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Talking with Children About Sexual Abuse

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org beKidSafe, Blog, Fighting ACEs PBC, KidSafe, Latest News April 3, 2024April 4, 2024

By Cherie Benjoseph, LCSW and Renée Layman, LMHC

Sexual abuse can be a sensitive and difficult topic for us as caregivers to talk with our children about. For adults it can bring up our greatest fears, and in many cases trigger our own memories. But we do not have to feel powerless, we can take many steps that will help strengthen us as adults, not just our children, to lessen the risk of our children being victimized by Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). Starting these steps early (although it is never too late to start!) and using developmentally appropriate language and strategies can empower and protect families.

In this blog, we'll provide some starting points on your journey to making your family KidSafe smart. We will explore appropriate ways for speaking to children about sexual abuse, focusing on key principles and strategies supported by experts in child psychology and sexual abuse prevention.

Trusted Adults Need to Get Educated First: What is it exactly that I am trying to prevent? What are the chances this could happen to my child? I am a survivor, is this impacting how I parent?
Start Early and Keep it Age Appropriate: Research shows that initiating discussions about personal safety from an early age can help children develop a positive understanding of body safety and boundaries. The words we choose are important. When we are speaking to children we do not use the words child sexual abuse at all. In fact, we teach all of body autonomy, consent and personal safety from a place of fun, not fear. It's essential to tailor conversations to the child's age and cognitive abilities, using language and concepts they can comprehend. For younger children, discussions may focus on basic body safety rules, while older children can engage in more detailed conversations about consent and healthy relationships.
Personal safety is Part of Everyday Parenting: Just like you teach car safety, kitchen safety, pool safety, personal safety comes up in our natural parenting. Regularly reinforce important messages about body safety, boundaries, and the importance of speaking up if something feels wrong. Much of the learning opportunities occur between siblings and other family members. This is an excellent opportunity for children to practice using their voice to say “no”, or “I want to stop”, to a touch (tickling, a hug, roughhousing). Children who learn to speak up, and have the support of their grown-ups when they do, feel valued. This is how we build skills of resilience.
Promote Healthy Sexuality: In addition to discussing boundaries and safety, it's important to promote healthy attitudes towards sexuality. Teach children to respect their bodies and the bodies of others, emphasizing the value of consent, empathy, and communication in relationships. By fostering a positive and open attitude towards sexuality, children are better equipped to recognize and reject harmful behavior. Many adults were raised to feel shame about our bodies, how it functions and that it is not okay to ask questions. We need to change this attitude as we raise children today. No shame.
Teach Correct Names for Body Parts: This is a simple yet very powerful step to take to strengthen the safety of your child. Using anatomically correct names for body parts helps reduce confusion and empowers children to communicate clearly about their bodies. Predators are looking for kids who do not have an open and trusting relationship with their caregivers. Children who are comfortable with using the proper names for their body parts, and can comfortably go to their parent and say, I have a rash on my vulva, in the same tone as they would say I have a rash on my arm, are empowered. They are being raised with respect for their bodies, which leads to a strong sense of body autonomy. This knowledge also reinforces that certain body parts are private and should not be touched by others. If a child says, “Don’t touch my chest.” (or any other private part), it puts the offender on alert that this is an educated child and is not going to be an easy target.
Establish Touching Boundaries and Privacy Rules: Help children understand that they have the right to set boundaries around physical touch and personal space. Encourage them to assertively say "no" to unwanted touch and respect others' boundaries as well. Establish clear privacy rules in the home and reinforce the importance of respecting privacy both at home and in public settings. Have fun practicing these skills in your home. Each families rules and understanding of when to establish privacy for children will be different. Listen to your children, they will often indicate when they are ready for more privacy. Respecting their boundaries is key.
Address Perpetrator Tactics: Educate children about common tactics used by perpetrators to keep them silent, such as secrets, tricks, and threats. Encourage children to trust their instincts and speak up if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, especially if they've been told to keep it a secret.
Educate Beyond "Stranger Danger": Teaching a child stranger danger does not teach them any safety skills. The reality is they need to learn about people’s behavior. Sometimes we refer to these people as tricky people. These are difficult concepts for children to understand. The bottom line is that we must create an environment that your children can talk to you about anything that makes them confused, worried, or afraid. And we need to be ready to listen and take appropriate steps. Research shows that approximately 90% of sexual abuse cases involve perpetrators known to the child, such as family members, friends, or caregivers. Emphasize the importance of speaking up to a trusted adult about anything that is bothering them, no matter who it is that is making them uncomfortable.
Address Vulnerable Situations: Discuss potential vulnerable situations with children, including online interactions, social media, and peer pressure scenarios. Teach children how to recognize and respond to unsafe situations both online and offline, emphasizing the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult if they feel at risk. Play the What if? Game. (Does your school have the Stay KidSafe program?).
Give Permission to Tell: Above all, empower children to speak up and seek help if they experience or witness someone hurting someone or inappropriate behavior. Let them know that they will not get in trouble for disclosing information and that they have the right to protect their bodies and seek support from trusted adults.

