Empower Me! child safety presentations Sept. 30

EASTON — The Talbot County Department of Social Services is partnering with the Talbot County Free Library to offer free Empower Me! Child Safety presentations on Sept. 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library in Easton.

Empower Me! teaches children, ages three through 12, and adults about personal safety. There will be two simultaneous presentations – one for children ages three to 12 and one for adults. Dinner will be provided free of charge from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by the presentations between 6 and 7 p.m.

The program is in response to Erin’s Law, which has been passed in 35 states mandating child sexual abuse prevention. Talbot County Child Protective Services receives approximately 400 reports alleging child physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect annually. Most occurrences of sexual abuse are perpetrated by a family member or close family friend, a statement from the department said.

Special Project Coordinator for the Talbot County Department of Social Services Paris Quillet said, “This program can help reduce sexual abuse for our youngest and most vulnerable students. Children learn safety rules and how to develop a safety net of trusted adults.”

Among the standards addressed through the program’s lessons are identifying how familiar people or people in authority can help or harm children; demonstrating refusal skills and other ways to take action if someone is making you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or disrespected; and explaining the importance of sharing all information with parents/guardians/trusted adults.

For further information about the Empower Me program, contact Paris Quillet at 410-770-5870 or email paris.quillet@maryland.gov .