Training session to teach steps in preventing abuse

SPENCER -- Child sexual abuse can be difficult to stop, especially if children aren't able to speak up. That's why the Indiana Youth Institute is hosting two training sessions to empower adults to help put an end to child sexual abuse.

According to data compiled by the Indiana Youth Institute in the 2015 Kids Count in Indiana Data Book, the Department of Child Services investigated nearly 16,000 cases of child sexual abuse in Indiana in 2013. However, only about 3,000 cases were substantiated.

In Putnam County, between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, there were eight substantiated cases and 53 unsubstantiated cases.

The Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) is hosting two free seminars for educators, counselors, youth ministers, youth workers, parents and others to learn a five-step process to prevent child sexual abuse.

Allison Creekmore is the associate director and child forensic interviewer with Susie's Place. She will go through the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children (D2L) training program. D2L focuses on training and equipping adults with the tools and information they need to protect children from sexual abuse.

The program challenges "the notion of child sexual abuse as a societal taboo by encouraging communities to talk about risk, prevention and child protection."

Creekmore will discuss the five key steps in that process: learning the facts, minimizing opportunity, talking about the problem, recognizing the signs and reacting responsibly. Due to the nature of this topic and the training involved, the events will each last three hours.

The first forum will run from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 21. The second will last from noon until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. Both of the trainings will happen at the In God's Arms facility at the Spencer United Methodist Church, 95 W. Franklin Street, Spencer.

As part of IYI's Youth Worker Café program, the seminar and a light meal are free, but reservations are required. For the July 21 event, RSVP by noon on Monday, July 20. For the July 29 event, RSVP by noon on Tuesday, July 27.

You can RSVP by going to www.iyi.org/YWC. If you have trouble with the link, please contact IYI Statewide Outreach Manager Debbie Jones at djones@iyi.org.

This café is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Owen County Family YMCA, Middle Way House,Spencer-Owen Community Schools and IYI. It is also being funded, in part, by Spencer Exchange Club

Youth Worker Cafés are designed to bring together local youth workers to build relationships and inspire collaborations that will benefit children. For more information on the Youth Worker Café, contact IYI West Central Indiana Outreach Manager Katie McGaughey at kmcgaughey@iyi.org.