Vigilance is the answer in keeping kids safe

8-2-2009 National:

Note: There is obviously a distinction between someone who is caught urinating behind a tree and someone who rapes and murders a child. This column is about true sexual predators.

The sex offender registry is an invaluable tool, but it is not enough to make sure children are safe.

While it is important to know if sex offenders live in your area, there are a couple of reasons it may give a false sense of security, according to a source within law enforcement.

Out of state offenders move to Utah. Although they are required by law to register with the Department of Corrections, some do not.

As pointed out in a previous column, some offenders give false addresses. Due to a lack of resources, it is difficult for law enforcement to verify every residence.

Also, as many have correctly pointed out, many victims fall prey to people they already know.

That does not mean child predators are not a threat. Dru Sjodin was killed by a convicted sex offender, as was the family of Shasta Groene.

So parents need to be vigilant. It is difficult-particularly as a single parent-to know what the kids are doing all the time. But it has to be a priority.

Some tips for keeping children safe:

Make sure they know important information: Work and cell phone numbers; your address, as well as grandma and grandpa's; and knowing how to call poison control or 911 are all vital. The convenience of cell phones makes it so knowing this information is not a priority, but children need to know this.

Constant communication: With cell phones more prevalent, text them. If they don't respond, call and see if they're okay. The same goes for child-care providers. They should respond to your calls and messages promptly.

Find out about their day: This may be hard, especially if the children are away for days or weeks. But constantly talking to them helps you keep a pulse on their mannerisms and attitudes, and may help you notice if something is wrong.

Teaching them to speak out: Children need to know that they have the right to speak up. They have a right to tell people to leave them alone, whether it's a trusted friend or a stranger. There are some great places in Utah for children to learn self-defense.

As a parent, I'm concerned about my children, and yours. It is our job as parents to be wary of any threat to our kids. Pointing out the dangers of child predators is not fear-mongering, it's life.

Many emails point to a low rate of recidivism for sex offenders, but that is of no comfort to a parent who loses a child. There is only one way to make sure there are no repeat offenses.

Don't hurt anyone the first time.

Your questions and comments are always welcome: mrmichaelpramos@gmail.com

For more info: Protecting children

This reason behind the original column was to get feedback from the community, not express hatred for sex offenders. Instead of claiming to be victims, those who have committed offenses against others should be at the forefront, offering ways to keep kids safer .

Personally, I do not think the banishment theory will work. Studies have shown that zoning can lead to a rise in homelessness. Homeless perpetrators can become desperate. It was a homeless sex offender who killed 13-year-old Alycia Nipp.

..Source.. by Michael Ramos