For more information about the following trainings, or to schedule a training for your group, contact Doug Brown at doug.brown@alexandriava.gov

Responding Responsibly to Child Abuse and Neglect* 
Find out what to do if you suspect a child you know is experiencing abuse or neglect.  Learn to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, and how to make a report to Child Protective Services.  If you are a mandated reporter, learn about recent changes in CPS law, and your legal obligations to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect.  This training is applicable not just to mandated reporters, but to all persons interested in learning how Alexandria CPS responds to child abuse and neglect in our community.  Training is conducted by social workers with Alexandria CPS.

Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children Training®*
Learn how you can protect children in your life from experiencing sexual abuse.  Research shows that 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before their eighteenth birthday.  The reality is alarming, but there is hope because child sexual abuse can be prevented.  Professional facilitators with direct experience working with child abuse survivors in the City of Alexandria will lead interactive sessions of Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children®, training.  Participants will learn what adults and organizations should do to better protect children in our community. 

Stewards of Children Training

These 1½ -2 hour training sessions explore the topics in the Stewards of Children training. Completion of  Stewards of Children as a prerequisite  is recommended  prior to taking the following.  

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
Child sexual trafficking, also known as the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), is any sexual activity involving a child for which something of value is given or promised.  Sexual abuse makes children more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, as more than 90% of children who are commercially sexually exploited have been previously sexually abused.  Hear from survivors and those helping to end CSEC, as you learn about the root causes of sexual trafficking, and why preventing sexual abuse is important to reducing the risk of children being sexually exploited.

Bystanders Protecting Children from Boundary Violations
Learn how to be an active bystander in child sexual abuse prevention and response by recognizing boundary violations and inappropriate behaviors.  With stories from survivors, youth serving professionals, and parents, learn how you can intervene to reinforce boundaries and protect children in your community.  

Talking with Children about Safety from Sexual Abuse 
Talking to children about personal safety and sex creates a protective bond between parent and child, increases confidence for both, and instills knowledge that makes children and teens much less vulnerable.  Learn how to use everyday opportunities to talk with, and listen to children about sexual abuse and personal safety.  Developing relationships is key to protecting children from sexual abuse.  

Healthy Touch for Children and Youth
Learn how healthy affection from parents, family members, caregivers and youth serving individuals helps protect children from sexual abuse. Receive guidelines about healthy touch in home and child/youth settings, and learn how to maintain boundaries by balancing children’s needs for affection, with safe and respectful ways of interacting.  Also learn about healthy sexual development in children, and how to identify normal and concerning touching behaviors.  

Schedule a Training
Training is offered for community members who live, work or volunteer in the City of Alexandria. For more information contact Doug Brown at  doug.brown@alexandriava.gov . Please describe your group’s training needs. 

Learn more about child abuse and neglect, and the services of Child Welfare.