Meeting To Keep Sex Offenders Off Streets For Halloween

WHITE PLAINS, NY — While trick-or-treaters are out and about Halloween, Westchester County sex offenders will, for the 15th year, be attending an anti-sexual abuse victim impact program designed to keep sex offenders off the streets.

The annual program is run by the Westchester County Probation Department and is joined by the Putnam County Probation Department and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.

According to a county spokeswoman, more than 150 registered and non-registered sex offenders on probation in Westchester County are required to attend an educational program at the Westchester County Courthouse from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The offenders will hear about devastation perpetrated on children and adult victims, and they will gain insight into how those acts can affect a victim's life.

Karel Amaranth, of Victim's Assistance Services/WESTCOP, will share her experiences in working with victims of abuse and the impact of sexual assault and trauma. A survivor of sexual abuse will share her story and experiences regarding the impact of abuse, as well as her road to recovery.

County officials said that, while the program is taking place, probation officers and police officers from the county Department of Public Safety will be in the community tracking down offenders who did not report to the event.

After the event is over, offenders will not be allowed to use public transportation. Anyone needing a ride home will be driven by probation officers.

SEE ALSO: White Plains 2019 Halloween Sex Offender Safety Map

Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.