c.a.r.e. Program - Preventing Child Sexual Abuse through Education

Keeping children safe is one of the most important things we do as parents, educators, or other caring adults. To do this, we must equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to avoid risky situations, and to give them an understanding of their rights to protect their own body.

In 2006-07, about 43,000 Canadian children learned—through games, activities, puppetry and age-appropriate, non-threatening lessons—that abuse is never their fault and that they have a right to say no.

See all materials included in the c.a.r.e. kit here!

c.a.r.e. online training  |  Order c.a.r.e. products 

What is c.a.r.e.?

The c.a.r.e. Kit is a personal safety program for children ages 5-9 that deals with sexual abuse prevention. Designed to be delivered in schools and other learning environments, c.a.r.e. focuses on body ownership and these simple personal safety rules:

• TALK (say "No!")

• WALK (get away from danger if you can)

• SQUAWK (tell a helping person what happened)

Lessons and interactive activities deal with appropriate and inappropriate touching and the right to their own body. Concepts like privacy, bribery, and secrecy are explored through games, stories and activities. Studies indicate that at least 25% of Canadian children experience some form of sexual abuse.

For the victims, the impact can be devastating—physical and emotional trauma, loss of self-esteem, destructive behavior and a long-term inability to develop healthy relationships are just some of the consequences of child sexual abuse.  c.a.r.e. aims to help prevent the trauma of abuse by teaching children basic, easily understood skills to help protect themselves, and to get help if they need it.

The program will leave children feeling in charge of their bodies and confident in their ability to stay safe.

Order c.a.r.e. products. c.a.r.e. is recommended by Curriculum Services Canada!

Training

The Canadian Red Cross offers training to help teachers and other presenters increase their knowledge and comfort level with child sexual abuse issues and the c.a.r.e. kit content.  To learn more about taking a one-day training course, contact your local Red Cross office

Past success, big improvements

Created in 1981 and previously affiliated with Kwantlen University-College in British Columbia, the c.a.r.e. kit has been widely acknowledged as an effective and innovative prevention resource.

• When surveyed, more than 90% of teachers, parents and counselors felt the program was effective in increasing the personal safety of students.
• Grade 1 students who participated in the c.a.r.e. program were 80% more likely to respond appropriately to situations than a control group who had not used the program.

Through consultation with teachers and professionals in the field, the Red Cross made several upgrades to c.a.r.e. Among these:

• a move away from "feeling-based" lessons to more concrete safety rules, and a focus on appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.
• the incorporation of cultural and family diversity in the materials
• the addition of resources that address children with special needs. This is especially relevant, because these children are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse.

See what's in the c.a.r.e. kit and find out how to order it for your school or organization.

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