Youth-serving groups must be watched to safeguard children
I’m very sad to say, but it was only a matter of time. The stories are different, but somehow always the same: a well-loved, well-trusted, often immeasurably talented individual infiltrates a youth-serving organization to gain access to children ... and successfully victimizes, abuses and shames kids into silence. All the while receiving praise and respect from parents, the organization and often the community at large.
But it could never happen to our children. Never our coaches or counselors. Not in our community. Right? Wrong. It could, can and does happen in communities just like yours, to children just like yours, with coaches just like the ones you know, love and trust. Sadly, it happens every day.
In Florida, we have already taken a big step toward safeguarding our children. That step is the expansion of mandatory reporting.
We led the charge in 2011, along with committed and engaged state legislators, to designate each and every Floridian a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse — with a third-degree felony for failure to report, and a $1 million fine for colleges and universities that knowingly cover up allegations of abuse.
Even if a report is not accepted — there is not enough information to warrant an investigation — a “flag” is created in the system. If multiple flags regarding a person, child or situation are generated over time, those dots are connected and an investigation is triggered. But laws can take us only so far.
Ninety-five percent of child sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness. We must, each and every one of us, commit to educating ourselves, our children and our communities on grooming behavior, red flags of abuse, how to avoid the traps predators set, and how to seek help if something is not quite right.
Remember, no youth-serving organization or community program is immune, but with proper policies and procedures in place, we can create a safer environment.
Each and every one of us has a role in the safety of our children. Together, we can prevent abuse and protect childhood.