“Safe and Strong Child” Presenter Training

Registration is now open for the Safe and Strong Child Presenter Certification Course, to be offered virtually by the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse, Inc. (CASDA), during April, which is both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The course is recommended for school counselors, teachers, advocates, faith-based organizations, preschool/daycare teachers, parents and other caregivers, and community members who work with children.

Training will take place via Zoom Monday, April 26th, and Tuesday, April 27th, from Noon to 4pm (both sessions required). The cost is $60. Participants can register online HERE.

After eight hours of training, participants will be certified to teach the body safety curriculum. They will receive a bound booklet and flash drive containing the curriculum, sample letters for families and school/organization staff, storyboard pictures, and more.

Following the course, participants will be able to:

• – explain the dynamics of child sexual abuse;
• – present the curriculum to individuals, families and groups of children;
• – know how to handle disclosures of abuse;
• – discuss the program with caregivers and staff; and
• – know how to respond to potential issues or sticky situations.

The Safe and Strong Child curriculum has been provided to schools, preschools, Early Childhood Family Education classes (ECFEC), and Head Start programs in Southern St. Louis County, Minnesota, for more than 25 years.  First developed by the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) in Duluth, Safe and Strong was transferred to First Witness and then given by First Witness to the Minnesota Children’s Alliance for statewide distribution. Its K-5 curriculum is easily adaptable for younger children, and can be used either with groups or in individual sessions with children and families.

Presentations include storyboards, interactive dialogue, and scenarios which are developmentally appropriate for each grade level. The program defines safe, unsafe and unwanted, and confusing touches. It also addresses ways for children to find trusted, safe adults at home, at school, and in the community. The curriculum includes training for professional staff and teachers, as well as a parent/caregiver meeting so that all involved are well informed.

During 2020, the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services received 1,068 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and identified 546 victims. Of these reports, 33 involved sexual abuse involving 37 victims. During 2020, CASDA’s Children’s Program provided direct services to 36 children and 55 non-offending parents or guardians. 

No child should have to endure abuse, sexual or otherwise. CASDA’s hope is that providing prevention education opportunities like this one will spark conversation about this serious issue and inspire community members to learn effective ways to inform and protect the children among us.