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Child Abuse Prevention Resources

cover page

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
	Background About This Document Child Abuse Prevention Activities under The Family Violence Initiative Child Abuse and Neglect Child Abuse Prevention
2. DESCRIPTION OF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION RESOURCES
	Community Development
	Caring Communities, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
	Research/Evaluation
	Transparent
	Professional Development/Training
	Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education Put the Child First Toward a Better Tomorrow Responding to Family Violence and Abuse: An Independent Living Approach . Stop the Abuse . Youth Speak Up! Youth Speak Out!
	Public Awareness/Education
	The Invisible Boy Touching: The Video Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs Preventing Family Violence (NFB) Child Abuse - Awareness Information for People in the Workplace The Secret of the Silver Horse Speak Out Against Violence The Children's Voice Making the Decision to Care Spanking: Should I or Shouldn't I?
	Family Support/Parent Education
	Être parent au gré du temps Nobody's Perfect


Background
	In 1986, the federal government launched a five-year Child Sexual Abuse Initiative to respond to the issue of child abuse in Canadian society. In that same year, the Family Violence Prevention Unit (FVPD) was created within the then Department of Health and Welfare Canada to provide central coordination for federal activities addressing family violence. In 1988, the Division became responsible for the coordination of the first Family Violence Initiative (1988 - 1992). While much was accomplished during this period, it was clear that much more needed to be done. The rates of reporting and disclosures of child sexual abuse and other forms of family violence had continued to rise, creating a demand for more information, training, services, resources and public education. In response to these issues, the federal government launched a second, four-year Family Violence Initiative (April 1991-March 1995, later extended for one year to March 31, 1996). This Initiative involved seven federal departments: Health Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Heritage, Citizenship and Immigration, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Justice Canada and Solicitor General Canada. Under this Initiative, the role of Health Canada was to "undertake special activities aimed at the prevention of family violence and the improvement of community responses, particularly in the health and social service fields." Funding was allocated for six categories of activities: involving all Canadians and supporting community action through public education and prevention activities, community projects and co-ventures with business, service clubs, unions and others; improving the ability of professionals, including front-line workers, to respond to the problem through the production of manuals, guidelines, protocols and training resources, in partnership with professional associations and community groups; improving treatment and support services for victims through the implementation and evaluation of major demonstration projects and the wide dissemination of their findings; sharing information and solutions through expanded functions of the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (situated within the FVPD of Health and Welfare Canada); establishing national data on the nature and extent of family violence, with involvement by Statistics Canada; and serving as the lead department in coordinating federal action on family violence
About This Document
	Throughout the 1991-1996 Family Violence Initiative, more than 1,000 child abuse initiatives and activities were supported by the federal government. These initiatives addressed family violence and abuse issues using a variety of approaches, including public awareness and education, professional development and training, support and treatment for victims and perpetrators of violence, community development, and child abuse prevention. These initiatives enabled communities across the country to respond to child abuse and helped to develop more effective strategies and resources for child abuse prevention. This document focuses only on child abuse prevention resources that were produced through the Family Violence Initiative for professionals and volunteers, parents and children, teens, educators, broadcasters, the general public, and organizations and agencies concerned with children. These resources provide a means of sharing knowledge and experiences; models for child abuse prevention activities; and frameworks and guidelines to facilitate the development of committees, programs and campaigns. A brief overview of the types of activities that were undertaken through the Family Violence Initiative is provided below in the Child Abuse Prevention Activities under the Family Violence Initiative section. The purpose of this document is to describe the resources that have proven to be helpful in addressing child abuse prevention, using a number of different approaches. The resources described have been selected on the basis of popularity, usefulness and effectiveness. Resources produced before 1991, those that are not easily available or accessible, and those that are no longer available, have not been included in this document. All resources described herein are currently available for purchase, loan or at no cost. Resources are listed by category or type of approach. These include community development, research/evaluation, public awareness/education, professional development/training, family support/parent education and at-risk populations. The information in this document was obtained from Health Canada project files and library, direct contact with individuals and organizations that produced and/or distributed the resources, and the resources themselves. For further information about these child abuse prevention resources, please contact the sponsoring organization.
Child Abuse Prevention Activities under the Family Violence Initiative
Community Development \| Research/Evaluation \| Professional Development/Training \| Public Awareness/Education \| Family Support/Parent Education \| At-Risk and Specific Populations Under the Family Violence Initiative, through the support of Health Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Heritage, Immigration and Citizenship, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Justice Canada and Solicitor General Canada, a wide variety of child abuse prevention activities was undertaken. Community Development Community development activities and resources were designed to empower and assist communities to set up child abuse prevention committees and develop programs, services, campaigns and resources relevant to their local community needs. For example, the Canadian Institute of Child Health developed Caring Communities, a child sexual abuse prevention resource kit to help communities take action to prevent the sexual abuse of children and youth. Community initiatives also included support to develop and coordinate community-based child abuse response teams and services to better serve victims and witnesses of family violence and to prevent further violence from occurring. Other types of community development initiatives included an interactive computer program for use by police departments; a manual to address child abuse prevention through a periodic health examination; advocacy and networking; organizational review; and annual general meetings focusing on child abuse prevention. Research/Evaluation Research and evaluation initiatives (e.g., studying the relationship between physical punishment and child abuse; focusing on program outcome and process evaluations) were undertaken to develop a sound knowledge base on child abuse and its prevention so that the effectiveness of prevention activities could be enhanced. For example, this approach was taken by Générations, which evaluated and revised the Transparent prevention program for mothers of young children. Professional Development/Training Professional development and training resources were developed for professionals and volunteers to enhance their knowledge base, provide training, and offer innovative strategies to prevent child abuse. For example, the Put the Child First Train the Trainers Program was updated and revised. Other professional development and training activities included conferences, workshops, institute meetings, presentations and displays. Public Awareness/Education Media Campaigns for public awareness and education on family violence and child abuse were undertaken by organizations, broadcasters and government departments, both at the national level and in various regions of the country, to provide important information on child abuse to the general public. For example, the Speak Out Against Violence campaign, developed by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, was undertaken at the national level; a series of television spots was produced and aired on provincial television networks; and public service announcements were developed for television and radio. Support was also provided for public awareness media events (e.g., a bicycle tour). Fact sheets on family violence and child abuse were developed for the general public and specific target groups by several organizations, in collaboration with government departments. Many of these fact sheets are available through the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence. The Family Violence Initiative supported the reprinting and distribution of some existing resources. For example, The Secret of the Silver Horse has been extremely popular. This children's book has been reprinted and distributed widely across the country. Other resource materials included story books, handbooks, booklets and books, manuals, kits, videos, films, and television programs, docu-dramas and documentaries. Family Support/Parent Education Family support and parent education approaches reflect an important strategy to prevent child abuse. These types of prevention activities were undertaken in the form of workshops focusing on individual empowerment as an aid to preventing family violence. These included workshops on coping skills, self-advocacy, conflict resolution, awareness/education, personal enrichment, parenting, alternative disciplining, anger management, self-esteem, healthy lifestyles, leadership skills, values and beliefs, sexual health education, and drug and alcohol awareness. The Nobody's Perfect program was developed by Health Canada and revised by its Family and Child Health Unit as an educational program for parents of young children. It provides crucial information on child development and the health, safety and behaviour of young children. The Family Violence Initiative also supported the development of resources for crisis counselling and referral services, and aided in the development of resource centres in communities across the country that focus on family violence, parenting, child care and child abuse prevention. At-Risk and Specific Populations While child abuse prevention is important for all segments of society, some groups are more vulnerable or at a greater risk of experiencing or witnessing child abuse. Many prevention activities were tailored for specific populations in order to address their specific needs, perspectives, cultures and experiences (e.g., pre-school and school children, adolescents, at-risk youth, young parents, women, Aboriginal people, people with a disability, immigrants and refugees, victims, offenders, rural or isolated populations, people in the workplace). Resource materials and activities for specific populations were developed through these projects. For example, child abuse prevention materials were produced or translated into languages other than French and English (e.g., Spanish, Chinese, Cree, Inuktitut). These included brochures, fact sheets and family violence prevention workshops. Another example is Making the Decision to Care, a booklet written by Frederick Mathews, which provides information on sexual offending for teens who have already committed an offence or are at risk of offending.
Child Abuse and Neglect
	Child abuse is a complex problem; no single factor can explain its causes. Studies have indicated that many social, psychological and economic factors are associated with or are precursors to child abuse. These factors are so complex and intertwined that it is impossible to pinpoint any single or exact "cause" of child abuse. In Canada, statistics indicate that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of child abuse and neglect cases reported. Most commonly reported are cases of physical abuse and neglect, followed by reports of sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Perpetrators of child abuse may be family members or relatives, friends or neighbours, professionals and others working with children. What is child abuse? It is any physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment of a child that affects that child's survival, safety, self-esteem, growth or development (Vanier Institute of the Family, 1993). Physical abuse causes injury to the child through assaults in forms such as hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, throwing, burning or poisoning. It is also considered to be physical abuse when an individual omits behaviour that would protect the child from injury. Sexual abuse includes any form of sexual exploitation of children, whether or not the child has consented to the act. It includes sexual intercourse and any touching of a sexual nature. Child sexual abuse is the misuse of power by someone who manipulates, tricks, forces or coerces a child or adolescent into sexual contact or interpersonal behaviour. It includes incest, sexual molestation, sexual assault and the exploitation of a child for pornography or prostitution (Canadian Institute of Child Health, 1994). Emotional abuse includes such behaviours as repeated threatening, confining, belittling, humiliating or ridiculing of a child. These actions tend to attack a child's sense of self. Over time, the accumulation of the effects of such treatment may be dramatically harmful (Vanier Institute of the Family, 1993). Neglect includes deprivation of food, clothing or shelter; inappropriate or non-existent supervision of young children; failure to provide medical, dental or psychiatric care when it is needed; failure to prevent or treat physical or emotional injury; deprivation of emotional nurturing or physical and cognitive stimulation; or failure to educate a child in accordance with legal requirements (Vanier Institute of the Family, 1993). The effects of abuse on children can be devastating, depending on the severity or intensity of the abuse or neglect, the developmental level of the child, the type and timing of treatment intervention that is taken, and the subsequent support and home environment that the child experiences. The experience of abuse can have a negative effect on the child's self-esteem, behaviour, peer relationships, academic performance, and cognitive, neurological and physical development. Over the last 100 years, Canadian governments have enacted child protection laws and supported the development of policies and programs to intervene and protect children at risk of abuse. Since the 1970s, the response to child abuse has also included preventative efforts to stop the abuse before it starts. Prevention activities target not only children and youth at risk of abuse, but also children in general, parents, educators, police, policymakers, and others. These types of activities tend to address the problem from a broader social perspective, with an emphasis on family violence and violence in Canadian society in general. Such activities use a number of different approaches to preventing child abuse and family violence.
Child Abuse Prevention
	Generally speaking, prevention is seen in three levels or categories: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary prevention activities tend to be directed at the general public to prevent abuse or violence before it begins. Public awareness and education campaigns aimed at reducing or eliminating violence in society or within the family are examples. Others include family support and parent education activities, school-based child abuse prevention programs, and professional and community development initiatives. Secondary prevention involves educating and supporting at-risk populations to give parents, children and others the knowledge and tools needed to help ward off the occurrence of abuse (e.g., families living in isolated regions, those living in economically poor conditions, single-parent families, families who have previously come to the attention of child welfare authorities). Research to gain further knowledge of child abuse and child abuse prevention would also be categorized as secondary prevention. Tertiary prevention refers to activities that support and educate individuals and families in which abuse or neglect has already occurred. The aim of tertiary prevention is to prevent re-occurrence of abuse within the family and within society as a whole. Many of these types of activities are undertaken through social service, child welfare or other community agencies. While tertiary prevention activities are vital for the healing of abuse victims and the prevention of further abuse, given that the federal government does not directly fund services, the focus of this document is on primary and secondary prevention resources that were developed with the support of the federal Family Violence Initiative.

