic Church has played out among other youth-serving groups, too. As spring sports and camp season gets underway, examine what policies groups have in place to screen and train employees. The CDC published guidelines and advice on how to screen and train employees in a 2007 publication: “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Within Youth-Serving Organizations.”

 

And don’t overlook the most vulnerable children. Advocates say that learning disabled and institutionalized children are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse because they’re so dependent on caretakers. How are those employees screened?

 

 

As of July 27, 2009, states and territories may face federal penalties for failing to implement Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (known as SORNA. DOJ guidelines here).

 

Some states and courts have raised objections to the Act, saying it puts an unfair financial burden on states. Is your state in compliance?