Acknowledgments

Developing these child abuse awareness programs has been a year-long undertaking. The dedication, commitment, and determination needed to complete such a project cannot fully be appreciated until a task such as this is accomplished.

Rebecca Mahoney first saw the need for child awareness in 1984. Ms. Mahoney's workshop became the foundation of this curriculum. My dream to see a standardized program -- based on Yell & Tell -- became a reality in 1994 thanks to Janiece Hopper. She has become a friend who not only shares my ideas and beliefs, but shares my vision as well. This product is a reflection of her skills as a professional teacher and caring parent. She has worked tirelessly to make this program one that is truly child empowering. These programs could not have been accomplished without her.

Others have made contributions to these programs and deserve great appreciation. Dana Richards, the first person to see and believe in my dream. She continues her forward thinking and slow, deliberate steps toward achievement of that dream.

LaDonna MacDermott, whose own childhood was interrupted by the tragedy of a near-relative victimization. She contributed to the understanding of what child victims face and deal with for a lifetime.

Adam Neville, without whose professional filming expertise, and patience with children, teacher in-service videos would not exist. He was always willing to use his professional trade to help. Jack Stevens, California Assistant Attorney General. His dedication to children's issues is contagious. He continually has been called upon to explain the law and how to better effect positive change for children.

Inspector Pat White, San Francisco Police Department, for his advice and counsel on law enforcement-related matters. The Johnson Brothers, teenagers with a great gift. They are visionaries with puppets -- this is the only way to describe them. Ryan Carter, producer of the puppet program, who has created a work of art. Fred Medina, for his video editing ability. Ed Winzinger, Owner/Operator, Mail Boxes Etc., whose emotional support and enthusiasm helped carry this program to completion. Frances Tillis, President, Tillis Associates, who believed in the cause and continues to search ways to make funding available. Ann-Marie Dake, for her professional editing skills.

Mr. Olds, Superintendent at Lammersville School District, together with the staff, parents, and children, for acknowledging the need for such programs and allowing SOC-UM to begin educating children. My hope is that all schools will be as progressive and responsive to children's needs.

I also need to thank the families of those whom I have called upon to assist in this endeavor, including my own. Time that would originally have been spent with them was taken up by making these programs the best they could be.

Finally, I want to thank my son. It is because of him, and what he had to endure as a child victim, that these programs were attempted. He, as well as all children who have had to survive abuse, are reasons enough to continue to do all that is necessary to break the silence and cycle of abuse.

It is the hope of all who contributed to these programs that child abuse, no matter what form, becomes a rare, if not non-existent, occurrence.

Debbie Mahoney, Founder
Safeguarding Our Children-United Mothers

next: Target Hardening Child Abuse Prevention Series