Community Development

Caring Communities, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention - A Resource Kit

Prevention Approach:	Community Development
Type of Child Abuse:	Child sexual abuse
Target Group:	Children and youth
Developed for:	Parents, grass-roots agencies, educators, community action groups, researchers and inter-agency committees
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-15-91-067)
Title of Resource:	Caring Communities, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention- A Resource Kit (1993)
Sponsoring Organization:	Canadian Institute of Child Health (CICH)

Major Objectives: To document and share the experience of selected communities across Canada that have developed a successful community approach to the prevention of child sexual abuse; identify helpful resources and successful strategies used by these communities that could be used by other communities; develop resource kits based on existing experiences and resources; pilot the resources in five Canadian communities; promote the importance of community-based approaches to the prevention of child sexual abuse; evaluate the project and effectiveness of the resource kits; and make them widely available across Canada.

Summary Description

Child Abuse Prevention-A Resource Kit was developed and tested over three years in collaboration with professionals and community groups across Canada. It provides background information, program guidelines and practical tools for taking preventive action against child abuse. It can be used by parents, grass-roots agencies, educators, community action groups, researchers and inter-agency committees to start a prevention program, enhance current prevention work, develop a public awareness campaign, gain community involvement, create a community-wide plan, work with the media and evaluate activities. The kit includes Communities Preventing Child Abuse - Twenty Case Studies; Introduction and suggestions/guidelines for using the kit; seven booklets covering Background Information, Planning Guide, Working with Groups in Your Community, Evaluation, Tools, Activities and Resources. The seven booklets address the following: What do we know about child sexual abuse prevention?; Step-by-step planning for change; Challenges and ideas for action; Learning from experience; Helping to make it work; Putting ideas into action; and Finding other resources to help you along the way. Case studies illustrated in the kit reflect the diversity of Canadian communities and include a First Nations community of 600, and urban centres such as Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Information on types of programs is provided (e.g., school-based programs, community-based programs, volunteer programs tailored for children, teachers, parents, professionals and the community as a whole). Materials are provided in a large binder, with a copy of The Family Violence Film and Video Catalogue (distributed by the National Film Board of Canada on behalf of the FVPD), an issue of Child Health (the newsletter of CICH) and a recent CICH publications list. The kit is available in French and English for $40.00.

