Introduction

The program "Protecting God's Children-Teaching Touching Safety" has been adopted by our Diocese.  This program will give our children the tools they need to overcome the advances of someone who intends to do them harm.  The program was implemented in the Fall of 2006 in all parish religious education programs, regional programs and Catholic Schools.  To provide an opportunity for parents and guardians to preview the program video and training materials, St. Mary's Parish has scheduled the following parent meeting which will be held at the Parish Center in Manahawkin:

    Wednesday, October 8, 2008: 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM

The material you will be viewing is NOT appropriate for young children, so please make arrangements for younger siblings that day.

Touching Safety Program Lessons

The Touching Safety Program Lessons were created for Four Specific Age Groups:

Grades K through 2, Grades 3 through 5, Grades 6 through 8 and Grades 9 through 12

The six themes covered are:

Touching Safety Rules/ Safe Friends, Safe Adults, and Safe Touches/ Boundaries/ Telling Someone You Trust/ Grooming/ No Secrets

 

Teaching Touching Safety Guide

Teaching Touching Safety Guides have been purchased by St. Mary's Parish and will be distributed at each parent meeting.  This guide is a tool designed to assist parents in teaching their child how to deal with the real risks they face when they are on their own.  The Teaching Touching Safety Program delivered by your child's catechist in two classes per calendar year, provides a theme that introduces and builds on the basic concepts of the Teaching Touching Safety Guide.  The material is developmentally appropriate for each age group and includes content and activities that reinforce the message.  The six lessons are organized over a three year cycle so each child receives the full range of information at an age-appropriate level.  

If you cannot attend a Parent Meeting, you may pick up a Teaching Touching Safety Guide at the Religious Education Office during normal business hours.