The radKIDS Program provides realistic safety plans and options enabling children to escape dangerous situations. Unlike many programs that show videos or tell children what to do. Volunteer staff from the Caring Network of Child and Family Services' Child to Witness Violence Project have been offering the training at the Carroll School in Fall River during 2006. The program is supported by a $5,000 three-year grant from Slades Ferry Bank. Through radKIDS training, children become empowered, learning to replace the fear, confusion, and panic of dangerous situations with confidence, personal safety skills and self-esteem. Through this hands-on educational program the lives of children are being saved. radKIDS, as an organization, is dedicated to empowering parents, educators, police officers, and other child safety advocates in their communities with the "gift" of the radKIDS program by training those interested in becoming instructors in their own communities. For more information, contact Joanne Dunphy at JDunphy@cfservices.org.
 

(Top row, left) Program participants put on the special protective equipment that all children use to practice defensive behaviors when faced with a potential abductor or attacker. (Top row, center) Joanne Dunphy gives last minute encouragement to confront her attacker. (Middle row, left) The student demonstrates her ability to fend off an attacker with a move that she and other members of the class have practiced many times. (Middle row, right) Joanne greets her son, Mike, as he removes his helmet after he simulates an attacker in the exercises. Despite the kicks and punches from the kids, Mike assures her that he takes far more abuse as a goalee for his hockey team! (Bottom row, center) Physical Education teacher Carol Long poses with the class at the Carroll School who completed the radKIDS course in April, 2006.