Lauren Book is a busy lady. The founder of LaurensKids.org has been traveling in Canada and Barbados recently to teach and promote her organization’s Safer, Smarter Kids sexual abuse prevention curriculum.
This program, approved by the state of Florida for use in public kindergarten classrooms and guidance offices statewide, is also in a pilot phase covering first grade through third grade – and development continues on implementation at the higher grade levels, Book told me on a recent broadcast.
But a key component of the curriculum is consistent at all levels. That is communication – making sure kids know that it’s okay to speak to a trusted adult if they feel strange or confused about a behavior that is directed toward them. And they gain permission to persist until they get their two H’s – that is, “Helped” and “Heard.”
For those who don’t know her story, Lauren Book was a victim of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her female nanny from age 11 to 16. But she has turned that experience and her recovery into Lauren’s Kids, a national effort toward awareness of the problem and healing for the survivors.
“People don’t need to suffer as long as I did,” she said. “It’s really important for survivors to know that it’s okay to tell and that there are people who love and care about them and can help them with healing.”
In Florida, there is free counseling available to victims of sexual abuse, and Lauren’s Kids can help with referrals. Contact them at 877-LKIDS-01 or LaurensKids.org. You can also contact the Florida Department of Children and Families at 800-962-2873.
Lauren’s Kids has also launched a “Love and Healing” specialty license plate in concert with acclaimed artist Romero Britto. They need 1,000 pre-orders before production starts. Check it out at http://laurenskids.org/plates/.