Having open and honest conversations about sexual abuse is essential for empowering children to recognize and respond to unsafe situations. By starting early, using developmentally appropriate language, and reinforcing key messages, parents and caregivers can help children develop the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe and advocate for themselves.

It's crucial to create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and seeking help when needed. With education, communication, and support, we can work towards preventing sexual abuse and promoting the well-being of all children.

Resources

Ways to Talk to Children about Sexual Abuse Tip Sheet
Ways to Talk to Children about Sexual Abuse Video
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers Free Online Workshop
Education for Professionals Who Work with Children: beKidSafe.org
Information about CFCC's KidSafe Programming
Visit our beKidSafe Shop

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Strengthen Families and Prevent Child Abuse

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases April 1, 2024ACEs, Center for Child Counseling, child abuse prevention, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, PCEs

April 1, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Strengthen Families and Prevent Child Abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This initiative is rooted in communities working together to serve children and their families in meaningful, impactful ways that provide families with the support they need, especially during challenging times.

According to the latest national data, an estimated 1,990 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States in 2022. Approximately 3.1 million children across the country received either an investigation or an alternative response by child protective services, and 558,899 children were found to be victims of child maltreatment.

Local nonprofit Center for Child Counseling supports thousands of children each year in preventing and healing the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. In 2023, 80% of the Center’s clients reported having at least one ACE and 34% of clients had four or more ACEs. Adults with four or more ACEs: have a 1200% increased risk of suicide; are two times more likely to smoke, develop heart disease, or cancer; are seven times more likely to abuse alcohol. Early intervention is imperative because childhood trauma is not something a child simply outgrows; it must be addressed with positive factors such as buffering relationships, resiliency building experiences, and positive community environments.

This month and throughout the year, Center for Child Counseling encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Palm Beach County a better place for children and families. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can significantly mitigate the impact of ACEs and childhood trauma. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities.

Last year, 92% of the Center’s clients reported cultivating eight or more protective factors. Protective factors are the strengths and resources families draw on during difficult times to shield them from life’s stresses. Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete supports.

“Preventing child abuse necessitates reframing childhood adversity as a public issue, a preventable issue, and a solvable issue. It beckons us to recognize that we all have a stake in the well-being of our children–that their future is our collective responsibility. To make it a public issue is to underscore that child abuse knows no boundaries, affecting families from all walks of life. It demands that we advocate for policies that foster family well-being–policies that ensure access to good jobs, safe neighborhoods, consistent healthcare, and quality education for every family,” stated Renée Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling.

The Center provides a safe space for children and families to receive counseling and support for mental health concerns. The organization also has six clinical programs, developed to fill critical gaps in Palm Beach County’s system of care, and is recognized as South Florida’s premier organization tackling the impact of ACEs and childhood trauma. Using a public health framework, the Center mitigates mental health concerns through prevention and early intervention–including providing education around the state, nation, and world about ACEs.

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and resources, visit centerforchildcounseling.org.

Interview availability:
Renée Layman, LMHC, Chief Executive Officer of Center for Child Counseling

Resources:

Resources to support families’ well-being: centerforchildcounseling.org/parentresources
Sexual abuse prevention education for schools and camps: bekidsafe.org
ACEs White Paper

About Center for Child Counseling
Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County since 1999. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school, and community relationships. www.centerforchildcounseling.org Twitter: @ChildCounselPBC Facebook: @CenterforChildCounseling Instagram: @childcounselpbc

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Mix & Mingle Drives Change for Kids

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases March 26, 2024Center for Child Counseling, children's mental health, Circle of Giving, data dashboard, data-to-action framework, Jeff Petrone, Jodie Petrone, Renee Layman

March 26, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Mix & Mingle Drives Change for Kids
Community members gather to learn how Center for Child Counseling is using data to drive action for kids’ mental health and safety.

