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Research shows that child sexual abuse is a pervasive
problem in this country. At least 1 in 4 girls and 1
in 10 boys are sexually abused in some way by the age
of 18. Child sexual abuse occurs in all racial, religious,
and ethnic groups and at all socio-economic levels.
The evidence is mounting that child maltreatment is
a precursor to nearly every social problem, including
child abuse and substance abuse.
Safe Child is a voluntary sexual abuse prevention program
developed by The Baby Fold that delivers a Safe Child
curriculum to children ages 4-8 in local pre- schools
and schools that are most “at-risk” for sexual
abuse in McLean County. The program is designed to assist
children in developing skills to help keep them free
and safe from abuse and abduction and includes the parents
and educators of young children as well. The Safe Child
program consists of 10 sessions in length for pre-K
and kindergarten students, and 5 sessions for students
in grades 1-3. This program is designed to be repeated
from pre-K through third grade for reinforcement of
the material presented at each grade level. Parents
are given tools to use in helping protect their children
and information about community resources available
if they need assistance. Illinois State University Psychology
Department conducts evaluations of the effectiveness
of the Safe Child program.
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Well-scripted classroom role-playing
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Videotaped modeling
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Parental education and participation
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Classroom teacher training
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Multi-unit, age appropriate curriculum
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Both stranger and non-stranger orientations
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To help children develop the skills to resist unwanted
touch
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To assist children in developing awareness of safety
techniques regarding strangers
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To encourage parental involvement in helping children
develop safety skills
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To increase community awareness regarding the prevalence
of sexual abuse
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To improve communication skills and assertiveness of
children
For more information about the Safe Child program:
The Baby Fold
612 Oglesby Avenue
Normal, Illinois 61761
Phone: (309) 454-1770
Fax: (309) 454-9257
The Safe Child program is free of charge to participants
and is sponsored by the United Way of McLean County
and Target Stores.
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