Just another idea on this topic.

Does the museum have a clearly posted sign requiring parents/adults to keep children with them; something along the line of - for the safety of all and to better enjoy the museum/activities...please keep your children with you at all times. Does staff clearly verbally communicate this to visitors?

It's not a perfect world, however, a community of watchful adult eyes is always strong protection for children.

Cathy Campbell
University of Washington, Seattle

On Wed, 26 Mar 2008, Barbara Hass wrote:

> Hello,
>
> There is a sexually violent predator living at the end of my own small town
> street. When he moved here in the summer, the police department held a  public
> informational meeting at the local school (about 5 blocks  from his
> residence). Personnel from the county came with a standard  presentation they give
> about the law and the problems. He has served his  time and is registered.
> Colorado and other states have such persons listed  online with their photos and
> criminal history. He is protected by privacy  laws.
> Do check to see what information is available in your county  and state.
>
> I would suggest contacting your local police and asking them to  provide an
> in-service presentation and appropriate handouts. The local police do  NOT have
> the right to deny him residence. It is up to the county. The local  police
> can only observe and report his actions.
>
> Here is another source for information and training:
> _Prevention  Works_
> (http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=2454)
>
> "...The National Center for Missing & Exploited  Children (NCMEC) offers the
> educational program “Prevention Works” to  corporations across the country as
> a free public service. The compelling,  one-hour presentation takes a
> positive approach to safety education, drawing  upon more than 21 years of experience
> and actual case accounts to help  participants learn better ways to prevent
> child abduction and sexual  exploitation. ..."
> This quote states that they provide programs for corporations but they  might
> extend their presentation to non-profits too -- after all, a museum is  also
> a corporation.   This service is free.
> They have an email contact and probably could determine what direction you
> might take.
>
> By offering presentations by outside experts, you  would not be giving such
> information directly yourself.
> Perhaps also contact your lawyer for advice.
>
> PS -- As a college student visiting the Museum of Natural History in NYC, I
> was personally approached in a darkened diorama display area by a man coming
> up  very closely behind me. I simply exited to a bright public area and did not
> report it -- Of course I would do that these days!!!
> So -- yes -- museum staff should have some kind of  "training".
>
> Best wishes, Barbara Hass, retired  librarian
>
>
>
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