Founding members of Center for Child Counseling (CFCC)’s Circle of Giving, Jeff and Jodie Petrone, hosted a mix and mingle event at their Jupiter home on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Around 40 attendees, community members and founding members of the Circle of Giving, gathered to hear about the innovative ways CFCC is meeting the needs of children’s mental health and safety in Palm Beach County.

Mr. Petrone, treasurer and secretary of the board of directors and a founding member of the Circle, and Renée Layman, president and CEO of CFCC, spoke about the public health approach that the Palm Beach Gardens-nonprofit is taking to fighting adverse childhood experiences and explained the agency’s vision for the near future of how to better serve children.

Attendees heard about the change-making data dashboard that CFCC has recently built. Populated with data from the 7,000 children served every year by the agency, the system shows exactly where children are located within the county with the various issues they are facing. This geo mapping is driving their vision to: create a mobile unit–built with an education center and therapy center–to take directly to the areas in the community where children are most affected by trauma and need services; and develop an emergency fund to ensure all children receive the help they need.

“If we can save people when they’re young, we can build resilience in their brains…It’s amazing to see how brains look who have been subjected to trauma versus those who have had resilience and positive influences in their life, and it literally changes the chemistry inside the brain. It’s phenomenal and that’s how we heal,” stated Petrone.

Layman explained that CFCC’s public health approach is a framework of prevention, early intervention, and treatment. Typically the mental health model is one of treatment which includes an assessment, diagnosis, and then treatment plan.

“But we know that you don’t have to diagnose a child with a mental health disorder before you do something,” Layman passionately stated.

Thanks to the support of the founding members of the Circle of Giving, CFCC took their vision of the data dashboard to encompass their public health approach and tackle the issue. Through data mapping, they can now look at what the presenting issues are, look at where the need is, and can design services to target the need.

“Being able to design services based on the need rather than guessing what the need may be is so powerful,” added Layman.

Prior to implementing this public health approach with the data dashboard, Center for Child Counseling had 865 kids on the waitlist. Within two weeks, the waitlist dropped dramatically to 350 kids.

Using this data-to-action framework, they are looking at data in real time and immediately triaging kids to care based on what each child needs. Layman gave the example of being able to reach out to parents via email or text and say, “we see your six year old along with 35 other six year olds in your zip code are presenting this issue. We’ve designed this service for you. Are you interested in engaging in it?”

To ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, she also shared her vision for an emergency fund: “No funder will ever tell us ‘no’ and that because of these guidelines you can not treat a child. We want an emergency fund so that we are never told no.”

And with respect to the mobile unit, Layman added, “We want to be integrated in the communities we serve. When parents can’t come to us, we want to be able to go to them. We want to build communities’ capacity.”

Jodie Petrone finished the presentation by sharing their personal story as adoptive and foster parents and how Center for Child Counseling and its services has carried their family through the challenges. She called on attendees to join her and her husband in making an impact in the lives of children by joining the Circle of Giving.

CFCC launched its Circle of Giving, chaired by Melissa Haley, in November 2023 to drive action and change. The goal is to make lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities impacted by adverse childhood experiences and trauma. It aims to take action and drive advocacy toward a brighter future by forming a circle of love, protection, and healing around our community’s children.

The founding members of the Circle of Giving include: The Abby and Matt Baker Family, Laura Bessinger-Morse, Nancy Feiwel, Melissa Haley, Bailey Hughes, Sharika Kellogg, Lisa LaFrance, Sam and Karry Meshberg, Ann Polya, Jeff and Jodie Petrone, Vicki Price, Lisa Russo, Jacquie Stephens, Karen Young.

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Jibby Ciric Appointed as Senior Director, Strategic Impact of Center for Child Counseling

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases March 25, 2024March 25, 2024Center for Child Counseling, Child and family mental health services, community partners of south florida, Jibby Ciric, Senior Director Strategic Impact

March 25, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Jibby Ciric Appointed as Senior Director, Strategic Impact of Center for Child Counseling

Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) announces Ljubica “Jibby” Ciric, PsyD. joins as senior director, strategic impact to play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic direction of the Palm Beach County-based nonprofit, including a focus on organizational and program development, expansion, and funding.

“We are thrilled to have Jibby join our dynamic staff as a member of our senior leadership team. Jibby is a visionary thinker who will be instrumental in helping us identify, plan, and oversee key initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and long-term success. She will help further our important work in supporting children and families with the prevention and healing of adverse childhood experiences and trauma,” stated Renée Layman, chief executive officer of Center for Child Counseling.

In her new role, Ciric oversees internal and external initiatives to achieve the goal of increasing CFCC’s sphere of influence and impact in the communities served, including enhancing the public health approach and trauma-informed equity lens.

