More than 1,000 children reached through diocese’s ‘Keeping Kids Safe’ brochure mailing

As a result of the May mailing of hundreds of "Keeping Kids Safe" brochures across the Diocese of Dodge City in English and Spanish, more than 1,000 children have received valuable safety guidelines.

The parent-led child safety program, which was printed in its entirety in the May 22 Register, includes suggested rules and guidelines for parents to teach their children.

Under the heading, "What to Say to Children (through grade 5)," are statements such as, "Let us know if someone tells you a secret and doesn’t want you to tell us," and "Yell, scream and kick if someone tries to take you somewhere. Shout, ‘This is not my daddy/mommy!’"

The brochure also includes, "What to Say to Youth (through high school)," as well as "Best Practices for Parents," such as, "Be familiar with your children’s friends and activities. Know where your children are – and whom they’re with."

Those who would like additional brochures should send their request to Keeping Kids Safe, Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, KS 67801.

Each brochure includes a return response card so the diocese can study the results of the mailing. Following are a few of the responses that the diocese has received so far.

• "I would suggest each parish have a meeting to share this with parents. Also, some of it could be used in CCD, but best coming from parents."

• "Excellent information."

• "Presented it to a fifth grade class."

• "I have a daycare and my children are told this several times a week."

• "This will be shared with the children when school and PSR takes up in the fall."

• "I will share with my three grandchildren and teen nephew."

So far, almost all comments have been positive, with one negative comment. It’s important respondents feel free to express any opinion on the matter:

• "If this wasn’t so serious this would be funny -- ‘Keeping Kids Safe,’ coming from the bishops and cardinals who protected child molesters, and in some cases still sticking their heads in the sand."

Many respondents told how they shared the brochure with children, even if they were children with whom the respondent didn’t have direct contact:

• "I gave the information to a family with four young children."• "I gave it to an elementary school principal here."

• "If I see a child needs help, I’ll help it."

• "I have no children of my own. I’ve shared the information with another person who does have children."

• "Shared with pre-school staff at work."

• "I will copy and distribute to all 90 employees - most all have children."

• "It will be shared in the future. Our bank will make free copies for us."

Although many grandparents who responded didn’t have any children in their direct care, most commented that they would share the brochure with their grandchildren:

• "Excellent brochure! Sent the information to be shared with grandchildren in Kansas City."

• "I am giving the information to my daughter in Kentucky for our grandchildren."

• "I sent this to my son in the Wichita diocese with children age 5 and 7. Thank you."

• "My 12 children are all married and I shared with my grandchildren (all 32)."

• "My grandchildren range in age from four years to nine months. I shared this brochure with their parents."

• "There are 10 great grandchildren who will be benefiting from this and four out of 19 grandchildren who are still young enough to profit from it. Our eight children are all reaping the benefits of being able to instruct theirs. Thank you so much for this program."

• "We will share it with our grandchildren when they come to visit."

• "Haven’t any children in my immediate care -- but I do have grandchildren. I’m mailing this brochure to them."

One respondent who didn’t have contact with children, offered the following comment:

• "We have no children under our care anymore. There is too much child abuse and abortions in the world along with drug abuse."