Safeplace, Inc. spreads awareness in Northwest Alabama schools
Safeplace prevention program educator Christin Crocker teaches Belgreen third graders about how to handle hurtful words from bullies. | Nathan Strickland/FCT
April has been deemed Child Abuse Prevention month and Safeplace prevention programs see to it that children and teens know what to do during uncomfortable situations.
Belgreen schools played host this week to the program aimed at first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth and tenth graders covering every type of abuse ranging from good touch, bad touch and bullying to physical, mental abuse and dating violence.
“Our general message to the kids and teens is to not be afraid to tell someone if there is something going on that puts them in an uncomfortable situation,” said Safeplace’s prevention program educator Christin Crocker, who conducts this type of program in six different counties.
“We work with first graders showing them what type of touches are appropriate and to say no, get away. In third grade we explain how words can hurt and how to stand up for themselves. We go a little further into detail with fifth graders about child abuse and how it is never their fault and how they are in charge of their own body. In seventh through tenth grades we concentrate on letting each student know that they have rights when it comes to relationships.”
Crocker said each student is given the chance to view video pertaining to the type of abuse they are being made aware of and are given a card and broacher that specifies the different types of abuse, people to turn to for help in the community and a number to the 24-hour crisis line where students can call for help if they have no one to turn to.
“Safeplace comes every year and does an excellent job with our students,” said Micah Jackson, counselor at Belgreen school.
“Sometimes we will have students to come to us after the program has been presented and tell us about things they have been experiencing at home and here at school. I believe the program really opens up that avenue that makes student feel comfortable to speak out about certain situations.”
Crocker said if it wasn’t for counselors being hired in school systems, then this program may not be able to reach out and help those who really need it.
“Our counselors play a big role in out program and really helps to keep us moving forward,” Crocker said. “I can’t express how glad I am that school systems have counselors to help kids and teens work through the problems they are experiencing in life in general. They are a big resource for schools.”
Safeplace, Inc. spreads awareness to schools in Northwest Alabama each year and Crocker feels it does and has made a difference in students’ lives.
For more information about Safeplace, Inc. visit www.nwalsafeplace.org