“With CFCC’s long-standing reputation and passion for the community, I feel fortunate to be part of the mission and vision of such an amazing group of individuals. Working alongside professionals I admire and aspire to be, along with my own experience and skill set, I believe that together we can make a significant impact on children and families in our community,” commented Ciric.

Ciric’s work and educational background reflect her passion to bring healing to others and promote both individual health and community welfare. Ciric most recently served as vice president of Child and Family Mental Health Services where she oversaw Community Partners of South Florida clinical programs. Previously, she was a mental health professional at a correctional facility and an intervention therapist for victims of natural disasters. Ciric also educated and trained mental health professionals entering the field and created and managed innovative programs related to inclusion of the most at-risk communities in Palm Beach County. Ciric has completed her bachelors in public health, masters in mental health counseling, and doctorate in psychology.

Her work extends beyond the local community and country. Ciric spent time in Europe working on after-war relief in former Yugoslavia. She also held seminars in Europe, including education on the effects of trauma on socio-emotional, neurological, and physical development.

“I believe that my past experience combined with my education in public health and mental health, along with my passion for community stability, will allow me to contribute to what has already admirably been created by CFCC’s leadership. I look forward to leaving a meaningful footprint by supporting our community through education, prevention, intervention, and increased partnerships,” added Ciric.

Jessica Cecere Joins Center for Child Counseling’s Board of Directors

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases March 19, 2024Board of Directors, Center for Child Counseling, Jessica Cecere, Nonprofits First

March 19, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Jessica Cecere Joins Center for Child Counseling’s Board of Directors

The Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) Board of Directors recently voted in Jessica Cecere as a returning member to contribute her expertise in continuing to move the mission of the non-profit agency forward.

Cecere is the former chief executive officer of Nonprofits First, Inc. and has more than 35 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Cecere has also been a small business shareholder, a consultant, and an active community volunteer. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and is a BoardSource certified governance trainer and a certified True Colors facilitator. Cecere also served as the regional president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a certified consumer credit counselor and a certified counselor for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Renée Layman, chief executive officer of CFCC, stated, “I am incredibly grateful to have Jessica return as a member of our board of directors. Her expertise in board governance, nonprofit management, leadership facilitation, and finance will help our agency continue to move forward as we innovate and take the right risks with the goal of serving any and every child in Palm Beach County.”

Cecere has been involved with CFCC for more than a decade as a previous board member and constant supporter. She has a long history of community involvement with many community service and nonprofit organizations. She is a graduate and active alumnus of Leadership Florida and Leadership Palm Beach County and serves as a volunteer on numerous committees. Cecere has served on 12 plus nonprofit boards and advisory councils from 1992 – 2024. She also currently serves as a board member for the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida and the Caribbean and Leadership Palm Beach County.

With respect to this new board role, Cecere expressed, “I’m looking forward to creating awareness, particularly with our funding and nonprofit community and the amazing work that Center for Child Counseling has done, and the very forward thinking and progressive response to mental health for children.”

The other members of CFCC’s Board of Directors include: Eugenia Millender, Ph.D., chair; Eddie Stephens, vice chair; Jeffrey Petrone, treasurer and secretary; Bill Lynch, past chair; Madeline Morris, director and audit committee chairwoman; Jennifer Hume Rodriguez, director; Patsy Mintmire, director; Bailey Hughes, director; Melissa Haley, director; and Renée Layman, president and chief executive officer.

PHOTO ID:

001: Jessica Cecere

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The Vital Role of Play for Children

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Blog, Fighting ACEs PBC, Latest News March 10, 2024child centered play, fighting ACEs, parenting, play, play therapy, positive childhood experiences, Renee Layman

By Renée Layman, LMHC, President and CEO

Play is not just a fun pastime for children; it's a fundamental part of childhood that shapes development across multiple domains. From fostering social skills to enhancing cognitive abilities, play serves as a cornerstone in nurturing healthy growth and well-being in children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses the importance of play in strengthening the parent-child bond and for children living in poverty. Information from Harvard Center on the Developing Child underscores the significance of play in supporting responsive relationships, strengthening core life skills, and reducing sources of stress.

Play Supports the Development of Healthy Relationships

Play plays an important role in supporting healthy, responsive relationships and promoting Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) which research shows can mitigate the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Play provides a natural avenue for children to form connections with caregivers, peers, and their environment.

