The Hampshire Sheriffs Office welcomes the opportunity to participate in the R.A.D. Kids Program.
This learning experience will hopefully provide them with skills that will enhance their safety. The R.A.D. Kids program is a comprehensive awareness, safety and self defense education program for children 5-10 years old. The program combines risk reduction education and physical defense training in hope of preventing the abduction of children. The objective of all R.A.D. Kids instructors is to provide educational opportunities for children and parents, concerning awareness and self defense strategies, instilling confidence and reducing the possibility of adverse physical control and or harm to the children of our communities. Have you ever wanted to make a difference? Have you ever wanted to empower children to believe in themselves? Come find out how you can make a difference in your community. R.A.D. Kids is the community policing program of today and the future. The children in your community have the right to this education and the many law enforcement professionals in the R.A.D. Kids system believe its your responsibility to teach them. You can make a difference, come find out how.
Protecting Your Child Against Sexual Abuse
Teach your child that no one (not even a teacher or close relative) has the right to touch him or her in a way that feels uncomfortable, and that it’s okay to say no, and get away, and tell a trusted adult.
Don’t force kids to kiss or hug or sit on a grown-up’s lap if they don’t want to. This gives them control and teaches them that they have the right to refuse.
Always know where your child is and who he or she is with.
Tell your child to stay away from strangers who hang around play-grounds, public restrooms, and schools.
Be alert for changes in your child’s behavior that could signal sexual abuse; such as a sudden secretiveness, withdrawn from activities, refusal to go to school. Unexplained hostilities toward a favorite babysitter or relative, or increased anxiety. Some physical signs of abuse include bedwetting, loss of appetite, nightmares, and complaints of pain or irritation around their private parts.
If your child has been sexually abused, report it to the police, or Child Protection Agency immediately.
If your child is a victim of any crime, from stolen lunch money to sexual abuse, don't blame them,
but listen and offer sympathy.
Evelyn Ross or Al Humphrey
Hampshire Sheriff’s Office
205 Rocky Hill Rd.
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-5911 ext. 264
Fax (413) 584-2695
E-mail:
Would Your Children Know What to do if...
They got lost in a shopping mall?
A nice-looking, friendly stranger offered them a ride home after school?
A friend dared them to drink some beer or offered them marijuana?
The babysitter or a neighbor wanted to play a secret game?
A great thing about kids is their natural trust in people, especially in adults. It’s sometimes hard for parents to teach children to balance this trust with caution. But kids today need to know common-sense rules that can help keep them safe— and build self-confidence they need to handle emergencies.
Start with the basics:
Make sure your children know their full name, address (city and state), and phone Number with area code.
Be sure kids know to call 9-1-1 or “0” in emergencies and how to use a public phone. Practice making emergency calls with a make- believe phone.
Teach children to go to a store clerk, security guard, or police officer for help if lost in a mall or store or on the street.
Set a good example with your own actions— lock doors and windows and see who’s there before opening the door.
Take time to listen carefully to your children’s fears and feelings about people or places that scare them or make them feel uneasy. Tell them to trust their instincts.
Street Safety Rules:
Make sure your parents show you where it’s safe to go if you are feeling scared.
Walk on busy main streets whenever possible. Stay away from side streets, alleys and empty buildings.
Always wear your helmet when riding your bike.
If you think someone is following you, switch your direction or cross the street. If you are scared, YELL FOR HELP.
If someone you don’t know speaks to you, keep walking and do not answer.
Never take rides from strangers.
Always let your parents know where you are.
Walk with a group going the same way you are.
Fire Safety Rules:
Never play with matches or lighters.
Always be careful around a stove, heater or open flame. If your clothes catch on fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL! Yell for help.
In case of fire, never try to put the fire out yourself. Stay low and leave the building immediately. Call 9-1-1 from your neighbor’s house and contact your parents.
At home Alone:
Leave a phone number where you can be reached. Post it by the phone, along with numbers for a neighbor and emergencies (police and fire departments, paramedics, and poison control center).
Have your child check in with you or a neighbor when he or she gets home. Agree on rules for having friends over and going to a friends house when no adult is home.
Make sure your child knows how to use the window and door locks.
Tell your child not to let anyone into the home without your permission, and never let a caller on the phone or at the door know there’s no adult home. Kids can always say their parents are busy and take a message.
Work out an escape plan in case of fire or other emergencies. Rehearse with your children.
radKIDS