Protecting children from abuse, physically and mentally is a major responsibility for all caregivers of children. This includes parents, teachers and childcare workers. According to research conducted by Spungen, Jensen, Finkelstein and Satinsky, it was estimated that one out of five females and one out of six males would be the victim of sexual abuse before the age of 18. In 1985 it was estimated that over 113,000 children between the ages of six through 18 were sexually assaulted in that year alone (Spungen, et al 1989, p127). Due to the increasing incidence of child sexual abuse, a need arose for prevention and training programs for families and caregivers of children. To fulfill this need, child sexual abuse prevention education programs were established.

Research conducted in 1987, indicated that over nine million preschoolers and millions of school aged children were cared for by some type of daycare program. Consequently, daycare providers were in a unique position to provide this prevention program (Spungen, et al 1989, p127.)

The first such program was established in Philadelphia at the Federation Day Care Services.

After the first year, more outreach and public relations efforts were used to reach the parents. The outreach included a brochure, individual letters to all parents inviting them to the workshop posters in each branch of the day care and reminder notices sent to families' two days before the program. Evening sessions were conducted at each branch and childcare and dinner were provided at no cost. (Spungen, et al 1989, p128).

5. Assessing the costs of pursing different solutions and weighing the choices.

The goal of the program was to enhance the knowledge of staff, parents and children and to help children develop skills to protect themselves from sexual abuse. The goal for parents and staff was to help them become sensitive about child safety issues and be prepared to cope with the feelings that the children expressed. This program was developed and coordinated by an interagency committee comprised of administrators, educational supervisors and masters prepared social workers who had expertise and training the area of child sexual abuse (Spungen, et al 1989, p127).

By the second year teachers were encouraged to be creative in their presentations. Expanding on the introductory lessons, the child personal safety program was presented over three weeks. Activities included stories, group discussion, role-plays, games, songs, and art projects. Portions of the program were adapted for use based on the developmental needs of each age group. The program was structured that the most sensitive topics were discussed after the children developed greater awareness and assertiveness skills. Topics covered in the story and discussion format included defining child personal safety; identifying good, bad and confusing touches; learning to handle a bad touch; and telling a trusted adult if a bad or confusing touch occurs.

The program for children in preschool and kindergarten classrooms began and ended with puppet shows that were developed and performed by staff. The initial puppet show introduced the puppets and the theme of "No, Go, Tell", a phrase often used in child safety programs to emphasize basic safety skills. The second puppet show involved more audience participation and reinforced the themes of the program.

At the end of the second year, despite the outreach only a limited number of parents attended these workshops. The parents that did attend gave positive feedback about the program. Some parents were frightened by the statistics and anxious to learn how they could work with the agency to protect their children. Parents found the in-home activities most helpful in learning how to talk with their children about this topic (Spungen, et al 1989, p129).

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Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)