Utilization and Effectiveness

Five pilot communities developed prevention programs to work with, add to and revise the kit materials. A participant-focused evaluation process was used with each of the communities throughout the development of their programs. This process resulted in suggestions and recommendations for resource materials; building community ownership; cautions and challenges; and success in prevention programs, which are all addressed in the evaluation booklet. Following completion of the kit, CICH conducted a series of workshops across the country to encourage groups to use the kit and to determine how it could best be used in those communities. Two thousand copies of the resource kit were originally produced, with a reprint of 250. While most of these have been distributed or sold at the time of this writing, there were still approximately 300 kits remaining. Feedback has been positive, especially in rural areas and small communities where resources are limited.

Contact Information: Canadian Institute of Child Health, Suite 512, 885 Meadowlands Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 3N2; Telephone (613) 224-4144, Fax (613) 224-4145.

Research/Evaluation, At-Risk Population

Transparent

Prevention Approach:	Research/Evaluation, At-Risk Population
Type of Child Abuse:	Child abuse and neglect
Target Group:	Parents of young children at risk of abuse
Developed for:	Researchers, various professionals, including individuals and those in agencies working with families
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-05-92-002), Centre Roland-Bertrand, la Régie, Centre aide
Title of Resource:	Transparent
Sponsoring Organization:	Centre Roland Bertrand

Major Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Transparent program, which aims to provide alternative prevention services for young children at risk and their parents.

Summary Description:

Transparent is an 85-page, French-language evaluation report of a mother home visitor prevention/intervention program. The report provides a discussion of the theoretical context of the program, program details, evaluation methodology and results. The home visitors with the Transparent program go into the parents' homes to listen to parents; talk with them; help mothers to develop interest in and attachment to their infants; provide reinforcement/support to mothers; develop awareness of parent/child relationships; and help mothers to improve their parent-infant relationship. The mother home visitor also provides information on the needs of infants and available resources in the community; referral to social services as necessary and initial support to parents when they come into contact with public services; and general support to mothers in a variety of ways (e.g., relief/temporary child care). An extensive bibliography and reference list are also included in the report.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

As of this writing, the Transparent program is still in operation and some of the mother home visitors have been with the program for more than six years. There is a regional committee on early childhood comprised of representatives from the Centre local de services communautaires (CLSC), Centre Jeunesse and Centre Roland Bertrand, where some of the referrals for the Transparent program originate.

Contact Information: Centre Roland Bertrand, 2183, St-Marc, Shawinigan (Québec) G9N 2G4; Telephone (819) 537-8851, Fax (819) 537-0515.

Professional Development/Training

Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education

Prevention Approach:	Professional Development/Training
Type of Child Abuse:	Family violence, child sexual abuse
Target Group:	Adults
Developed for:	Individuals, professionals and agencies working in health promotion
Funded by:	Mental Health Unit, Health Canada (File #4888-15-91-027)
Title of Resource:	Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education (1994)
Sponsoring Organization:	Health Service Systems Division, Health Canada (HSSD)

Major Objectives: To develop a comprehensive approach to family violence prevention, specifically with respect to sexual abuse and dating violence.

Summary Description:

This 33-page booklet was developed collaboratively by HSSD and the Education and Training Unit of the Health Services and Promotions Branch; and the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention and Control, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, of the Health Protection Branch, Health Canada; with the assistance of the National Expert Working Group on Sexual Health, comprisrd of individuals with expertise in various aspects of sexual health (e.g., education, public health, women's issues, health promotion, medicine, nursing, social work and psychology). The guidelines are intended to unite and guide individuals, professionals and agencies already working in the area of health promotion. The guidelines offer direction for the further development of sexual health education policies and programs concerned with education and community health. The guideline statements embody the concepts of community participation and individual choice. Sexual health education is defined as a broadly based, community-supported enterprise in which the individual's personal, family, religious and social values are engaged in understanding and making decisions about sexual behaviour and implementing those decisions. The booklet outlines a framework for sexual health education, including philosophy, guiding principles, sources of sexual health education interactions, and components and goals of sexual health education. The booklet is available in English and French at no cost.

Contact Information: Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention and Control, Bureau of Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L2; or Health Systems Division, Strategies and Systems for Health Services Directorate, Jeanne Mance Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1B4.

Professional Development/Training

Put the Child First Resource Kit

Prevention Approach: Professional Development/Training

Type of Child Abuse: Child abuse

Target Group: Youth

Developed for: Staff and volunteers in youth-serving agencies

Funded by: FVPD (File #4887-10-91-112)

Title of Resource: Put the Child First Resource Kit-Train the Trainers Program for Youth Serving Organizations (1993)

Sponsoring Organization: Society for Children and Youth of British Columbia, in conjunction with The Justice Institute of British Columbia, Interdisciplinary Studies

Major Objectives: To develop new training guidelines and materials for the Put the Child First program; to evaluate the usefulness of the updated program; to design and distribute promotional materials; to establish an information base for the program; to further disseminate Put the Child First.

Summary Description:

The original sponsoring organization for the development of Put the Child First in 1988-89 was the Canadian Council on Children and Youth (CCCY/CEJY). Put the Child First is a train-the- trainer resource package designed for staff and volunteers working in youth-serving agencies across the country. The purpose of the package is to provide youth-serving agencies (e.g., Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, 4-H Clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA/YWCAs, Big Brothers, Big Sisters) with the materials necessary to train and enhance the skills of their staff and volunteers in recognizing and responding to child abuse. The Society for Children and Youth (SCY) has added a 65-page Implementation and Training Manual and packaged the materials in a durable three-ring binder. These professional lecture materials are designed for half-day, one-day or two-day sessions. In addition, the SCY, through the it's Child Abuse Resource Centre, developed and maintains a national registry of Master Trainers, and functions as a clearinghouse for information about the program. The Put the Child First kit includes a Guidelines Manual about Child Abuse for Officials in Youth-serving Organizations; a Handbook about Child Abuse for Volunteers and Youth Leaders; a Child Abuse Prevention Manual for Use with Adolescents; a Leadership Training Manual; Background Documents; Resources and Appendix, which contains lists of government offices and audio-visual and print materials, samples of reporting forms and excerpts from provincial/territorial child welfare laws, tips on dealing with the press, case studies, role plays and a list of Questions Youth Leaders Ask; SCY Implementation and Training Manual; and the Put the Child First video. Put the Child First is available in English from SCY for $60.00. The Implementation and Training Manual may be purchased separately for $20.00.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

To ensure an effective evaluation of the usefulness of the materials, the updated program was piloted at two training workshops (urban and rural). The original Put the Child First kit was formally evaluated in 1990 by the University of British Columbia, Department of Administrative, Adult and Higher Education. The report, prepared by John B. Collins, is entitled An Evaluation of the Put the Child First Project. Results were generally positive, indicating that the kits were well conceived and professionally produced and that they filled an evident need in drawing together key resources. Reactions to the new kit have been extremely positive. The program has been widely used and it is anticipated that it will continue to strengthen child abuse prevention in communities across Canada. The project coordinators estimate that more than 300,000 children and youth have benefited, directly or indirectly, from the child abuse prevention training provided to staff and volunteers who work with children and youth.

