Lexington, KY – In times of high stress and uncertainty, the risk of child abuse and neglect increases. This risk, coupled with the drastic decline in child abuse and neglect reports since the COVID-19 crisis began, moved statewide nonprofit Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) to action. In PCAK’s commitment to ensuring cutting edge information is continuously disseminated to frontline professionals and experts across the state, a refresher course was provided with tools and information needed to keep children safe from child sexual abuse.
“Limited interaction outside the home during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the danger of undetected child abuse and neglect for many of Kentucky’s at-risk youth,” said Attorney General Daniel Cameron. “I am especially grateful to Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky for their continued work to provide resources to our frontline professionals, including social workers and members of the law enforcement community, through virtual training opportunities. Our children deserve to be protected, and, as Kentuckians, we must do everything we can to defend the innocence of our youth.”
In this refresher of Protecting Your Children: Advice from Child Molesters on May 12, provided with funding from the Child Victim’s Trust Fund, frontline professionals, such as law enforcement, social workers and therapists, were taught not only what to look for to determine if a child is being groomed by a potential predator, but how to talk to children, parents and caregivers about abuse and offender behavior.
“This is unchartered waters for us all, but everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe, especially now,” said Executive Director Jill Seyfred. “Our most vulnerable population is counting on us, and PCAK wants to lead the charge as a resource and advocate for child welfare during these uncertain times.”
Encompassing child serving organizations from all 172 of Kentucky’s school districts, those trained gained valuable insight on the latest child sexual abuse prevention research, empowering them to drive community-focused solutions, recognize concerning adult behavior and educate peers to keep thousands of Kentucky children safe.
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky and its partners in the community who have participated in this refresher course remain committed to the mission of preventing child abuse and neglect before it ever occurs. Through education, awareness, advocacy and training PCAK hopes to inspire action and expand solutions statewide.
PCAK will be providing additional trainings in the months to come. To ensure professionals, advocates and caregivers receive the latest information relevant to today’s new normal, PCAK will be providing training in Recognizing and Reporting in the Times of COVID-19, Safe Sleep Practices and more.
To learn more or to request a virtual training, visit www.pcaky.org.
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky is the Commonwealth’s leading nonprofit committed to the prevention of the abuse and neglect of Kentucky’s children through advocacy, awareness, education and training. Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky serves parents and families to ensure healthy, safe environments for all children, they are the Kentucky affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse America.
