BREWER (ME)
Bangor Daily News
Saturday, June 25, 2005 - Bangor Daily News
BREWER - Religious educators are on the front lines in the Roman Catholic Church's effort to prevent sexual abuse from happening in parishes again.
About 25 parish catechetical leaders for Catholic churches in Penobscot, Somerset, Waldo and Hancock counties gathered earlier this week at St. Teresa Catholic Church to learn more about the Child Lures Prevention program, the educational tool they will use to teach children, parents and parishioners to prevent, recognize and report the sexual abuse of children.
"This program gives children a good self-image by helping them realize their own dignity and self-worth," Sister Catherine Green, a regional resource coordinator for the diocese, said Thursday, as she led the training session in Brewer.
The program was created by a Vermont man more than 20 years ago. The curriculum is designed for children in kindergarten through grade 12 to increase sexual abuse awareness and prevention. Designed to be used in public schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has modified it slightly so it can be utilized in a religious setting.