Contact Information: Society for Children and Youth of British Columbia, 3644 Slocan Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5M 3E8; Telephone (604) 433-4180, Fax (604) 433-9611.

Professional Development/Training, At-Risk Population

Toward a Better Tomorrow-Helping Mentally Handicapped People Stop the Cycle of Violence and Abuse

Prevention Approach: Professional Development/Training, At-Risk Population

Type of Child Abuse: Abuse, family violence

Target Group: People with a mental disability

Developed for: Professionals, individuals and agencies working with people who have a mental disability

Funded by: FVPD (File #4887-09-92-009)

Title of Resource: Toward a Better Tomorrow-Helping Mentally Handicapped People Stop the Cycle of Violence and Abuse (1993)

Sponsoring Organization: Medicine Hat Regional Association for the Mentally Handicapped

Major Objectives: To help front-line workers, volunteers, families, parents and the general public understand the many aspects of abuse of the mentally disabled person and to provide ways to teach prevention.

Summary Description:

Toward a Better Tomorrow is an English-language training manual designed to provide information on a variety of issues, including abuse information, preventive measures and legal responsibilities related to people with a mental disability. The development of the manual was guided by a committee of experts from the fields of educational psychology, rehabilitative studies, special education and community agency resources, including representatives from both the community and facilities. Toward a Better Tomorrow has been designed to be user friendly and is divided into "stand-alone" workshops so specific sections may be used, depending on the need. The manual is a 91-page loose-leaf binder which contains abuse information and lesson plans, client activity sheets, information on legal issues and reporting guidelines, references and resources. Although the information and activities are designed for people with a mental disability, they are also relevant for others (both children and adults). Activities have been designed specifically for individual work. However, they may be conducted with small groups. Materials in the manual address four areas of abuse and were developed as stand-alone workshops, so that specific sections may be used separately. Sections of the manual include Empowerment (to increase awareness of abuse and provide the first steps in self-protection); Physical, Sexual, Emotional and Financial/Material Abuse (to increase awareness and provide protection against abuse); Legal Issues; and Reporting. Appendices include activity sheets and resource/information forms that may be photocopied. Toward a Better Tomorrow is available in English for $15.00.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

Approximately 1,000 copies of Toward a Better Tomorrow have been distributed across the country, and many agencies from Alberta, British Colombia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island have ordered copies of the manual. Copies were also provided for agency representatives who attended a conference sponsored by the Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centres. Requests for the manual have been made by individuals and organizations throughout the country and feedback on the manual has been positive.
Contact Information: Medicine Hat Regional Association for the Mentally Handicapped, P.O. Box 411, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 7G2; Telephone (403) 527-3302, Fax (403) 529-9022.

Professional Development/Training, At-Risk Population

Responding to Family Violence and Abuse
Stop the Abuse:
Youth Speak Up! Youth Speak Out!:

Prevention Approach:	Professional Development/Training, At-Risk Population
Type of Child Abuse:	Family violence
Target Group:	Young people with a disability
Developed for:	Staff and volunteers at Independent Living Centres, professionals, individuals and agencies working with people with a disability, youth with a disability
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-15-92-033), Disabled Persons Participation Program (DPPP)
Title of Resource:	Responding to Family Violence and Abuse: An Independent Living Approach (1995) . Stop the Abuse: A Prevention Handbook for Young People with Disabilities (1995) . Youth Speak Up! Youth Speak Out!: An Independent Living Research Study Using a Participatory Model (1995)
Sponsoring Organization:	Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres

Major Objectives: To provide Independent Living Centres' staff and other front-line workers with training, resources and innovative outreach methods to mobilize community prevention concerning the issue of family violence and abuse.

Summary Description:

Responding to Family Violence and Abuse: An Independent Living Approach is a 334-page training resource for use by staff and volunteers at Independent Living Resource Centres across Canada, although most of the issues identified are relevant to front-line staff in other organizations that work directly with people with disabilities. It was developed in partnership with the Independent Living Resource Centre in Calgary, in collaboration with the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto, and the Centre-resources pour la vie autonome du Bas St-Laurent in Trois-Pistoles in Quebec. Responding to Family Violence and Abuse describes the project and the participatory, community-based approach that was used. It defines and discusses abuse and contains five sections on responding to abuse (information and referral, what Independent Living Resource Centres can do, peer support, independent living empowerment skills development, and preventing burnout strategies for self-care). Also included is an extensive resource list. The project facilitated community control, self-determination, peer support, individual advocacy, and information, referral and research development. Responding to Family Violence and Abuse: An Independent Living Approach is available in English for $55.00.

Youth Speak Up! Youth Speak Out! was created in partnership with the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto and was developed and written by youth with disabilities. The report documents the independent living research study on abuse against youth with disabilities. Stop the Abuse: A Prevention Handbook for Young People with Disabilities was developed as a resource for all young people with disabilities. Youth Speak Up! Youth Speak Out! is available in English and French for $3.00 (booklet) and $17.00 (full report). It was written by a group of youth with disabilities who came together to discuss, explore and learn about the issues of abuse and violence. Stop the Abuse is an illustrated handbook that includes definitions of abuse and other vital information on identifying and stopping abuse of young people with a disability. Youth Speak Up! and Stop the Abuse are also available on audio cassette for a nominal cost (see contact information below).

Utilization and Effectiveness:

A project evaluation was undertaken to examine the effectiveness and impact of the project in enhancing knowledge and skills of independent living representatives responding to violence and abuse, and to assess the Training Institute in terms of its adequacy, appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency and side effects. Results indicated that the project had a significant impact on the enhancement of attitudes, acquisition of new knowledge and attainment of new skills. It was found to be adequate, appropriate, effective and efficient, with no detrimental side effects. The outcomes of the project are portable community development prevention frameworks which were disseminated nationally to other Independent Living Centres as well as to community-based and professional organizations.

Contact Information: Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres, 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1004, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8; Telephone (613) 563-2581, Fax (613) 235-4497.

Public Awareness/Education, Professional Development/Training

The Invisible Boy

Prevention Approach:	Public Awareness/Education, Professional Development/Training
Type of Child Abuse:	Child abuse, child sexual abus
Target Group:	Male victims of violence and abuse
Developed for:	Professionals, individuals and agencies working with children and youth, general public
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4886-15-95-009)
Title of Resource:	The Invisible Boy-Revisioning the Victimization of Male Children and Teens (1996)
Sponsoring Organization:	Canadian Foster Family Association

Major Objectives: To provide more information on the victimization of male children and adolescents.

