Back to School, Back to Safety

Children across our community are preparing to head back to school, and with that comes a new year of learning, exploration, friendships, and growth. For some children, though, school may represent something even more important: a safe place where they can begin to understand what they are experiencing and find the words to ask for help.

This was the case for one child in our community, who had been experiencing abuse for a significant time, but did not understand that what was happening to her was abuse. To her, it was simply "a game she did not like."

That changed during a body safety lesson delivered by CAPS & Maple City. As she learned what sexual abuse was and how to identify safe and unsafe situations, she realized for the first time that what was happening to her was wrong — and that she could tell a trusted adult.

The curriculum for these lessons, provided through the Prevent 360 program at CAPS and Maple City, is designed by mental health and child development experts through the Monique Burr Foundation (MBF). "MBF provides comprehensive, evidence-based, and evidence-informed prevention education that equips children and teens with simple, practical safety rules," explained Mandy Rice Prevent 360 Coordinator, "We are passionate about bringing MBF into classrooms because prevention education is critical for a child’s overall well-being, academic success, and mental health."

Mandy Rice, Prevent 360 Coordinator

After the lesson, she disclosed the abuse to school officials. That same day, she came to CAPS & Maple City for a forensic interview and later received a Sexual Assault Nurse Exam to help ensure her body was safe and healthy.

Following her interview, she described the relief she felt after finally sharing a secret she had carried for so long.

“I feel relief that I had to say it and I said it, because I don’t have much secrets but that was a very big one, it almost took up my whole head.”

Later, she added, “Now I have my whole head back.”

Because she had access to prevention education, trusted adults at school, and immediate trauma-informed support, the abuse stopped. Investigators were able to move the case forward, and the person responsible ultimately pleaded guilty and received a 16-year sentence.

Stories like this are why back-to-school season carries such significance for our team.

Through prevention education in classrooms and throughout the community, children learn language and skills that can help them recognize unsafe situations and speak up. When a child does disclose abuse, our team is here to provide forensic interviews, medical care, advocacy, family support, and connections to healing services.

No child should have to carry a secret so heavy that it takes up their whole head.

As students return to classrooms this fall, we are reminded of the power of education, trusted relationships, and a community prepared to respond when a child finds the courage to speak.