WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
These are some of the resources youth organizations can draw upon for help in detecting child sexual abuse and screening possible molesters from among volunteers.
State Department of Justice: Checks volunteers’ fingerprints, provides nonprofit youth organizations with records of convictions on sex-related and violent crimes. Also will provide speakers for youth organizations. Contact Department of Justice, 4949 Broadway, Sacramento, Calif. 95820.
California Child Care Resource and Referral Network: Has prepared a handbook called “Making a Difference” to assist state-licensed child-care centers in reporting suspected child abuse. The handbook is available from four member agencies that serve the South Bay: Crystal Stairs Inc. in Inglewood, Equipoise Endeavor in Compton, Connections for Children in Santa Monica and Children’s Home Society in Long Beach.
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles: Conducts intensive screening process for volunteers that involves checking references, fingerprinting, a search of criminal records and a three- or four-hour personal interview. Also sponsors workshops, available in the South Bay, to help children identify and report molestation.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Written material, including a booklet for parents called “Child Protection,” is available from the nonprofit center. Write to the center’s publications department, 1835 K St. N. W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20006. Single copies of books and up to 50 copies of brochures are available without charge.
County Department of Children’s Services: Videotapes on detecting and preventing abuse are available through the Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect in El Monte, (818) 575-4362.
Southern California Child Abuse Prevention Center: Videotapes and other materials are available at the nonprofit center at Cal State Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles Calif. 90032, or by calling (213) 343-4830.
Childhelp USA: Woodland Hills-based nonprofit agency runs a residential center in Beaumont for abused children and has a National Child Abuse Hotline, (800) 422-4453.
Los Angeles County: Hot line for reporting suspected child abuse can be reached by dialing the operator and asking for ZEnith 21234.