Fairfax County Community Centers have partnered with the Body Safety Program since summer 2016. The Speak Up Be Safe curriculum was presented to children attending the centers’ summer programs starting that year. In fall 2016, the Body Safety Program also had the opportunity to hold classes at: Mott, Willston, Gum Springs, Huntington, James Lee and South Gate Community Centers.
“I like bringing these classes to the center and providing them to all the children here who could potentially be at high risk.” Elisa Velasco, director of the Willston Center
The Body Safety Program child abuse prevention curriculum is designed to teach children the skills needed to stay safe – how to prevent sexual abuse, deal with bullies and handle sad and angry feelings. The community centers appreciate and recognize the need to offer such classes to help keep children safe. The curriculum focuses on teaching children to recognize danger and to know how to respond in order to help prevent ongoing abuse.
“I like these classes because they teach children what is appropriate behavior with adults and also amongst themselves.” LaTanja Jones, assistant director of James Lee Community Center
The Body Safety program has also partnered with child development centers such as Main Street and ACCA and is looking forward to developing new partners in the community to provide this much needed program to our children.
Other valued partners that have hosted the Body Safety Program as of 2020 include:
- Baileys Community Center
- Baileys Elementary School
- Bailey's Upper Elementary School
- Beech Tree Elementary School
- Belle View Elementary School
- Bren Mar Park Elementary School
- Bucknell Elementary School
- Bush Hill Elementary School
- Camelot Elementary School
- Cameron Elementary School
- Crestwood Elementary School
- Deer Park Elementary School
- Falls Church High School (Special Education)
- Freedom Hill Elementary School
- Hispanics Against Child Abuse & Neglect (HACAN)
- Holmes Middle School
- Kingsley Community Center
- London Towne Elementary School
- Lorton Station Elementary School
- Lynbrook Elementary School
- Mount Vernon Lee Child Development Center
- Oak Hill Church
- Riverside Elementary School
- Sacramento Community Center
- Washington Mill Elementary School
- West Springfield Elementary School
- Westlawn Elementary School
- Woodlawn Elementary School
- Woodley Hills Elementary School
(return to Body Safety Program)