A SEX ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR ADULTS, YOUTH & CHILDREN

CALLED TO PROTECT™ 

In accordance with Archdiocesan and USCCB guidelines, all parishes in the Archdiocese of Portland are participating in a program for parents, youth, and children on "safe environment" and child sexual abuse prevention. Every parish is being asked to offer educational/training sessions for parents, adults, and volunteers, as well as to incorporate "safe touch" and child sexual abuse prevention skills into their children's religious education curriculum and youth ministry programs. Here at Queen of Peace Parish, all parents, adults (volunteers are required to go through additional training), youth and children are encouraged to attend our CALLED TO PROTECT™ which will be held on:

Sunday May 18, 2008, from 9:45-10:45am, in the youth center. We will be providing all adults (parents, grandparents, etc), children, and youth with abuse prevention skills that they can use virtually anywhere—school, home, sports, band, clubs, teams, and in all interpersonal relationships! 

Called to Protect™ for Parents  We can't be with our children at all times, but we can learn ways to help keep them safe when we're not there. We invite you to join us for the educational session. Called to Protect™ for Parents and Families. The hour program will teach parents and family members how to help prevent child sexual abuse.  

Parent’s will  learn: 

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or godparent, we encourage you to attend the session. We will have plenty of space, so feel free to invite a friend. 

God has called us to protect. We invite you to help us create a community of safety for all our children!  

Called to Protect™ for Children is developed by Praesidium, the national leader in abuse risk management. It is not sexual education. The content has been written and developed by experts and is age-appropriate for Kindergarten through Grade 5. Children will meet with their catechists and age group peers for prayer, scripture and learning activities based on the following goals: 

Called to Protect™ for Youth is a self-protection training program that uses DVD, facilitated discussions, and interactive activities to teach middle school and high school youths: 

The DVD features a diverse group of actors who convey current statistics and skills in a hip studio format. The facilitated discussions encourage kids to talk to each other using their own common language. Middle School and High School youth will watch the video together, and then break into two age groups for discussion. 

Learning Objectives

Part One of Called to Protect™ for Youth defines the three types of boundaries child molesters try to violate: physical, emotional, and behavioral. After viewing and discussing Part One, students should:

1.  Be able to define and identify the three types of boundaries.

2.  Be able to give examples of how child molesters try to violate kids' boundaries.

3.  Know that most adults in their life care about them and want the best for them.

In Part Two of Called to Protect™ for Youth, kids will learn exactly what to do if someone tries to violate their boundaries. After viewing and discussing Part Two, students should:

1.  Know that there are lots of different ways to respond and that they can respond in ways that fit their own personalities.

2.  Be able to demonstrate several ways to respond if someone tries to violate their  physical, emotional, or behavioral boundaries.

Part Three of Called to Protect™ for Youth helps kids learn how to tell their parents or another trusted adult if someone has sexually abused them or a friend. They also learn why it's so difficult for kids to tell someone, and the words to say so they can get the protection and help they deserve. After viewing and discussing Part Three, students should:

1.  Understand why its difficult for kids to tell someone if they are being sexually abused.

2.  Identify who they could tell if someone is sexually abusing them or their friend.

3.  Know the words to say to tell their parents or another person they trust if someone is sexually abusing them or a friend.

4.  Understand that if someone is sexually abusing them, it's not their fault, they have done nothing wrong, and that they should tell their parents or another person they trust — and keep telling until the abuse stops.

The youth program, developed by Praesidium, the national leader in abuse risk management, is not sexual education. The content has been written and developed by experts and is age-appropriate for grades six and higher. 

We recommend all youths have the opportunity to learn these valuable skills. 

We realize that time is precious and that you are all very busy.  However, this subject is very important, so we hope you will put this date on your calendars now, and then make the time to join us.

***If you have any questions, or would like to preview the children’s or youth material before the session, please contact Tricia Boyle, Cheri Posedel, Martin Gay, or Bryce Herrmann at 503-364-7202.  

If you and your family are not able to attend these sessions, or choose not to, we ask that you review Keeping Our Children Safe and Talking To Your Children About Sexual Abuse (which can be obtained at the back of the church, at the parish office, from our website, or from a Faith Formation team member) with your child(ren)/youth at home. Upon completing your conversation with your child(ren)/youth on these important safety issues, please complete the verification form (PDF Format) indicating that you have done so, and return it to the parish office by May 25, 2008, by placing it in the collection basket, mailing it, bringing it by the office, or giving it to one of the faith formation staff. Each parish is required to submit the number of children/youth trained either in the parish program or by parents to the Archdiocese. This report contains no names of families or children. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children safe at Queen of Peace!

Sincerely in Christ,

The Queen of Peace Faith Formation Team

Keeping Our Children Safe    English    Spanish

Talking To Your children About Sexual Abuse    English    Spanish

Archdiocese of Portland Website for Child Protection/Victim Assistance Office

Archdiocese of Portland Child Abuse Policy    PDF Format

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

For questions or comments about this web site contact:  webmaster@queenofpeacesalem.org.
Copyright © 2003 Queen of Peace Catholic Church
Last modified: 02/08/08