(Posted 2024 July)
Last year, over 3,700 cases of child abuse or neglect were identified in Fairfax County. The Body Safety Program aims to help lower this number by empowering children in pre-k through sixth grade with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Volunteers are the backbone of this program. So, if you or someone you know is available during school hours and loves children, this might be a great opportunity to give back.
The Body Safety Program made its biggest impact to date in FY 2024. The program served approximately 15,000 children in more than 870 in-person groups at 51 partner locations across Fairfax County. The program also offered 65 virtual classes to families.
This program is offered at no cost to host organizations. Body Safety is presented in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, county agencies, community centers and faith-based organizations (in English and Spanish).
Reaching the Vulnerable
Many of the Body Safety classes are targeted toward the most vulnerable children in our community. This includes students in FCPS’s special education classes and pre-K Head Start classes. The curriculum can be adapted to make it accessible at any level.
After a recent class, a special education teacher provided this feedback, “The speaker was well versed with adapting to the individual child’s needs. She was able to redirect students who needed support back to the lesson. She modeled what to do and not to do and gave students time to show what they can do and make choices of what not to do.”
The reach of the Body Safety program is impressive considering there are only two full-time dedicated coordinators overseeing 26 passionate volunteers. Francesca Lovitt, Body Safety coordinator said, “Most of our facilitators are retired professionals from many walks of life. They are a fantastic group of folks who just want to give back.”
Delivering a Sensitive Message with Care
Body Safety uses the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum, which is evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and designed to help children recognize abuse and harmful situations and know how to respond. Volunteers are trained to present the sensitive material in a non-alarming way.
In fact, one school principal shared that one of her teachers had planned to opt out her adopted daughter (a student at the school) from the Body Safety class due to prior abuse. The principal explained that the teacher had a change of heart, and then allowed her daughter to participate. “After the lesson was done in the teacher’s class, she [the teacher] felt so comfortable that she had her daughter participate in Body Safety with her [the daughter’s] class,” said the principal.
As an added measure the program even has a Canine Companions® trained facility dog, Rylynn, to provide emotional support for students during a Body Safety Program school visit.
The ripple effect of these classes cannot be quantified, but for many of these children a seed has been planted that may help them or someone else in the future. According to one 3rd grade teacher “I think every student left the presentation well educated about the prevention and awareness of child abuse.” This is supported by the program’s pre and post survey data showing that 89% of children had an improved understanding of the information after the class.
If you are concerned about children’s safety today, turn your worry into action. Volunteer with the Body Safety Program! The next orientation is August 16, 2024, and staff is hoping to onboard 30 new volunteers by the end of July in preparation. If you are interested, apply online, email, or call 703-324-7459.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).