SO's and predators:stay safe/school time requires precaution Offenders and predators: how to stay safe
Schooltime requires more precautions
NORTH PORT-- With more than 65 registered sexual offenders and seven sexual predators in North Port, parents and children need to take precautions, especially with school starting Monday.
Parents are not the only ones responsible for teaching their children about the dangers in society.
"Personal safety needs to be taught right from birth," said Mandy O'Malley of the Child Protection Center in Sarasota. "It's a life-time situation such as eating your vegetables or washing your hands. Children need to know that they have the right to say no, even to adults."
The parents as well as the community need to reinforce these safety messages to children all the time. If someone lives near a sexual offender or predator, both the child and the parent need to communicate a plan in case of an emergency. They also need to know what to do if there's an uncomfortable situation.
"One of the most important things is for the child to always have adult supervision at places such as bus stops," O'Malley said. "They should never be left alone and should be in groups whenever possible."
Another fact is there are unregistered sexual offenders and predators that no one knows about, often because they have not ye been caught, charged or convicted. Parents and children must always keep their guard up. Just because there are no registered offenders or predators in the neighborhood does not mean a child is safe from harm.
If an adult has a suspicion that a child is being sexually abused, the Florida Abuse Hotline is always available at 1-800-96-ABUSE. Once a report is submitted, the child is interviewed and given an examination. The agency works with local law enforecement. In cases of abuse, counseling is provided through programs such as the Sexual Abuse Treatment Program for the non-offending child and the Kid Kindness Program for children that sexually act out, have high-risk behavior or are placed in difficult situations.
Parenting classes are also offered, including Pathways for parents who were sexually abused and Child Protection Family for families to rebuild and reconnect with each other.
For more information about child safety, call the Child Protection Center at 941-365-1277, or visit www.childprotectioncenter.com online.
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/080606/tp4np3.htm?date=080606&story=tp4np3.htm
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