It looks like I might have an opportunity to speak at another school social workers association conference in November 2016 on the topic of prevention of child sexual abuse, based on my second book. I am really looking forward to this opportunity because I feel that it is critical for all school staff to be well aware of the associated issues and how schools can help in this process.
I have spoken on several occasions to school social workers at various conferences; but all those presentations were on topics based on my first book “A Life Interrupted – the story of my battle with bullying and obsessive compulsive disorder”. This will be the first time I will get a chance to speak to a group of school social workers about my second book which focuses on challenges associated with prevention of child sexual abuse.
Just like the school counselors, the school social workers can also have a significant role in prevention of CSA because:
(1) most children often do not feel comfortable discussing this with a family member;
(2) school social workers are often viewed by children as trusted adults outside the home/family;
(3) many of our systems such as Child Protective System or the Law Enforcement System are more likely to respond to a concern brought in by a school social worker