NCJ Number
241448
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: July - August 2012 Pages: 368-385
Date Published
August 2012
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated a personal safety educational program designed for Latino families attending preschools in a large metropolis.
Abstract
This study evaluated a personal safety educational program designed for Latino families attending preschools in a large metropolis. Seventy-eight children who participated in the Kids Learning About Safety program were compared to 45 control children. Compared with controls, participating children demonstrated enhanced ability to recognize inappropriate touches, learned correct genital terminology, were able to recognize the inappropriateness of touch requests made by "good" people, demonstrated higher levels of personal safety skills, and learned general safety rules. Gains in knowledge were maintained at three-month follow-up testing for all content areas except genital terminology. Although feedback provided by participating families was positive, recruiting participants and maintaining attendance at sessions was difficult. Discussion includes recommendations for future research and engagement of this population. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.