Predator Proof Your Organization

Children are vulnerable! That’s why you have the ultimate responsibility of doing all you can to protect those placed in your care. It’s a big task and no one can do it perfectly. However, by sharing the most current and up-to-date information, the goal is to help assist your organization in reducing risk and increasing child safety.

What to Know

Child protection and safety is a big topic. Whenever children gather together on a consistent basis it will attract predators. Many organizations go to great lengths to provide the highest level of safety because current statistics surrounding abuse are alarming. For example:

• Over 747,000 registered sex offenders in the US alone.
• Only 3% of sexual offenders have a chance of getting caught.
• Over 90% of child victims know their abusers.

These statistics illustrate that predators are everywhere, and the problem shows no sign of slowing down. Often times, organizations work off a set of false assumptions and the “It’ll never happen here mentality” become the norm. False assumptions that are heard most often include:

• Abuse will never happen in our facility – it only happens in places like [X], you insert the descriptor.
• I know everyone that’s around me – they’re friends, coworkers, family, people I see almost every day.
• Our facility is safe for kids, why would someone target us?
• Predators are monsters! I’d know one if I saw one.

It’s these false assumptions that cause organizations to put their guard down and become an easy target for anyone wanting to do harm to a child. So how can organizations take a proactive stance to protect themselves and communicate clearly they will not be passive about child safety?

Key Steps in Protecting the Children in Your Care

• Establish a Child Protection Policy that outlines the policy for reporting abuse and any other policy violations.
• Complete a background check on everyone that comes in direct contact with children. For long term employees or volunteers repeat the check every 18-24 months.
• Be consistent and follow the organization’s established policies. Make no exceptions, no matter how well you know the adult.
• Become familiar with mandated child abuse reporting laws in your state. Click here for a current resource.
• Educate staff and volunteers.
• Always have a secure check-in & check-out process.
• Watch over children that are more vulnerable.
• Take children’s comments, feedback, observations seriously.
• Remove points of isolation. Predators count on privacy!
• Create highly visible child areas. Glass in the main door and windows create open viewable areas.
• Never put a minor in charge of other minors. There always be a supervising adult present at all times.
• Keep good records of attendance. This helps to protect all involved.
• Follow the Rule of Two – this means no fewer than two adults and two children must be present at all times.

Everyone Has a Role to Play

It’s impossible to eliminate all abuse. However, by taking a deliberate approach to reducing the risks you take one step closer to protecting the children in your care. If you suspect abuse or have observed any odd behavior report it immediately to a supervisor.

Red Flags According to Safely Ever After Include

• Someone who continually tries to get access to children, even if they don’t have a child in the program.
• Someone who asks to take pictures of or with children that aren’t theirs.
• Someone giving gifts or paying special attention to a specific child.
• Someone who lingers outside the children’s area.
• Someone who frequently offers favors to “help you out” with the children, but is not a screened employee or volunteer.
• Someone who repeatedly enters a bathroom or locker room where children are changing or showering and does not respect a child’s need for privacy.