Needham Community Council CAP Program Letter to the Editor

In light of the recent disturbing events involving children in our community, we would like to encourage adults in the community to review the following strategies and rules with the children in their lives, so together we can empower children of all ages to stay, as we say in CAP, “Safe, Strong and Free.” This information is presented to every 1st, 3rd & 5th grade classroom in the Needham Public Schools by the Needham Community Council Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Program.

A stranger is simply someone that you do not know. We know that most strangers are kind, and would never want to harm a child, but you cannot tell just by looking at a stranger if they are a safe or an unsafe person. It is important to follow the same safety rules around all strangers. Strangers should be asking other adults for help, they should not be asking children. It is not rude or disrespectful for a child to say NO to a stranger.

Unsafe strangers can play tricks on children, so, do not talk to strangers. Don’t give them any personal information about yourself, such as your name, address, or where you go to school. Do not ever get in a car or go anywhere with a stranger. Do not take anything from a stranger. Always remain a safe distance away from strangers. Be aware of your surroundings when in a public place.

If a child is approached by a stranger, they should Run to a safe place, Yell NO! over and over until they are in a safe place, and Tell an adult about what happened, including when, where and a description of the stranger.

Please contact us if you would like to learn more about the Council CAP Program.

Caren Nemtzow
Director, Needham Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP)
cnemtzow@needhamcommunitycouncil.org

Sandy Robinson
Executive Director, Needham Community Council
srobinson@needhamcommunitycouncil.org

Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, Ma 02494
781-444-2415