The First Defense
The safe environment programs have some latitude in the design for their specific locations, but they all recognize that a multi-faceted approach has the best chance of being successful. To that end, not only have awareness programs become fairly commonplace, but specific directives regarding the placement of employees and volunteers have been enacted and enforced so that some immediate protection is put in place. These practices are specifically designed to control adults' access to the children enrolled in our programs.

The Rationale of Warning Signs
When it comes to child sexual abuse, the victim knows the offender in 8 out of 10 reported cases. Offenders go to incredible lengths to ensure that they are not strangers. They can spend months and often years grooming entire communities to accept them as trustworthy and upright. Knowing this, it's easy to understand why we need to be aware of the warning signs that a sexual predator may be lurking about.

Three Things That Simply Must Be Done
As so many of us spend the late summer and early fall getting our kids back into a school routine, we should be mindful of health, academics, and hygiene, of course. Too often, however, even conscientious parents and caring adults sometimes overlook preparing their children to go back to school safe from abuse by any person who might seek to harm them. Like most of you, I shudder even considering the possibility.

Not So Ordinary Time
For many of us the summer season is all too short. We all relish the longer days of sunshine, the warmer weather, and the time off from work and school. Lighter schedules seem to prevail as our ordinary routines are set aside for outdoor activities, rest, and relaxation. During he lazy, hazy days of summer we recall fond memories of days past at the ocean, lakes, pools, and lawn sprinklers. It is an extraordinary time that many of us look forward to each year.

Playground Safety
Approximately 170,000 children, under the age of 15 are treated for playground related injuries each year. Many of these injuries could have been avoided if better care were taken in designing and maintaining playgrounds and their equipment.