Prevention

What People Are Saying

As the nation mourns a Florida child's murder, the following testimony details how American Humane's Front Porch Project can help ensure the future safety of children.

Nation Mourns Murder: Making A Difference
Letter from a Committed Friend

February 6, 2004

I am writing this on a day our nation mourns the loss of life of an innocent 11-year old girl who was abducted and murdered in a neighboring community. I am deeply saddened that such horrific cruelty exists. On this day when a family, community, and nation are experiencing deep grief…I am too. It is a cold, harsh reality to know that we live in a world where children are abducted, abused, abandoned and neglected.

How can we keep our children safe? It is true that we cannot, even with our best efforts, protect all children all the time. To do better we must stand together. We must be connected. We must embrace a sense of urgent responsibility for their welfare, one that is ours individually and collectively. Will this prevent a repeat of tragedies such as this? We will never know. But we can be sure that the closer we are as a community, the more we are aware, the more we feel a sense of shared responsibility for the safety and welfare of children and families, the stronger we will be together. One way to do this is through The Front Porch Project®. This project brings individuals and communities together to: increase awareness about child safety issues, acquire valuable intervention skills, and increase our comfort and willingness to intercede on behalf of a child.

Devereux Kids, a prevention program of the Devereux Foundation, has been implementing American Humane’s Front Porch Project in Florida since March, 2000. In an effort to grow community responsibility and connection, we have provided the training to over 855 individuals throughout Florida. Of these participants, 124 have gone on to acquire the skills necessary to become potential trainers so that they can help spread the message, develop comfort and skills and harness a growing commitment to child safety. Professionally and personally, I have witnessed the difference this training can make for individuals, children, parents and entire neighborhoods. Our training participants have taken actions that have helped achieve greater child safety or connection to others. Some interventions have been lifesaving, all of them have been meaningful. Most participants report that they now believe they have the responsibility, permission, and the skills to be involved in protecting children and promoting safety and well being in their communities. For more information about the Front Porch Project contact American Humane at (800) 227-4645. In Florida, call Devereux Kids at (727) 552-2290.

Ann M. Doyle
Program Manager
Devereux Kids Devereux Florida
St. Petersburg

Hundreds of people have benefited from training received through the Front Porch Project. Here's what a few people are saying about this important community awareness project.

"It is a ray of light in the middle of violence, and the hope to reduce the percent of abused children, physical and emotional. Thank you." (translated from Spanish)

"The most valuable thing I realized is the need and ability to communicate with other people in the community around common issues, such as safety of children. People can put aside their individual differences on behalf of children."

"I feel good and inspired to be a part of something positive."

"You learn how to be a better parent, better citizen, and to help children in your community."

"I learned that intervention can mean support and connection."

"I feel more responsible and more comfortable about taking action."