Center for Children offering sex abuse prevention training

Utilizes nationally recognized ‘Stewards of Children’ program

The Center for Children in La Plata is offering training in a nationally-used program aimed at preventing and recognizing signs of child abuse.

The Center for Children, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children with mental health care, is providing the “Stewards of Children” training, developed by Darkness to Light, Charleston, S.C.-based nonprofit aimed at ending child sexual abuse.

The cost of the training is $125 for an organization, plus $10 per person for a workbook.

In July, Charles County State’s Attorney Anthony Covington (D) announced more than 100 counts related to child sexual abuse following the arrest of Carlos Bell, a former Charles County Public Schools coach/instructional assistant, who Covington said is believed to have sexually abused at least 24 children.

Following the announcement, CCPS Superintendent Kimberly Hill announced that all school staff would soon receive the “Stewards of Children” training through the Center for Children.

At its Tuesday meeting, the Charles County Board of Commissioners voted to assist the school system by funding the cost of the workbooks for its employees.

Sarah Ortiz, victims services coordinator for the Center for Children, said the two-hour training is being offered to organizations that work with children, churches, community groups and groups of parents who are interested in learning more about spotting and responding to evidence of child sexual abuse. The trainings are tailored to the type of organization.

“This training is open to everyone,” Ortiz said.

The training incorporates five steps — facts and statistics related to child abuse; policies and procedures for minimizing opportunities for child sexual abuse; building relationships and talking to children about sexual abuse; recognizing common signs and behaviors of child sexual abuse and acting responsibly when presented with an allegation of child sexual abuse.

The training involves two 35-minute videos followed by discussion, Ortiz said.

“Basically, it’s a brainstorm of how to react, how to prevent and how to make sure the proper authorities are notified,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz said the training is nationally used and nationally certified for social services workers and law enforcement.

For more information, or to schedule a training, contact Ortiz at 301-609-9887, ext. 134, or email ortiz@ center-for-children.org.