Through play, children learn to communicate, collaborate, and negotiate with others, laying the foundation for healthy relationships later in life. As children engage in self-directed, imaginative play they develop empathy and self-regulation skills—essential for building strong and supportive bonds with others.

Strengthening Core Life Skills

Play is also instrumental in strengthening the core life skills related to success. Whether it's building towers with blocks, playing dress up and role-playing, or engaging in physical activities, play offers opportunities for children to develop essential cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional skills.

Research shows that play-based learning experiences are linked to improved problem-solving abilities, creativity, and self-confidence. By engaging in play, children explore, experiment, and learn from their experiences, honing skills that are essential for navigating life's challenges.

Play Reduces Stress

The past few years have caused significant stress and anxiety for children and their families. In the face of a children's mental health crisis, we need to find effective ways to reduce stress. Play serves as a natural stress reliever, offering children a safe space to express themselves, release tension, and process difficult emotions. Parents can support children by 'directing' some of the play through the toys offered. For example, if your child gets anxious about going to the doctor, a doctor’s kit and toys can help them express and work through feelings.

Unstructured play promotes stress reduction by activating the brain's reward system and lowering cortisol levels, the stress hormone. By engaging in play, children can escape from daily pressures, recharge their minds, and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

At Center for Child Counseling, play is at the foundation of our work with children. Our staff have ongoing training in Play Therapy and we are credentialed through the Association for Play Therapy, which sets the national standards for training and practice.

For children who may not be able verbally express abuse or trauma, toys become their words. Through play, children give us a glimpse into their world, work through problems, develop healthy coping skills, and heal after traumatic experiences.

Play Resources for Parents and Caregivers

As parents, caregivers, and educators, it's important to recognize the importance of play in children's lives and prioritize opportunities for unstructured, imaginative play in their daily routines. By embracing play as a vehicle for learning and growth, we can empower children to reach their full potential.

We have developed an array of resources to support parents and adult caregivers of children. Through Ways to Play, we offer practical information and strategies to promote play that nurtures positive relationships, resilience, and well-being.

Resources:

Positive Childhood Experiences and Play by Kerry Jamieson
Association for Play Therapy Parent's Corner
Center for Child Counseling's Ways to Play Resource Page

Speak Up and Demand Schools Play a Role in Sexual Abuse Prevention

renee@centerforchildcounseling.org Blog, Fighting ACEs PBC, KidSafe, Latest News March 8, 2024March 10, 2024bekidsafe, child abuse prevention, child sexual abuse, KidSafe, Stay KidSafe

By Renée Layman, LMHC, President and CEO

Sexual Abuse: A Public Health Crisis

The statistics are alarming. Every nine minutes, a child is a victim of sexual abuse and assault (rainn.org). It is astounding that our home state of Florida ranks third in the nation in calls to the National Human Trafficking hotline. 70 to 90 percent of commercially exploited youth have a history of child sexual abuse.

We hear about it far too often–family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, pastors, priests, political, and business leaders are charged with sexual assault. Awareness of these offenders and those victims being grotesquely violated and trafficked is not enough: the abuse needs to be stopped before it happens and our schools must play a role in this prevention.

One in four girls and one in thirteen boys will report they were sexually abused by the age of 18. Sexual abuse and human trafficking can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects, including: depression, eating disorders, self-blame, self-destructive behaviors, intergenerational cyclical abuse, learning disabilities, and drug abuse.

The Numbers

A Public Health Crisis Demands a Public Health Approach

As devastating as this public health crisis is, sexual abuse and these long-term effects can be prevented through education. 28 states, including Florida, and D.C. have passed legislation mandating instruction within schools on child sexual abuse awareness and prevention, as of January 2023. Unfortunately, 14 states have no laws in place. Every educator and every student across the United States should be equipped with the knowledge needed to prevent child sexual abuse. It is necessary to implement a public health approach to make a seismic difference in stopping abuse and human trafficking in its tracks.

Such an approach includes creating a system of awareness, education, prevention, support, and treatment in communities. Like the public health approach model used for wearing seat belts to prevent injury and death, we must change the societal behavior and norms around sexual abuse in order to alter society for the better. The long-term health and safety benefits of increasing trauma-aware adults has a direct correlation to decreasing all types of child abuse–sexual along with physical, emotional, and neglect. In turn, this can lead to higher educational achievement, less involvement with the criminal justice system, and better physical health and social outcomes overall.

Educational institutions play a critical role in reaching our students and teachers and beyond to our parents, families, and communities. We must use our schools as the grounds for preventing sexual abuse and breeding positive childhood experiences and positive community experiences.