Summary Description:

The Invisible Boy, a 68-page book authored by Frederick Mathews, Ph.D., C. Psych, is a snapshot in time of some of the controversies, challenges, knowledge gaps and unexplored issues pertaining to the male experience of victimization. The book includes an extensive bibliography/resource list on issues related to male victimization and expands the knowledge base about victims and perpetrators. The author explores the need for a male-inclusive perspective and a re-visioning of male victimization; provides evidence and discussion of the prevalence of male victimization; includes data on perpetrators of male victimization; examines effects of victimization on males; and provides a discussion on the implications for research, assessment, treatment, program development, staff training and program supervision. The Invisible Boy was written from a male-inclusive perspective (the need to articulate a male-centred point of view that reflects the diversity of Canadian men and boys; the need for male victims to search for balance as they struggle to heal; the need to honour and protect female victims' gains and acknowledge the contributions women have made in breaking the silence about violence and abuse; the need to evolve a vision of combining both males' and females' stories into a coherent and inclusive perspective). The document is available in English and French at no cost.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

The Invisible Boy is an extremely popular publication and has been widely distributed across the country. Over 500 copies have been ordered from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence by health, criminal justice and social service agencies; professionals; non-government organizations; federal, provincial and municipal governments; media; universities and colleges; libraries; and the general public. The book is being used by these organizations and individuals for education, public awareness, research and reference, training, treatment and personal use.

Contact Information: The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada, K1A 1B4; Telephone (613) 957-2938, Fax (613) 941-8930, Toll free 1-800-267-1291, TTY/TDD Toll free 1-800-561-5643 or (613) 952-6396.

Public Awareness/Education

Touching: The Video

Prevention Approach:	Public Awareness/Education
Type of Child Abuse:	Child abuse, child sexual abuse
Target Group:	Young children
Developed for:	Individuals and agencies working with young children, other professionals, educational institutions, early childhood education centres, general public
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-06-92-069), Children's Aid Society of Hamilton-Wentworth, Motorola Canada Ltd., Rotary Club of Hamilton
Title of Resource:	Touching: The Video-A Child Abuse Prevention Program and Teacher's Kit (1995)
Sponsoring Organization:	Community Child Abuse Council of Hamilton/Wentworth

Major Objectives: To reduce the incidence of child abuse and strengthen services to abused children and their families.

Summary Description:

Touching contains a 35-minute professional video production to entertain and teach children from Kindergarten to Grade 6, in a non-threatening way, about child abuse, relationships and problem-solving. Through the eyes of a child, the audience learns to solve problems and distinguish between good touches and bad touches. The video is accompanied by The Bill of Body Rights, which helps the characters to resolve each issue; the Teacher's Guide, a stand-alone 155-page resource on all aspects of child abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect, relevant information on the Child and Family Services Act, 1984, reporting procedures, information on handling disclosures, prevention, research and evaluation; and Concept Cards, six large, colourful, glossy cards (posters) designed to reinforce the concepts taught in the video (classroom strategies are presented on the back of each card and in the Teacher's Guide). The strategies are linked to the Common Curriculum and provide a complete program. The concepts are basic and open-ended and include Everyone Has Feelings; We All Have a Body; Touching; The Bill of Body Rights; and Tell Someone You Trust. The activity material can be developed for any age group and includes problem-solving activities, the decision-making process, assertiveness training, feelings identification, body ownership and personal responsibility. The Touching Kit is available in English and French for $165.00.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

The Touching play (originally by Michael Adkins and The Toy Town Troupers, under the direction of Nigel Sloan and Stephanie Logothetis) and accompanying Teacher's Kit have been used extensively since 1987 in the Hamilton/Wentworth community and beyond. The program was formally evaluated by Professor Leslie Tutty, then of Wilfred Laurier University, in June 1990. Results showed that children can learn and retain key child abuse prevention concepts. To date, more than 110,000 children have viewed the play. Because other communities wanted the play but found the live performance prohibitive, a video format was developed. Response to the Touching video and kit has been very positive. The video was reviewed by TV Times, which offered: "When a positive tool aimed at abuse prevention comes to the fore, it is worth publicizing. ...Touching, [is] a brilliant... video. Both humorous and sombre, the production is an upbeat combination of music and skits showing kids the difference between a 'good touch' and a 'bad touch'." Touching also received critical acclaim as a finalist in the New York 38th Annual International Non-Broadcast Awards competition, and won the Robert Wagner Screenwriters Award and Honourable Mention in both the education and medical categories at the Columbus International Film Festival.

Contact Information: Community Child Abuse Council of Hamilton-Wentworth, 75 MacNab Street South, 2nd Floor, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 3C1; Telephone (905) 523-1020, 1-800-470-2111, Fax (905) 523-1877.

Prevention Approach:	Public Awareness/Education
Type of Child Abuse:	Child abuse, child sexual abuse
Target Group:	Young children
Developed for:	Individuals and agencies working with young children, other professionals, educational institutions, early childhood education centres, general public
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-06-92-069), Children's Aid Society of Hamilton-Wentworth, Motorola Canada Ltd., Rotary Club of Hamilton
Title of Resource:	Touching: The Video-A Child Abuse Prevention Program and Teacher's Kit (1995)
Sponsoring Organization:	Community Child Abuse Council of Hamilton/Wentworth

Major Objectives: To reduce the incidence of child abuse and strengthen services to abused children and their families.

Summary Description:

Utilization and Effectiveness:

Public Awareness/Education

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs

Prevention Approach: Public Awareness/Education

Type of Child Abuse: Child abuse and neglect

Target Group: Children and youth

Developed for: Individuals and agencies working with young people, professionals, general public

Funded by: FVPD (File #4887-15-91-051)

Title of Resource: Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs (1993)

Sponsoring Organization: Vanier Institute of the Family

Major Objectives: To review existing Canadian child abuse prevention programs and identify trends in the field that warrant further development.

Summary Description:

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs, a 136-page book prepared by John Meston, includes an overview of child abuse and neglect in Canada; provides definitions; discusses contributing factors; and outlines concepts of prevention with a focus on community-based prevention activities (primary/secondary/tertiary) and categories of child abuse prevention programs (e.g., strengthening communities and families; support to families at risk; transitional assistance; support for special needs groups; and helping vulnerable youth). Chapter 1 looks at the enormity of the problem and the effects of abuse on children. Chapter 2 considers the difficulty in defining abuse and presents some specific definitions. Chapter 3 reviews the roots of child abuse and factors that may lead to it. Chapter 4 looks at prevention programming, examining the concepts of prevention, types of programs, and issues to consider when developing programs. Chapter 5 provides program summaries of 46 child abuse prevention programs in Canada which were selected according to criteria related to type of program, province, rural vs. urban setting, and client group. The final chapter includes recommendations regarding the need for and development and operation of prevention programs. A bibliography is also included. The book is available in English and French for $12.00.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

Over 2000 copies of the book have been distributed to child welfare, mental health, social service and justice agencies; provincial associations; residential care facilities; schools and school boards; researchers; national organizations; colleges and universities; police forces; and child abuse prevention programs. Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs has proven to be popular among individuals and agencies in the child abuse prevention field. Reviewers of the book have deemed it "an accessible and comprehensive overview of child abuse prevention programs," and "a source of information on the programs which can be put in place to address the problem of child abuse and neglect in society today." Reviewers noted that the value of the publication "also lies in the program ideas obtained from the generous sharing of information" by those individuals and agencies contacted and included in the book.
Contact Information: Vanier Institute of the Family, 94 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K2G 6B1; Telephone (613) 228-8500, Fax (613) 228-8007.

