What clues might alert parents that their child/adolescent may be in danger?
• Your child/adolescent has unexplained bruises, burns, scratches or other injuries on parts of his/her body. Talk to your child/adolescent about how he/she got hurt. Ask his/her caregiver or supervising adult how the injury occurred. Pay attention to whether the explanation given is plausible and consistent with the injury. • An adult appears to be taking a special interest in your child, especially if the adult wants to spend one to one time with him/her. Set limits around his/her contact with your child/adolescent. Be present when they are together or terminate the relationship. Also be aware of adults who have groups of children/youth to their home on a regular basis, particularly if the adult does not have children of the same age. Boys are particularly vulnerable to being lured by sexual offenders through group activities. • Your child/adolescent has candy, gifts, money, or clothing from unexplained sources. Ask where they have come from and listen carefully to your child/adolesc