Illinois Public Schools
Frequently Asked Questions

How was the Child Lures Prevention School Program originally developed?

Author and investigative reporter Ken Wooden interviewed hundreds of convicted sex offenders to identify the many lures they used to secure victims. A former educator, Wooden combined these lures with proven prevention strategies to develop the Child Lures Prevention School Program. Since its creation in 1985, the Program has expanded to include sections on Internet crime, date rape, drug resistance, bullying, harassment, and school violence prevention.

What does the Child Lures Prevention School Program consist of?

1. Presenter's Instruction Guide: Includes easy-to-follow scripted lesson plans, practice scenarios, follow-up activities, comprehension assessment, and tools for parental involvement.
   
   
2. Presenter's Video: "Training for Prevention": In this straightforward training video, Child Lures School Program author Ken Wooden guides presenters through the program and shares highlights of his own presentations to students of various ages.
   
   
3. Student Video: "Luring: What Would You Do?": Four realistic dramatizations allow students to clearly visualize just how easily they may be lured into victimization. (Recommended for Grades 3 and up.) Also contains the 45-minute commercial free Child Lures Prevention Town Hall Meeting Telecast: Smart Choices/Safe Kids.
   
   
4. Child Lures Prevention Parent Guide: This 20-page handbook summarizes the Child Lures School Program and offers ideal home reinforcement for the Program. (Available in English, Spanish and Polish.)

Who teaches the Child Lures Prevention School Program?

The Child Lures Prevention School Program is most often taught by a school counselor, nurse or health/phys-ed teacher. In some schools, classroom teachers present the Program. It is suggested that Guidance Counselors act as coordinators and be readily available for victimized children's needs.

How long does it take to teach the Child Lures Prevention School Program?

The program can conform to the time constraints of any classroom. Single lesson plans can be taught in as little as 15 minutes. Many presenters opt to follow the suggested one or two week presentation timetables found in the Presenter's Instruction Guide; others create their own.

Is the Child Lures Prevention School Program age-appropriate?

Yes. The Presenter's Instruction Guide contains separate age-appropriate lesson plans and review activities for elementary and middle/high school students. Presenters are also encouraged to fine-tune each lesson, based on the sophistication of students.

It is recommended that presenters teach Grades K-2 the Cornerstone Lesson Plans only. These may be supplemented with Lures Lesson Plans as warranted. Children learn best when taught concepts incrementally. Adding Lures Lesson Plans each year is an excellent way to ensure that youngsters retain the information and that the program stays fresh for students.

What do youngsters learn from the Child Lures Prevention School Program?

The Child Lures Prevention School Program teaches children life skills to protect them from predatory crimes. It gives them the ability to distinguish between appropriate and improper behavior and to recognize potentially dangerous people and situations. It encourages them to treat others with respect and dignity – and to expect the same.

Does the Child Lures Prevention School Program offer a balanced perspective?

Yes. Youngsters are repeatedly reassured that the vast majority of adults are sincerely committed to the happiness and well-being of children and would not take advantage of them. Those who prey on children are the exception.

Does the Child Lures Prevention School Program address bullying?

Yes. The Program addresses bullying and harassment issues and gives students steps to take to prevent and report these unacceptable behaviors.

The Child Lures Prevention School Program also emphasizes that it is illegal for anyone – even a peer – to cross over the line from affection to sexual abuse. As much as 30% of all childhood sexual abuse is perpetrated by children, on children. The importance of reporting all crimes and getting help from trusted adults is stressed.

How do we involve parents?

For any prevention program to be truly successful, schools must enlist the support of parents. Prior to classroom presentations, schools are encouraged to hold an informational meeting where parents can watch the Child Lures Prevention School Program training and student videos, review the lesson plans, and raise any questions or concerns they may have.

Distribution of the Child Lures Prevention Parent Guide gives parents and other caregivers the ability to reinforce prevention strategies at home. Parents should also receive a copy of the take-home flyer, "Tips for Safeguarding Your Children," located in your Presenter's Instruction Guide (see contents).

Schools are welcome to provide a textual link to www.childluresprevention.com for free additional resources and information for parents and schools alike.

How do we fund supplemental materials for our school?

In addition to using general funds, many schools employ Drug-Free Funds, Title 1 grants, At-Risk Funds, or PTA sponsorship. Area businesses and service organizations are usually more than willing to sponsor the Child Lures Parent Guides for local schools.

Does the Child Lures Prevention School Program have permanence?

Yes. Once a school implements the Child Lures Prevention School Program, it becomes a permanent resource that may be incorporated into the existing health curriculum. Targeted grades, as well as new students and personnel, can be trained each year.

Has the Program been evaluated and proven to work?

Yes. The Child Lures Prevention School Program has been scientifically evaluated and shown, based on the federally-mandated "Principles of Effectiveness," to be highly effective in safeguarding youngsters. It is endorsed by the National Associations of Elementary and Secondary School Principals and has been enthusiastically adopted by over 2000 school systems in 43 states. (See "Program Evaluations")

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