What if there was a way for parents to be assured that when they dropped their children off at camps, daycare, sports programs, church youth programs, schools or any other place where children might be, their children were in an environment that protected them from potential sexual abuse? Well, there is! Or there can be if the organization chooses to become a Partner in Prevention.

The Partner in Prevention emblem awarded by Darkness to Light is a way for organizations to set themselves apart and a way for parents to choose youth serving organizations. Think of it like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval or the AAA 4 Star Award — it’s a distinction that people can recognize as a sign of quality. Organizations that have met the criteria for the distinction receive an emblem they can display in their windows, put on their website or print on brochures. The emblem is intended to convey that the organization has met certain standards. Although not a guarantee, this “Seal” can reassure parents that their children’s safety is a top priority for that organization or business.

The requirements to become a Partner in Prevention are straight forward:

• At least 90 percent of employees and at least 90 percent of volunteers are trained using the Stewards of Children curriculum on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

• The organization tracks those who have completed the training, and as new employees and volunteers join the organization they are required to participate in the training in a timely manner.

• Employees and volunteers are required to repeat the training every three years.

• Background checks are completed for all employees and volunteers.

• The organization requires that situations where one adult is alone with one child be observable and interruptible.

An organization or business can apply to receive the Partner in Prevention distinction when they have successfully met the annual guidelines established by Darkness to Light.

To learn more about and schedule Stewards of Children training, please call the Child Advocacy Center at 910-486-9700 or visit www.childadvocacycenter.com.

To learn more about the Partner in Prevention program, qualifications, and application process, go to www.D2L.org/partner. For questions or comments, Nickie Miller can be reached at outreach@childadvocacycenter.com.