Prevent Child Abuse

Our education and outreach program provides professional training and other educational opportunities on child abuse prevention. Current education opportunities include:

  • Tours & Presentations – come visit your local Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and take a tour to understand the history and services offered at The Carousel Center. You will also learn about the benefits of the CAC Model and how we collaborate with our community partners to promote healing and justice for children. In-person or virtual presentations are available. Call to schedule a tour today.  910-254-9898
  • Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training – nationally recognized, evidence-informed training proven to increase knowledge of child sexual abuse and change child-protective behaviors using 5 simple steps. Continuing education contact hours are available for social workers, child care providers, and nurses. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may also be offered.

Contact Rebecca Martin to schedule a group training at your worksite or group!
  • Screening of Resilience – This 60-minute film explores the science behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Directed by James Redford, it not only explains how exposure to trauma affects a child’s brain but also demonstrates how toxic stress increases the risk of a lifetime of negative health outcomes, even early death. Contact Rebecca Martin to schedule a screening!
  • Additional Training is in Development – Check back for more education opportunities!
What Can I Do?
Child sexual abuse devastates not only individuals and families, but communities at large. Every adults can play a role in stopping child sexual abuse in the Tri-County Area!
Every Adult Parents & Caregivers Organizations
– Join the Tri-County Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Initiative and take the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training, Stewards of Children. – Seek out and support local organizations and businesses that are Partners in Prevention – Become a Partner in Prevention with your local child advocacy center
– Spread the word! We all have unique circles of influence, you can use yours to put information about this training opportunity into the right hands. – Advocate for best practices within youth serving organizations! Know their policies: Are one on one interactions allowed between an adult and child? Older youth and younger youth? Is there a Code of Conduct that addresses interactions with children? Are background checks conducted on every staff/volunteer member? Is prevention training required? – Eliminate or reduce isolated, one-on-one situations with children; make sure interactions can be observable and interrupted.
– Model healthy boundaries for children – Talk to children when they are young and use proper names for body parts including those that are “private”. – Regularly complete environmental scans and correct possible dangers.
– Understand how to be a safe, responsible adult for a child who is being abused – Have ongoing conversations with children about about boundaries, consent & sex in a age-appropriate manner – Implement a Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct within your organization.
 – Know your mandated reporter responsibilities – Monitor children and teens’ television, video and internet usage/viewing. Exposure to violence or pornography can impact healthy development. – Utilize best practices: background checks, in-person interviews, personal and professional references & prevention training
– Learn about and watch for “grooming” behavior in adults who interact with children. – Ensure that children and teens know the behavior you expect from them, and the behavior you expect from adults and other youth – including those behaviors that would be concerning, inappropriate or dangerous.
– Allow children to choose how they greet or show affection to others. Do not force children to give hugs or kisses. Praise children for voicing boundaries!