__________________________________________Ask the DA
 

My office, in collaboration with The New York Foundling Fontana Center for Child Protection, recently launched a new child abuse prevention program called Brooklyn Child Watch.  Because I think it is important that all Brooklynites focus on how they can assist in safeguarding the wellbeing of the children in their neighborhoods, I am providing information about the program in today’s column.  

Brooklyn Child Watch was created to build strong communities that keep children and families safe from child abuse and neglect. The pilot program’s goal is to get volunteers in the community involved in child abuse prevention by providing them with the necessary information and skills to help protect children in their area. With increased neighborhood involvement, I believe that cases of child abuse and neglect which might otherwise go unreported will be brought to the attention of those who can help ensure the safety of the children. 

Brooklyn Child Watch was launched earlier this month through a series of three workshops taught by staff from my office’s Crimes Against Children Bureau, The New York Foundling Center, Darkness to Light™, and two local community churches: First AME Zion Church and Morning Star Highway Church of Christ. The first workshop covered types of child maltreatment and taught participants how to identify and report child abuse and neglect. The second workshop reinforced the adult community’s responsibility to safeguard all of our children and presented seven steps we can take to prevent child sexual abuse. The third workshop gave participants the tools they need to develop neighborhood partnerships, organize informational events, and identify resources to engage the entire community in the work of preventing child abuse and neglect. 

Plans are underway to expand the Brooklyn Child Watch program to other neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn. For further information, please contact Assistant District Attorney Mary Faldich at 718-250-3600. 

For additional information visit www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org.