Intervention and prevention must start in early childhood and continue through elementary, middle, and high school. The comprehensive public health approach to addressing child sexual abuse within schools includes: trauma-informed training and education for our teachers, parents and adult caregivers; quality health education for our students and teachers, inclusive of sexual abuse awareness and prevention; connecting students to mental healthcare professionals for treatment, either within or outside the school walls; increasing the capacity for students to access mental health services; and creating environments where students feel connected and supported.

As the CEO of Center for Child Counseling, a nonprofit that supports schools, teachers, students, and caregivers, we embrace this public health model and want to ensure every student across the United States is protected and safe from abuse. We recently launched bekidsafe.org–a platform for educators and other child-facing professionals to easily access online training programs and workshops to learn how to keep children safe through effective strategies that prevent abuse, build safety and communication skills, promote positive relationships and resilience, and identify risk early.

Rely on a research-based program like Stay KidSafe!™, which is approved by the School District of Palm Beach County, or look to your local community to determine if there are groups you can partner with, to teach your students safety tools and skills to empower them to make safe and smart choices in all areas so they can grow up to be healthy, powerful adults.

The overall health, wellness, and protection of children in today’s challenging times should not be left to families to struggle in isolation. Feeling safe and protected is vital to a child’s development.

Whether you’re a fellow community leader, educator, parent, or adult interacting with children in any capacity, join me in changing the trajectory of this public health crisis. Find out what the schools in your community are doing to support the health and protection of their students. Encourage your teachers and school leaders to seek the proper training and provide the necessary resources to promote healthier families, schools, and communities where every child is safe from abuse.

Receive beKidSafe information and resources in your inbox.

Keep Kids Safe from Abuse at Camp this Summer

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases March 6, 2024American Camp Association, CampSafe, Center for Child Counseling, Cherie Benjoseph, child abuse, child abuse prevention

NEWS RELEASE

March 6, 2024
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Keep Kids Safe from Abuse at Camp this Summer
Center for Child Counseling’s CampSafe® Training is designed to protect campers and staff from child sexual abuse.

With summer on the horizon, caregivers are beginning to plan how to fill nearly three months of no school. Every year, about 26 million children attend roughly 15,000 day and overnight summer camps across the country, but how do parents ensure camps are properly vetted for safety when every nine minutes a child is a victim of sexual abuse and assault (rainn.org) and 90% are abused by someone they know and trust? Florida-based nonprofit Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) wants to ensure every camper in the United States is protected and safe from abuse with CampSafe®–an online training designed to provide camp leadership and staff with the awareness and knowledge needed to prevent child sexual abuse.

The goal is for all staff–including counselors, administrators, supervisors, dining and health personnel, volunteers, and board members–to arrive at camp with the same strong foundational knowledge of child sexual abuse prevention and awareness. For summer 2023, more than 8,000 camp staff across 74 camps participated in the CampSafe® training program. More than 14,000 campers were kept safe.

“Empowering every caregiver in every camp setting with knowledge of this topic provides a confidence level that best protects all staff and campers. Focused training for staff and volunteers both breaks the cycle of child sexual abuse and highlights a topic too often avoided out of fear and/or discomfort,” said Cherie Benjoseph CFCC director of national outreach and education and creator of the CampSafe® curriculum.

The program was created with young adults, ages 18-26, in mind to take the topic seriously but not instill fear. The training promotes compassion toward campers as staff become fluent in the language of safety while providing comfort, aide, and access to supervisory staff for guidance.

According to Justin Levy, assistant director of engagement and recruitment for Camp Coleman in Georgia, when they used CampSafe for the first time, “We were skeptical but those fears quickly went away. Having the ability to train every adult who enters our camp on such important information was so easy and so important. We had a better and safer camp because of CampSafe and that is priceless.”

From setting healthy boundaries to ensuring the entire camp team has a consistent safety protocol, CampSafe® training provides animated scenarios, interactive learning, and clear safety language for staff. Director training modules include: interviewing and background check protocol; child protection policy and procedures; supervising around the issues of child sexual abuse prevention; in-person follow-up training to provide during pre-camp week; links to state resources; establishing healthy boundaries; ice breakers for counselors and campers; sexual harassment; letters to parents and staff; and post-testing for certification.

“Training focused squarely on sexual abuse prevention sends a message that your camp has ‘zero tolerance’ for sexual abuse. This powerful message helps deter staff applicants who may have undesirable motives,” added Benjoseph.

