Protect Children From Pedophiles: Free Seminar For Parents, Teachers & Organizations
Protect Children From Pedophiles: Free Seminar For Parents, Teachers & Organizations
WATERBURY â Studies show that the average pedophile has 117 victims, children who usually are acquaintances or family members and most often do not report the crime.
On April 10, as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Guidance Clinic of Greater Waterburyâs Family Life Center will present âThe Stranger You Know: A Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programâ in the Conference Center at Saint Maryâs Hospital in Waterbury.
The event is designed for parents, school staff, other organizations that serve children, and law enforcement. In addition to explaining the warning signs that may indicate adult sexual misbehavior, the program also will offer suggestions on how to prevent the opportunity for child sexual abuse and tips for parents on having significant conversations with their children about safety.
The event will run from 5 to 8 pm. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required as there are only 100 seats available. The registration deadline is April 3. To register, call Harriet Sternthal at 203-575-0466, extension 102.
The program, which is sponsored by the Childrenâs Trust Fund, will feature keynote speaker Robert F. Kenary, a retired East Hartford Police Commander who specialized child abuse cases during his 33-year career.
Mr Kenary, who received the Martin A. Burnham Award for child abuse prevention, is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., and was assigned to the FBI for three years investigating sexual offenses against children. His many professional affiliations include the Institute of Living in Hartford.
âKnowing how sexual offenders think, act, and operate is the best protection we have against them,â Mr Kenary said. âThis program will give worried adults an accurate profile of the child molester based on the facts. Once adults are well-informed, they can create a sexual safety plan for children based on skills and confidence rather than fear and avoidance.â
The Child Guidance Clinic of Greater Waterbury is a regional nonprofit provider of behavioral health care services. The agency helps more than 6,000 children, adolescents, and families each year through an array of treatment and prevention programs designed to empower families and help keep them together.
Its Family Life Center works with new and expectant parents to increase the stability of the family, monitor compliance with well-child guidelines, and improve parenting skills. Through a variety of programs, which are all voluntary and free of charge, these services and support mechanisms also reduce the risk for child abuse and neglect.
The Child Guidance Clinic of Greater Waterbury serves 44 towns in the region, including Newtown. For more information, visit WaterburyChildGuidance.com.