Public Awareness/Education

Preventing Family Violence: A catalogue of Canadian videos

Prevention Approach:	Public Awareness/Education
Type of Child Abuse:	Child abuse, child sexual abuse
Target Group:	General public, children and youth
Developed for:	General public, professionals, individuals and agencies, educational institutions
Funded by:	VPD (File #4886-15-95-003)
Title of Resource:	Preventing Family Violence: A catalogue of Canadian videos on family violence for the general public and for professionals working in the field (1998, seventh edition)
Sponsoring Organization:	National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, National Film Board of Canada

Major Objectives: To provide pertinent and up-to-date information and resources to the general public, professionals and agencies concerned with family violence

Summary Description:

Preventing Family Violence is an up-to-date guide published by the National Film Board (NFB) for the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence. It is a 28-page bilingual catalogue of Canadian videos on family violence produced from 1984 to 1998 for the general public and professionals working in the field. It includes films on child abuse, child sexual abuse, wife abuse/violence against women, and elder abuse; provides a description of each video, including date, length of film and price; and includes information on how to obtain videos from the NFB and through public libraries across Canada, as well as providing the name, address and telephone numbers of the film distributors. Child abuse titles include: The Children's Voice; Help Me! Faith Leaders Challenging Child Abuse; Put the Child First; Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Metis Child; Toying with Their Future; Beyond the Shadows; The Boys of St. Vincent; The Boys of St. Vincent-15 Years Later; Children of the Eagle; Feeling Yes, Feeling No; Feeling Yes, Feeling No: The Family Program; Good Things Can Still Happen; Good Things Too; Sandra's Garden; A Secret No More; Sharing Secrets; To a Safer Place; Touching: The Video; Wednesday's Children: Jenny; Where Angels Dare; Live TV; From Disclosure to Justice. Some videos are available in English and French. The catalogue is available from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence at no cost.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

The collection, constructed and disseminated over many years, has achieved a high degree of market penetration, at a lower cost than is the norm for the distribution of audio-visual products, and has maintained a high degree of quality. The collection has also been sensitive and responsive to changes in the marketplace, not only in terms of technologies and viewers' habits and patterns, but also in terms of extending the type of content and themes that the public is confronting. Whereas the collection was previously housed in National Film Board locations across the country, the decision was made to increase the number of access points, making it more visible, more convenient and more public through the use of the public library system.

Contact Information: National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1B4; Telephone (613) 957-2938, Toll free 1-800-267-1291, Fax (613) 941-8930, TTY/TDD Toll free 1-800-561-5643.

To order videos: National Film Board of Canada, Sales and Customer Services, P.O. Box 6100, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3H5; Telephone Toll free 1-800-267-7710, Fax (514) 283-7564, Internet: http://www.nfb.ca.

Public Awareness/Education

Child Abuse-Awareness Information for People in the Workplace

Prevention Approach: Public Awareness/Education

Type of Child Abuse: Child abuse

Target Group: People in the workplace

Developed for: Informal workplace groups, employers, community groups

Funded by: Mental Health, FVPD (File #4886-10-94-003)

Title of Resource: Child Abuse-Awareness Information for People in the Workplace (1995)

Sponsoring Organization: Justice Institute of British Columbia

Major Objectives: To help people become more aware of the issues of child abuse and neglect in their everyday world.

Summary Description:

Third in a series of publications designed for informal groups, this booklet was developed as a guide for use by people interested in meeting to discuss family violence issues. Other modules in the series include Wife Abuse: A Workplace Issue-A Guide for Change; Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults: Awareness Information for People in the Workplace; and Family Violence-Awareness Information for People in the Workplace. The child abuse module is based on peer leadership. It contains basic information on family violence and focuses on awareness and resources. The child abuse handbook offers a guide for a discussion session, which is designed in a one-hour format. While the handbook is designed for use in the workplace, it may also be used in other settings in the community to guide informal discussions. The handbook provides information on planning the session and includes a step-by-step guide for the presentation. The material for the series was developed following focus groups conducted on wife assault, child abuse, and abuse and neglect of older adults, under the guidance of advisory committees expert in each family violence topic. The document is available in French and English at no cost.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

The material in the child abuse module was tested with workplace groups in Hamilton, Ontario and Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Approximately 600 copies of the document have been ordered from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence. The main reasons for ordering the publication, as indicated by consumers, include education, public awareness, training, research, prevention, reference, treatment, and personal use.
Contact Information: National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Telephone Toll free 1-800-267-1291, TDD 1-800-561-5643, Fax (613) 941-8930.

Public Awareness/Education

The Secret of the Silver Horse

Prevention Approach:	Public Awareness/Education
Type of Child Abuse:	Child sexual abuse
Target Group:	Children
Developed for:	Children, general public, educational institutions, early childhood education centres, individuals and agencies working with children
Funded by:	Department of Justice Canada (File #4888-15-92-052)
Title of Resource:	The Secret of the Silver Horse (1989; 1993)
Sponsoring Organization:	Communications and Public Affairs, Department of Justice Canada

Major Objectives: To reprint The Secret of the Silver Horse, a book on child sexual abuse.

Summary Description:

The Secret of the Silver Horse is a colourfully illustrated, 12-page children's book which instructs children that secrets about sexual abuse should not be kept. The story also teaches that if a child tells a teenager or an adult about sexual abuse and that person does nothing, the child should be persistent and tell someone else. In this book, children are shown the difference between a good secret and a secret about sexual abuse, and between good touching and sexually abusive touching. A fold-out, colour poster is also included.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

The Secret of the Silver Horse is an extremely popular child sexual abuse prevention resource. Since its original printing in 1989, approximately 1,000,000 copies have been printed and distributed. Feedback on the quality and effectiveness of the book has been positive and the demand for the publication is still high. In the early 1990s, The Secret of the Silver Horse received recognition from the Information Services Institute, and an organization in Manitoba is seeking support to produce and widely distribute a video based on the book, for children in Aboriginal communities. The Secret of the Silver Horse is available in French and English at no cost from the Department of Justice, although quantities are limited.

Contact Information: Communications and Public Affairs, Department of Justice Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H8; Telephone (613) 957-4222, Fax (613) 954-0811.

