CBS 12's Extraordinary People: KidsSafe Foundation

Story By: Michele Wright / CBS 12 News
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla.-- As parents, teachers and caretakers, we want to do everything we can to protect and keep our children safe from harm. The continuing efforts couldn't be more apparent than in the recent child sex abuse trial of Jerry Sandusky.
 
In the age of predators and bullies in real-life and online there's a dire need to keep our children safe. Child abuse stats are disturbing. 90 percent of the time a child is harmed by someone they know. 68 percent is by a family member.

However, most do not report out of fear, embarrassment on even the way to express themselves. So now, more than ever, the key is prevention. Not just educating parents and the public, but empowering children to be the first line of defense to their own safety. 

Cherie Benjoseph is the Co-executive Director of KidSafe Foundation which she founded out of sad circumstances, being a guidance counselor for more than 20 years. One student cried out for help.

Cherie Benjoseph: She hands me a note and says my stepfather is sexually abusing me what do I do. Her step father was CEO of the PTA. Someone we knew, someone we trusted. Over time I asked her what gave her the courage to disclose when she did because she had been abused for many years...she said because he's taken an interest in my seven-year-old sister. From this one little girl I decided that every child needs to know that they have the right to be safe. But every child needs to be taught skills on how to access that help.

Sally Berenzweig is a Co-founder and partner of the KidSafe Foundation. She says communication is key. Their tips are conversation starters for kids ages 4-15. They believe 95 percent of abuse and exploitation is preventable with education. Every child deserves the right to be safe. Every child has the right to have a voice.
 
Sally Berenzweig: We train with guidance counselors, teachers and basically we are teaching them different skills to help keep children safe. Signs and symptoms of a child in need. What to do, how to react. Showing them how they can prevent a child from harm. We know that KidSafe can save lives.

Their goal is to take KidSafe nationwide, create local chapters and ultimately have child safety curriculum mandated in schools.

Cherie Benjoseph: Our books are international, and that's the beginning of having that conversation. Just like Dr. Seuss books are in everybody's house, we want KidSafe books in everyone's house.

CLICK HERE for more information on Kids Safe Foundation

If you know an extraordinary person or extraordinary people making a positive difference in South Florida, email Michele Wright at mwright@cbs12.com or submit your nomination on-line below. We'd love to hear about it.

CLICK HERE to fill out a submission formCBS 12's Extraordinary People: KidsSafe Foundation

Friday, February 15 2013, 03:25 PM EST