Child Safety: What you need to know

The numbers are overwhelming and alarming: Approximately 2,000 children are reported missing each day – one every 37 seconds. How is that even possible?! Reading this statistic makes me want to never let my children out of my sight. I try my hardest to educate my children about the potential dangers that unfortunately are out there, yet I run into the dilemma of how much to tell them to make them aware, but not to be afraid of the world around them. Where do you draw the line? And further, what would I possibly do if, God forbid, I was ever faced with such a nightmare?

Our community will be welcoming Alan J. Robinson, a representative for Project Alert (America’s Law Enforcement Retiree Team) of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Adam Walsh Foundation to address these exact questions. Robinson is a national speaker sought by parents, teachers and other law enforcement officials on the topic of child abduction, and provides an inside look on how pedophiles and child abductors think and operate and, most importantly, how to protect your children from them. Using his 30 years of security/law enforcement experience and research on this topic, Robinson continues to volunteer his time to assist law enforcement agencies on breaking cases of missing children. He has received numerous awards for his work in this field, including the FBI Director’s “Distinguished Community Leadership Award.”

Robinson’s presentation continues to receive high praise throughout the country about the valuable information gained. The topic is definitely scary, yet it is far better to be educated. At the Alliance JCC Social Hall, on Thursday, December 12, starting at 6:30 p.m., parents and caregivers will be provided with the tools to prevent child abduction, kidnapping and sexual exploitation as well as the safe use of technology (PCs and cell phones). Robinson will dispel common safety myths, while providing skills parents, educators and police can teach children to help prevent them from becoming a victim.

Attendees will also receive an educational packet with valuable safety references, including an age-appropriate skills chart. Due to the sensitive content, no one under the age of 18 will be permitted to attend. Robinson is so passionate about educating people on this topic, he provides this presentation on a volunteer basis; there is no cost to attend. This event is co-sponsored by the Parenting Center at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and Jewish Family Services.

For more information: contact Michelle Cicchitelli at mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.