Public Awareness/Education

Speak Out Against Violence - Broadcasters' Nationwide Idea Swap, Programming and Community Handbook

Prevention Approach: Public Awareness/Education

Type of Child Abuse: Violence in society

Target Group: General public

Developed for: Radio and television broadcasters

Funded by: Health Canada (File #4887-15-92-105); Canadian Heritage; Solicitor General Canada; Human Resources Development Canada; Justice Canada; Status of Women Canada; National Defence; CTV Television Network Ltd.; Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. (CFMT-TV, Toronto); CHMB, Vancouver; Canadian Association of Broadcast Representatives; Broadcast News Ltd.; Cossette Communication-Marketing; Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Title of Resource: Speak Out Against Violence - Broadcasters' Nationwide Idea Swap, Programming and Community Handbook (1994)

Sponsoring Organization: Canadian Association of Broadcasters

Major Objectives: To begin the process of long-term behavioural change by raising public awareness and changing individual attitudes (based on a "behavioural change model," whereby target audiences are led through a series of steps starting with raised awareness).

Summary Description:

Speak Out Against Violence-Broadcasters' Nationwide Idea Swap, Programming and Community Handbook is an 18-page booklet for radio and television broadcasters which was developed through the Speak Out Against Violence campaign. It contains Canadian broadcasters' best ideas on programming and community initiatives for curbing violence. Other elements of the campaign included tough voluntary codes, sensitive programming and campaign of industry-wide radio and television public service announcements (PSA). The "Swap Book" provides examples and ideas on: how to give national themes a local angle (by focusing on homeless teens, investigating youth crime, profiling abuse victims, promoting crime prevention and tagging the news/current events); using talk shows and open line shows to address an issue; conducting fundraisers to help local charities and service clubs assist violence victims; enriching and strengthening the community and the nation by staging festivals, sponsoring Neighbourhood Watch programs and promoting Block Parents; tackling crime (e.g., Neighbourhood Watch programs, Block Parent programs, Crimestoppers); children's programming; promotions and public service announcements; and tackling on-air violence by adhering to a voluntary industry code, reaching out to viewers, establishing programming guidelines, supporting industry-wide action and resolving complaints. The handbook also provides tips for urging your community to speak out against violence, and tapping into community projects and activities for facts, clips, interview prospects and ideas for special programming. The campaign also produced Tips for Action Against Violence, a series of practical, user-friendly tips to assist Canadians to stop violence and build safer communities. Materials produced through the Speak Out Against Violence campaign are available in French and English.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

The Speak Out Against Violence campaign received the 1994 Lotus Award in the "Best Television Campaign" category, competing against nearly 700 entries. Sponsored by the British Columbia advertising community, the award recognizes and honours excellence in advertising. In 1994, an examination of the Speak Out Against Violence campaign by Solicitor General Canada looked at the effect of the campaign on police services across the country, although the campaign was not directed at the police community specifically. The report concluded that "the campaign appears to be making a positive contribution to policing efforts, with a number of tangible benefits cited by various respondents." In 1995, Brighton Research, market research consultants, conducted an evaluation of the PSA components of the Speak Out Against Violence campaign and concluded that "the PSAs that were developed reached relatively high levels of awareness and were effective in drawing attention to the issue of violence and its impacts."
Contact Information: Canadian Association of Broadcasters, 306-350 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7S8; Telephone (613) 233-4035, Fax (613) 233-6961.

Public Awareness/Education

The Children's Voice

Prevention Approach:	Public Awareness/Education
Type of Child Abuse:	Family violence
Target Group:	Youth, child witnesses of family violence
Developed for:	Youth who have been abused, child witnesses of violence, general public, individuals and agencies working with youth, educational institutions
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-06-90-128)
Title of Resource:	The Children's Voice (1993)
Sponsoring Organization:	Violence Overcome in Creative Ensemble (V.O.I.C.E.)

Major Objectives: To document on film an innovative program for child witnesses of violence and abused youth; to produce a useful tool for educating and sensitizing a variety of audiences across the country.

Summary Description:

The Children's Voice, produced and directed by Katherine Marielle, is a one-hour English documentary film about an innovative children's theatre that celebrates the heroic efforts of abused youth and child witnesses of wife assault to break the cycle of violence in their lives. The Children's Voice is patterned on a similar project, Women's Voice, a drama created by battered women. The troupe of children, aged 9 to 16, banded together to collectively write and perform a play, Tell It-Speak Your Peace on Violence, based on their life stories and concerns. The film captures the children's process of growth and empowerment that culminates in excerpts from their live performances for school groups and the general public. Interviews with members of the troupe form the backbone of the film, which gives children an opportunity to speak for themselves. The music in The Children's Voice is written and performed by folk singer and social advocate, Arlene Mantle, and the Children's Voice Troupe, who sing, "Tell it, I want to tell it. But you know I'm scared... I've carried this secret a long, long time, and it's hard to let it go." The video was intended for use by community service groups, youth outreach programs, shelters for homeless youth, public libraries, government departments, elementary and high schools, mental health agencies, women's shelters, conferences on violence against children, and educational programs for service providers. It is available through the National Film Board (NFB) catalogue and partner libraries across the country (1-800-267-7710), and from the distributor for $350.00 to purchase the film and $100.00 to rent it. A half-hour version of The Children's Voice, entitled Tell It, is also available from the distributor ($175.00 to purchase; $50 to rent).

Utilization and Effectiveness:

Part of the production process of The Children's Voice included two test screenings. The first was attended by film professionals, social workers and educators; the second, by neutral observers from various walks of life (business, social services, university students). Further screenings were attended by professional service providers for children and grass-roots workers in community programs, and the NFB's John Spotton Cinema. The audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. In some instances, audience reactions to The Children's Voice has included disclosure of abuse, which underlines the power in peer education. According to Katherine Marielle, producer and director of the film, "The message of healing, hope and outreach support toward breaking the cycle of violence in each of our own lives is one that the film seems to deliver most effectively." The Children's Voice has received much interest, attention and critical acclaim, including radio interviews, conference presentations, and requests for information and copies from educational institutions, community groups and individuals across the country. The Children's Voice also won a Certificate of Merit in the Documentary- Arts/Humanities category at The Chicago International Film Festival in 1995.

Contact Information: V.O.I.C.E. Film Productions, 106 Kenwood, Toronto, Ontario, M6C 2S2; Telephone (416) 656-4949, Fax (416) 658-0891; also available through the NFB partner libraries-call Toll free 1-800-267-7710.

