Published Jan. 28, 2005
‘Keeping Our Children Safe’
The Safe Environment program of the Archdiocese of Anchorage is working to educate and inform parents and families about prevention of sexual abuse.
In keeping with this effort, there will be a bulletin insert next weekend in all parishes. The insert is called "Keeping Our Children Safe." It is published by the National Pastoral Life Center and contains useful information about the myths surrounding abuse, the actual facts which counter the myths, and how to talk straight with children. It provides common sense suggestions about how to protect children from abuse.
• Adults, adolescents, and older children can read it.
• Families can discuss the myths surrounding abuse. Depending on the age of the children, the discussions might span several sessions.
• The family can develop safety rules important for them.
• Close family friends and relatives can be included in the conversation.
Abuse prevention is a complex task. It involves education, training, and awareness of the dangers that children face.
During the past 25 years data have been collected and analyzed about the characteristics of predators and their behavior patterns. We are hoping to turn this new information into increased ability to prevent abuse.
School programs have improved which teach children the fundamentals of personal safety. Laws are better and more helpful to victims. Procedures and policies are in place to treat victims with the respect and compassion that they deserve.
The greatest obstacle to this effort is silence. Children and parents need to talk and be heard about these issues.
In addition to the "Keeping Our Children Safe" leaflet, the archdiocese is posting information on the Web site (www.archdioceseofanchorage.org) that includes the following:
• A list of how and to whom to report concerns.
• A cue card noting the essential information to have ready when making a report.
• An incident record to help keep track of the report.
As additional resources become available, we will continue to post them.