The CampSafe® program was developed by professionals with expertise in sexual abuse prevention and training. The Center for Child Counseling team partnered with experts in learning and development, using the most up-to-date online method. The training is designed to build confidence and knowledge for all camp personnel, gently but thoroughly, before camp begins.

“What I like about CampSafe Training in particular is that every counselor comes to camp with a strong knowledge base on the topic. So when we meet to review it during staff training, it isn’t the first time they’ve heard this information and they actually absorb it,” stated Carrie Muhlstein, director at Camp Wayne for Boys in Pennsylvania.

According to data collected from the Center, staff’s ability to identify a camper who is at risk for child sexual abuse went from 49% confidence to 97% after the training. More than 75% of participants reported feeling safer that their camp is taking action to protect the staff and campers.

CampSafe® has the educational endorsement from the American Camp Association and is an Approved Youth Protection Training for the state of Texas. The training can be provided to all camp staff for a nominal fee, ranging from $275-$850 depending on the number of staff members being trained.

CampSafe® is part of Center for Child Counseling’s be KidSafe initiative of providing prevention education for all adults who work with children.

Renée Layman, CEO of the Center, believes “all children deserve the same protection from abuse at summer camps as that which we advocate for and provide training for within schools and child care centers during the school year. Our goal is make it easy for all adults to become trauma-aware and recognize and stop childhood trauma and abuse in its tracks.”

For camp associations, camp directors, parks and recreation departments, and school districts interested in learning more about how to be proactive in preventing and responding to child sexual abuse at your day or overnight camp, visit bekidsafe.org/camps or email bekidsafe@centerforchildcounseling.org.

Photo ID:

001: Camp Coleman camper; Cherie Benjoseph, director of national outreach and education for Center for Child Counseling ; Justin Levy, assistant director of engagement and recruitment for Camp Coleman in Georgia

Interview availability:
Cherie Benjoseph, LCSW, CFCC director of national outreach and education and creator of the CampSafe® curriculum.

CampSafe® Resources:

Website: bekidsafe.org/camps
CampSafe® brochure

About Cherie Benjoseph, CFCC director of national outreach and education and creator of the CampSafe® curriculum:

Cherie is an expert in the field of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. She has practiced social work since 1989. After receiving her MSW at Boston University, she worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in multiple school and non-profit settings in the Northeast and the state of Florida. In 2009 she founded KidSafe Foundation, a non-profit focused on child sexual abuse primary prevention. Cherie grounds her work in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention using a public health model. She is convinced that educating children and those who live or work with children about child sexual abuse and trauma prevention will strengthen families and protect kids, breaking the cycle of abuse. Presently, as Director of National Outreach and Education for the Center for Child Counseling, Cherie works with national and local leaders to define and improve the ever-changing issues around protecting children from harm. For more than a decade, she has presented nationally at conferences and symposiums. She loves to have conversations about how to talk with kids about personal safety, and she believes a safe society—free from child sexual abuse and exploitation—is attainable. Through Cherie’s leadership, several state-of-the-art programs have been created including Stay KidSafe!™, a personal safety curriculum for children, and CampSafe®, an online training program for camp staff, now programs of Center for Child Counseling. Cherie serves on the National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. She is a mom of two (grown and flown). She enjoys qigong, working with clay, travel, and time with her family when she’s not out advocating for the safety of all children.

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Gratitude Gathering Honors Individuals Profoundly Impacting Children in Palm Beach County

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases December 14, 2023December 14, 2023Center for Child Counseling, Child Protector Award, Gratitude Gathering, Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award, Judge Kathleen Kroll, Kathy Leone, Murray Levin, Stephens & Stevens, The Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award

December 6, 2023
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Gratitude Gathering Honors Individuals Profoundly Impacting Children in Palm Beach County
Center for Child Counseling celebrates local individuals mitigating ACEs and trauma.

Center for Child Counseling hosted its Gratitude Gathering 2023 on Thursday, November 30 at the Mollie Wilmot Center in West Palm Beach. The event was an opportunity to honor distinguished individuals who are making a profound impact on the lives of children through their passion and tireless dedication to advancing understanding and action to mitigate the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma.

At this year’s Gratitude Gathering, the Center celebrated with the community its shared commitment of fostering resilience in children. Three local Palm Beach County individuals were recognized: Kathy Leone with the Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award, Murray Levin with the Child Protector Award, and Judge Kathleen Kroll with The Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award.

The Jane Robinson Child Advocacy award is named after the founder of Center for Child Counseling who passionately dedicated her professional career to promoting infant and early childhood mental health. The award recognizes a passionate advocate who works to promote child resilience, safety, and mental health. Leone was honored for her significant contribution to fighting ACEs in Palm Beach County. She has been a passionate advocate for children in the foster system for many years.