Public Awareness/Education, At-Risk Population

Making the Decision to Care - Guys and Sexual Assault

Prevention Approach:
Type of Child Abuse:	Sexual abuse
Target Group:	Adolescents
Developed for:	Adolescents, professionals, individuals and agencies working with adolescents
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4886-06-92-003)
Title of Resource:	Making the Decision to Care-Guys and Sexual Assault (1993)
Sponsoring Organization:	Frederick Mathews, Ph.D., C. Psych., Community Psychologist, Central Toronto Youth Services

Major Objectives: To provide information on sexual offences for male teens, professionals working with sexual offenders, and the general public

Summary Description:

Making the Decision to Care is an easy-to-read, 24-page bilingual booklet, which answers questions about sexual offences for teens who have already committed an offence and wish to prevent re-occurrence (e.g., incest, child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault), and those who are at risk of committing an offence. The booklet answers the questions: What is a sexual offence? and Why did I commit a sexual offence? Information is provided on the sexual offence cycle, denial, minimization, and thinking errors. The author describes the benefits of counselling and discusses the past abuse that many offenders have experienced, as well as the effects abuse has on victims. A list of additional resources is included. Making the Decision to Care is available in English and French at no cost from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

Making the Decision to Care is a very popular publication and has been widely distributed throughout the country. The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence has received approximately 1,400 requests for the booklet by federal, provincial and municipal governments, social services, health services, professionals, non-government organizations, universities and colleges, libraries, and the general public.

Contact Information: National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Family Violence Prevention Unit, Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Canada, K1A 1B4; Telephone (613) 957-2938, Fax (613) 941-8930, Toll free 1-800-267-1291, TTY/TDD (613) 952-6396; Toll free 1-800-561-5643.

Public Awareness/Education, Family Support/Parent Education

Spanking: should I or shouldn't I?

Prevention Approach:
Type of Child Abuse:	Physical abuse
Target Group:	Parents, professionals, general public
Developed for:	Parents, professionals, general public
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-07-93-005), and Justice Canada
Title of Resource:	Spanking: should I or shouldn't I? (1995)
Sponsoring Organization:	University of Manitoba, Faculty of Human Ecology, Department of Family Studies

Major Objectives: To identify the variables that contribute to parental use of physical discipline; to determine whether these variables are related to child-rearing policies; to develop recommendations for Canadian policymakers related to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada; and to distribute information to parents, educators and therapists about the use of physical discipline and its alternatives

Summary Description:

Spanking: should I or shouldn't I? is a colourful, 12-page booklet that summarizes what is known about spanking. It is designed to help parents make informed decisions about disciplining their children. Authors Joan E. Durrant, Ph.D., and Linda Rose-Krasnor, Ph.D., address the questions: What is discipline? Is spanking good for kids? If we stop spanking, won't we lose control of our kids? Why do parents do it? What can I do instead? Spanking provides a number of alternative ways to discipline children (e.g., removing objects, distracting, giving choices to your child, learning to understand behaviours). The booklet offers suggestions for obtaining further information and support. Spanking: should I or shouldn't I? is available for $6.00 (see contact information below).

Utilization and Effectiveness:

The authors originally sent out 150 copies to social service and educational organizations across the country. Orders began pouring in for the booklet, which is now its third printing. Some 70,000 copies have been ordered by social service agencies, child care centres, child protection departments, resource centres, Aboriginal family services, nursing departments, schools, community agencies and public health departments. Spanking is an extremely popular resource and has received media attention and critical acclaim.

Contact Information: Dr. Joan E. Durrant, Department of Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2; or Dr. Linda Rose-Krasnor, Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1; Fax (905) 688-6922.

Family Support/Parent Education

Être parent au gré du temps

Prevention Approach:	Family Support/Parent Education
Type of Child Abuse:	Abuse
Target Group:	Parents
Developed for:	Parents, individuals and agencies working with families, professionals
Funded by:	FVPD (File #4887-05-92-005)
Title of Resource:	Être parent au gré du temps
Sponsoring Organization:	Générations

Major Objectives: To develop a resource to help families by providing information to parents on infants, child development, childhood and adolescent behaviour, and parenting and spousal relations issues

Summary Description:

Être parent is a 71-page, French-language book authored by Lucille Jacques. It is about being a parent over time to infants, children and youth; parenting and spousal relations situations; and child development. The book is divided into three sections: parenting and the daily routine, which addresses subjects such as the second child, allowance, school and television; exceptional situations such as child depression, drugs, leaving school, child placement and running away; and spousal relations issues such as separation, family mediation and joint custody. This book was designed to provoke thought and discussion within the framework of family/parental intervention by professionals. Être parent is available in French for $7.00.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

Être parent au gré temps is distributed, for the most part, to parents participating in groups designed to support them in their parenting role (e.g., Parents Anonymes, Centre local de services communautaires. Feedback from parents on the book has been positive, with many finding it a useful parenting tool.

Contact Information: Générations, C.P. 186, Succursale Place d'armes, Montréal (Québec), H2Y 3G7; Telephone (514) 288-1444, Fax (514) 288-6312.

Family Support/Parent Education, At-Risk Population

Nobody's Perfect

Prevention Approach:	Family Support/Parent Education, At-Risk Population
Type of Child Abuse:	Child abuse
Target Group:	Parents of young children
Developed for:	Professionals, individuals and agencies working with families
Funded by:	Family and Child Health Unit (File #4888-15-91-031), Health Canada
Title of Resource:	Nobody's Perfect (1988; revised 1997)
Sponsoring Organization:	Family and Child Health Unit, Health Canada

Major Objectives: To support and strengthen families, create healthier environments, build self-esteem and provide alternative to abusive behaviours; to give parents access to accurate, up-to-date information, especially those parents who are young, single, low-income, have limited education and are geographically or socially isolated

Summary Description:

Nobody's Perfect is an educational program for parents of children from birth to age five. It was originally developed by Health Canada in collaboration with the Departments of Health in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. The revised (1997) edition is a collaborative effort of federal, provincial and territorial representatives, child development experts and non-governmental parent/child organizations. The Nobody's Perfect program is based on principles of adult education and the specific content of each session depends on the needs and interests of the participating parents. A complete program is usually five or six weeks but can be longer. Nobody's Perfect can be implemented in parent groups, on a one-to-one basis, or both. The program is offered by trained facilitators (e.g., public health nurses, community workers, target group parents). Nobody's Perfect comprises five colourfully illustrated, easy-to- read books of approximately 50 pages each (Safety, Parents, Behaviour, Body, Mind), as well as a child growth chart, an infant development chart, and emergency phone number stickers. Topics addressed in the Nobody's Perfect package include injury prevention and first aid; body growth, health and illness; thinking, feeling and playing; helping kids learn to behave and solving common behaviour problems; and helping yourself as a parent and feeling good about yourself. The books address the issues of family violence and child abuse, and offer alternative problem-solving techniques for parents. Nobody's Perfect is available in French and English for $10.95.

Utilization and Effectiveness:

Nobody's Perfect has been a very popular parent education resource for 10 years and continues to be in demand. The revised Nobody's Perfect program is being distributed widely across Canada (e.g., Community Action Program for Children, Aboriginal Head Start programs, program coordinators). Individuals involved in the training course receive the Nobody's Perfect kit at no charge. However, persons wanting to purchase the program may also do so by placing an order with a book store or through Government Publishing.

Contact Information: Canadian Government Publishing (PWGSC), Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0S9; Toll free 1-800-635-7943, or 1-819-956-4800; for further information on the training program call (613) 728-3307 or e-mail np-yapp@frp.ca.