Professional and Community Training

The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center’s commitment to the safety and well-being of children extends beyond those served at our center. In order to prevent child abuse in our community, each of us must educate ourselves about abuse and make a personal commitment to stand up for children.

We offer comprehensive training and resources for individuals, businesses, organizations, mandated reporters, parents, and community members on how to recognize and respond to child abuse. Become a part of an educated and empowered community where all children are safe from harm.

If you are a school professional, parent, caregiver, child-serving or youth-serving professional, or person working for the well-being of children and want to discuss ways to keep children safe, or to schedule a training, please contact Director of Outreach & Education Derek Tefft at 315-701-2985 or complete this form. We can develop a presentation to meet your specific needs and time frame.

DARKNESS TO LIGHT CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING

This interactive, two-hour sexual abuse prevention training educates adults on how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. It is designed for individuals and organizations that serve children and youth and for other individuals, organizations, businesses, professionals, and community members that care about the well-being of children. The program integrates empowerment skills with the 5 Steps to Protecting Our Children:

  • Learn the Facts
  • Minimize Opportunity
  • Talk About It
  • Recognize the Signs
  • React Responsibly

DARKNESS TO LIGHT SUPPLEMENTAL TRAININGS

Talking with Children about Safety from Sexual Abuse

An important step in protecting children from sexual abuse involves having age-appropriate, open conversations about their bodies and safe boundaries. These conversations build trust, confidence, and instill knowledge that reduces vulnerability in children. Participants will learn how to talk with and listen to children about sexual abuse and personal body safety. This interactive, supplemental training builds on the education provided in Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training.

Healthy Touch for Children & Youth

Healthy affection and touch is a protective factor against child sexual abuse, especially with parents, caregivers, and family members. Participants will learn guidelines for healthy touch as well as safe, respectful ways to interact with children at home and in youth-serving organizations. This interactive, supplemental training builds on the education provided in Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training.

Bystanders Protecting Children from Boundary Violations & Sexual Abuse

Bystanders are people who witness boundary violations or see situations where children are vulnerable. This training discusses the necessary actions bystanders can take in preventing, intervening, and responding to situations of child sexual abuse. Participants will learn to recognize boundary violations, red flag behaviors, and what they can do to take action against suspected or disclosed child sexual abuse. This interactive, supplemental training builds on the education provided in Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is any sexual activity with a child for which something of value is exchanged or promised. Greater than 90 percent of children who are commercially sexually exploited have been sexually abused in the past. Participants will learn the root cause of commercial sexual exploitation, what makes children vulnerable to these situations, and what actions they can take to prevent sexual exploitation in children. This interactive, supplemental training builds on the education provided in Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training.

TRAININGS ON MANDATED REPORTING

Less is More Training

An interactive, two-hour training designed to give Mandated Reporters the skills needed to optimally respond when a child discloses or indicates that he or she may be a victim of sexual and/or physical abuse. The training goes beyond what is covered in the Mandated Reporter training to provide advanced knowledge in best practice response to child abuse cases including a focus on the safety and well-being of the child, clarification of the role of the Mandated Reporter, and procedures to assist in the response.

Recognizing and Responding to Abuse

This training will equip participants with the knowledge they need to effectively report child abuse or maltreatment/neglect to the Child Abuse Hotline. Participants will also learn to determine reasonable cause, the signs and symptoms of child abuse and maltreatment/neglect, and the overall framework of the child protective system.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT SAFETY FROM SEXUAL ABUSE

An important step in protecting children from sexual abuse involves having age-appropriate, open conversations about their bodies and safe boundaries. We understand that talking to your child about keeping their bodies safe can be uncomfortable. This presentation expands on the different ways you can talk to your child about sexual abuse and personal body safety. Topics can include identifying parts of the body, healthy boundaries, safe vs. unsafe touch, and how to encourage and maintain open communication with your child.

COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN (CSEC) AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

This presentation aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to situations of human trafficking and exploitation. Participants will navigate the causal factors of human trafficking and exploitation, identify key vulnerabilities, understand recruitment tactics as well as dynamics of power and control, and learn the signs of abuse and exploitation.

HEALTHY CHILD SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

Like all forms of human development, sexual development begins at birth. As children grow, it can sometimes be difficult to know which sexual behaviors are healthy and part of their development, or not healthy and a cause for concern. The presentation will outline the various stages of a child’s development, highlighting common and less common sexual behaviors associated with each developmental stage as well as how to respond appropriately to these behaviors.

INTERNET SAFETY FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND COMMUNITY

This presentation offers tips and guidance on what you can do to support and protect your child as they utilize the Internet. Topics include safety and security as it relates to access and exposure to inappropriate content, online privacy, cyberbullying, how to talk with your child about using the internet responsibly, and how to respond if your child comes to you with concerns about their online safety.

BULLYING FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND COMMUNITY

All adults have a role in helping to stop bullying. Gain a better understanding of what bullying is, what it may look like, who is involved, and how to respond effectively. This presentation also offers tips and guidance on what you can do to support children involved in bullying situations and how to discuss bullying with your child.

Training Information Request

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