Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) takes a broad perspective on child safety and abuse prevention. We are committed to the prevention of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. As well, we are committed to child safety in terms of helping children to make smart choices about their day to day activities, and teaching and reinforcing messages that they hear from other sources such as street smarts, and bicycle and pedestrian safety. In essence, BBBSC wants to help children to assess dangers and risks associated with all of their every day life experiences. 

No child guardian, whether parent, teacher, Big Brother Big Sister organization, Big Brother Big Sister volunteer,  or any other responsible adult can protect a child from all dangers twenty-four hours a day, every day of the child’s life. From this understanding follows the conviction that one of the most effective approaches to child safety is to equip children to protect themselves through the development of a strong sense of personal safety that includes a sense of self-esteem, empowerment, effective communication and problem solving skills.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sudbury, we realize that children are perhaps the most vulnerable of all groups in our society, and we also know that the unfortunate fact that abuse, in many forms, is often perpetrated on children.

Abuse prevention therefore has to be an important part of our organization’s work, and we deliver this training through our Child Safety Program. This program requires that all children, parents and volunteers participate in a training session. All volunteers receive information and training about the problem of abuse, and guidelines regarding their responsibilities.

Sexual abuse prevention information is reviewed with the children of our program on a regular, on-going basis by agency casework staff.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sudbury is Committed to Child Safety

	To acknowledge and respond appropriately and responsibly to increasing reports of abuse of children in our society.
	To increase the safety of Little Brothers & Sisters, both during activities related to Big Brothers Big Sisters services, and in other aspects of their lives.
	To help protect Little Brothers & Sisters from sexual and other forms of abuse.
	To increase children’s ability to protect themselves.
	To educate volunteers about child abuse issues.
	To increase the knowledge and skills of Big Brothers & Sisters regarding safe activities, appropriate and inappropriate activities, risk assessment, the prevention of harm, and what Big Brothers & Sisters need to do to keep themselves safe.
	To familiarize parents and guardians of children in our program with personal safety and sexual abuse prevention for children.
	To encourage the reporting of child abuse (in and out of our program).
	To assist Big Brothers & Sisters to respond effectively and supportively to Little Brothers & Sisters should a disclosure of sexual abuse, physical or emotional abuse occur.
	To continue to be an organization concerned about the safety and well being of children.