Keep Georgia Safe has a two-pronged approach to providing safety education and crime prevention training: 1) proactive education programs and 2) legislative initiatives to expand DNA collection. Their proactive programs include CART training, radKIDS personal safety programs for children, and media awareness campaigns. They are also advocating for a Felony DNA Arrestee Law in Georgia. The radKIDS program teaches children proven life-saving skills to resist aggression and has empowered over 150,000 children in 44 states. Keep Georgia Safe is expanding radKIDS programs in Georgia and training new instructors.

2. Mission: To provide safety education and crime prevention training in Georgia.

3. Keep Georgia Safe has a two-pronged approach:1. Proactive: Education Child Abduction Response Team (CART) Training School Curriculum Initiative- radKIDS , the nation’s leading personal safety empowerment program for children ages 5-12 Media Awareness Campaigns Web and Electronic Outreach

4. 2. Corrective: Legislative Initiative Georgia currently does not have a Felony DNA Arrestee Law. DNA evidence has been the most effective and valuable weapon used to identify the perpetrator in an unsolved rape or murder. DNA saves lives and helps to exonerate those under suspicion, or worse, those falsely accused. DNA is taken upon all federal arrests and 24 states have passed DNA Arrestee Laws.

5. What are some of the topics you address on your website? Internet Safety- especially with today’s technology, and social networking sites Parking lot safety- at your office, at the mall How to screen a babysitter How to talk to your children about staying safe “What would you do?” scenarios to review with your children and family Top ten safety list for parents

6. Some statistics you should know: According to a report from the GBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics Database in 2009 -558 murders -2,200 rapes -14,257 robberies -23,347 aggravated assaults -95,261 burglaries

7. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 797,500 children (younger than age 18) were reported missing in one year period of time In 80% of abductions by strangers, the first contact occurs within a quarter mile of the child’s home. In many cases, the abduction does too. About 74% of the victims of non-family abductions are girls.

8. Research indicates that 1 in 5 girls and 1 and 8 boys will be sexually victimized before adulthood. Nearly 90% of sexual abuse is committed by someone the child knows, not by strangers. This is why Stranger-Danger lessons are out-dated and not effective.

9. In 2000, nearly 88,000 children in the U.S. experienced sexual abuse. On average, the child molester victimizes between thirty and sixty children before he is ever arrested. 90% of all students in grades 4-8 reported being threatened and bullied in school. 864,000 students report staying home at least one day a month because they fear for their safety

10. How do we keep our children from becoming potential victims? Education that is reinforced through repetition. Educate ourselves (the parents). Use and share the valuable resources that are available, example- keepgeorgiasafe.org Practice “what would you do?” scenarios with your children. Implement radKIDS personal safety empowerment education programs in schools & communities

11. Talk openly about why it is important for everyone to have a personal safety plan (there is no need to give scary or horrifying details). Teach children to be aware of their surroundings and trust their gut. Tell your children to tell you or a trusted adult if anything or anyone makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or nervous. It is not their fault, so they can tell!

12. Keep Georgia Safe is sponsoring and facilitating radKIDS programs in Georgia radKIDS is a Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program for children ages 5-12. Provides children with proven and effective life-saving skills by teaching them how to “Resist Aggression Defensively.” Engages students using multi-sensory learning and dynamic simulation.

13. radKIDS curriculum topics: Home, School and Vehicle Safety Realistic Defense Against Abduction Bullying Prevention Self-realization of personal power Fire Safety Internet Safety Good-Bad-Uncomfortable Touch And much more!

14. The 3 radKIDS rules for all kids: 1. No one has the right to hurt me because I am special! 2. I don’t have the right to hurt anyone else unless they try to hurt me and then I stop them! 3. If anyone tries to hurt me, trick me, or make me feel bad inside, it’s not my fault--so I can tell!

15. Radkids: making a difference Over 150,000 children have been trained in over 44 states. 3,000 community based instructors have been trained in over 44 states. 74 children threatened with abduction used their skills and returned safely to their families. Thousands of children threatened with abuse, bullying and peer to peer violence spoke up and got the help they needed to stop the abuse.

16. Keep Georgia Safe’s radKIDS plan: With instructor trainings in 2009 & 2010, KGS has sponsored the training of 46 new instructors. As a result, 7 radKIDS programs have been implemented in schools and community centers including Greater Atlanta Christian School, King Springs Elementary, Johns Creek Police Department, Gwinnett Community School and Northside Methodist Preschool. Next instructor training is June 20-23, 2011.

17. How can you help? Visit keepgeorgiasafe.org and radkids.org to learn more about our programs and resources. Spread the word about radKIDS, and ask your local school leaders to implement a radKIDS program. Join our email list and “like” Keep Georgia Safe on facebook. Donate to Keep Georgia Safe. Attend a Keep Georgia Safe event or volunteer.

18. Save the date Please mark your calendars now! radKIDS Camp at Greater Atlanta Christian School June 20-24, 2011, 3 :00 PM- 5:00 PM Register online at greateratlantachristian.org radKIDS Camp at Northside Methodist Preschool June 13-17, 2011 June 20-24, 2011 Contact melanieluther@me.com

19. Questions? My contact: Mary Ellen Fulkus maryellen@keepgeorgiasafe.org 770-934-8000 ext. 710