CLEARFIELD – PASSAGES Inc. reminds residents that as the school year begins, think about keeping children and schools safe.
PASSAGES Inc. is the nonprofit sexual assault center serving Clearfield, Clarion and Jefferson counties, offers free programs to schools and community groups each year. These programs focus on what children can do to keep themselves safe from becoming victims of sexual abuse.
The program information is presented in an age-appropriate manner and is by no means sexually explicit.
Children in the elementary grades learn the difference between safe and unsafe touches and a touching rule. At the program’s conclusion, the children will learn the three steps to take if someone ever gives them an unsafe touch.
Children in middle school grades can benefit from two different programs offered by PASSAGES Inc. Topics for these grades include Peer Sexual Harassment and Chatting with Danger: Internet Safety. These programs look at two topics: bullying and staying safe online. The issues are two of PASSAGES Inc.’s most requested programs.
For high school students, PASSAGES offers programs on a variety of topics including date rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, dating 101 and an older version of Chatting with Danger. Nearly all of the programs PASSAGES offers have an adult component to them that provides useful information for parents.
All of PASSAGES’ programs are presented free of charge, though donations are always welcomed.
If your organization, church group or school is interested in scheduling one of these programs, contact PASSAGES Inc.’s Prevention Education staff at 800-793-3620, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.