“Through her work with the Center, other nonprofits, and business leaders in Palm Beach County, Kathy is making a meaningful difference for the most vulnerable children in our community,” said Renée Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling.

The Child Protector Award recognizes an individual or business that has been a significant champion for children’s safety and mental health. Since 2008, the Saul and Theresa Esman Foundation has been supporting the community of South Florida. Levin, president and chair of the foundation, received the award for his visionary support of keeping kids safe, including providing support to launch KidSafe Español.

Levin shared why he is driven to help children: “They deserve care, they deserve love, and they should get all they need as our most important human beings.”

The Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award is named in honor of the pioneering legal mind who worked for children’s rights long before the impact of ACEs on society was fully understood. The award recognizes a trailblazing person in the legal profession who advocates for a fuller understanding of the science of adversity in the context of the law. The recipient works tirelessly to promote a trauma-informed approach to legal practice–making our legal system more compassionate and equitable for vulnerable children and families. In 2019, the award was given to Judge Alvarez to honor his trauma-informed and compassionate approach within the juvenile court system. Judge Alvarez, a beloved member of the Palm Beach County community, died earlier this year. With his wife Elaine’s permission, this award will continue his legacy. At the gathering, Elaine reflected on their fifty-four years of marriage, sharing personal stories of their time together.

Eddie Stephens, the Center’s board vice chair and partner at Stephens & Stevens, presented the Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award to Judge Kathleen Kroll for her work from the bench to create a trauma-informed child welfare system in Palm Beach County. Judge Kroll has served as a Judge in Palm Beach County for more than 30 years and sits on the board of the Children’s Services Council, chairs the delinquency re-entry subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Commission, and leads the dually involved youth work group of the Supreme Court Committee on Families and Children.

Kelsee, a former drug court participant who struggled with addiction for ten years starting at age 13, shared her sentiments of the impact Judge Kroll has had on her life: “Without her, I wouldn’t be an active role model and parent in my children’s lives today. I wouldn’t be sober experiencing how beautiful life truly is…[Judge Kroll] wrapped her hands around me and pushed me. She always let me know that I wasn’t alone–that she had faith in me. She never gave up on me although many times I have disappointed her. She fought for me when I couldn’t even fight for myself–she made me want to be better.”

Layman also spoke of Judge Kroll’s compassion, dedication, and profound impact on the children in Palm Beach County: “We are deeply grateful to have Judge Kroll in our community. Her positive influence fosters a sense of trust in the legal system and promotes a belief that the Court can be a system that improves the lives of the families that come before it. Like Judge Alvarez, her impact will truly be felt for generations to come.”

The inspiring evening of recognizing individuals making a lasting impact on children and families was made possible thanks to the support of Stephens & Stevens.

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Circle of Giving Forms Love, Protection, Healing for Children

Cara Hansen Latest News, News Releases December 6, 2023December 14, 2023Center for Child Counseling, Circle of Giving, Melissa Haley

December 14, 2023
For immediate release
Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
Center for Child Counseling Public Relations Counsel
cara@yourmissionmarketing.com

Circle of Giving Forms Love, Protection, Healing for Children
Center for Child Counseling celebrates local individuals mitigating ACEs and trauma.

Child advocate Melissa Haley recently hosted a gathering on November 16, 2023, in Boynton Beach to kickoff the Center for Child Counseling’s Circle of Giving.

Haley’s vision, aligned with the Center’s work, is to make lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities impacted by adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Her aim is simple–to take action and drive advocacy toward a brighter future. As Board Director and Chair of the Circle of Giving, Haley is helping the nonprofit form a circle of love, protection, and healing around our community’s children.

40 community members, including 15 new members of the Circle of Giving, attended the gathering to learn more about how to lead community engagement to advance children’s mental health and safety in the following critical categories: training to create ACEs-aware and trauma-informed communities; investing in early childhood development from a public health approach; engaging philanthropy to increase mission impact; and empowering awareness into action with policy.

The founding members of the Circle of Giving include: The Abby and Matt Baker Family, Melissa Haley, Karry and Sam Meshberg, Jodie and Jeff Petrone, Lisa Russo, Karen Young. Additional members who joined at the kickoff gathering include: Nancy Feiwel, Bailey Hughes, Sharika Kellogg, Laura Morse, Lisa LaFrance, Ann Polya, and Jacqueline Stephens.

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