For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives on the same block, can be a chilling discovery. The thought of it alone, can be disturbing. Most parents can't imagine that someone, who could be so potentially dangerous, may live somewhere on their block or along the path their child takes to school. However, it is highly likely that there are registered sex offenders in your neighborhood.
Beginning in the mid 1990's legislative actions established guidelines for tracking convicted sex offenders and making such information available as part of a community notification effort. In 1994 the Jacob Wetterling Act began requiring states to register individuals convicted of sex crimes against children. The "Pam Lychner Sexual Offender Tracking and Identification Act of 1996" was enacted by Congress to provide for the nationwide tracking of convicted sexual predators. "Megan's Law" (1996) further served to clarify the public nature of information and authorized the release of relevant information that is necessary to protect the public. Together, these three key pieces of legislation have shaped the structure of sexual registries, nationwide. Today, almost every state maintains a registry of sexual offenders, and makes this information easily accessible via the internet. Some states may not allow online access. However, they will explain, online, the procedure to follow to gain access to their registry.
Currently there are approximately a half of a million registered sex offenders in the United States. They live in cities and towns all across the country. They are in "poor" and "affluent" neighborhoods. And they could be on your block. The twice-convicted pedophile who raped and murdered Megan (Megan's Law) Kanka lived across the street from her home. Every parent should make it a priority to do a quick search to educate themselves about potential risk exposures thatmay be "dangerously" close. It is commonly said that, "What you don't know can hurt you." But more importantly, what you do know can save your life!
As you search the various databases it is important to realize some important issues. Not all databases are complete. Some only have listings for a small time period. Others only list certain types of sex offenses. While these registries represent a noble effort to empower the community with access to information about dangerous individuals that may still pose a threat, they are by nature incomplete. Not all jurisdictions update and maintain them with the same level of commitment. And compliance to maintain them is not known. You must also realize that every "offender" had a first victim and not every offender is caught. Those offenders would not be listed on any registry or criminal database.
The FBI maintains links to the various state's registries. Access their links at: ( http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm ). However, surprisingly it is not the most up-to-date list available. The Klaas Kids site is a good site with extensive details about the types of offenders that appear on the various state's registries. Access their database at: ( http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm ). And a newly updated link list has just been posted at the SafeKidsReport site, at: ( http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm ).
For parents, access to this invaluable information will serve many goals. One, it will help families to identify potential risks in their own neighborhoods. Two, it will encourage parents to initiate defensive behavioral changes that may dramatically protect their children from predators. And third, it will inspire parents to educate their children about the dangers that exist and the safety strategies that will help to protect them from harm.
About The Author
Julie Joyce is the Editor of "Safe Kids Report" - a newsletter dedicated to helping parents protect their kids from a variety of dangers. Parents can access Free Child ID Kits and other free family safety resources, at: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/states.htm
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareRecently I took my two children to a popular new... Read More
Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More
Most of us recognize the continuing escalation of violence around... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
1. New Word of the DayIntroduce your preschooler to a... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
Every children in the world whishes to have toys and... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
Much has been said about the "gifted child" but in... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that... Read More
You are sitting with the professionals who know about learning... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
Former students would probably attest to the fact that few... Read More
Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
Moms, did you ever question your value as a role... Read More
Summertime means insect bites and stings. Ouch! Take a leaf... Read More
Your child's teacher says that you need to find out... Read More
According to researchers, most children enter school with a good... Read More
College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..You have a chore to do around the house, and... Read More
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More
"Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
When my son was 18 (and had finished school), he... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More
What you say and do about money has a profound... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
I know this Mom. She homeschools her 5 children, plus... Read More
In his recent newsletter "Happy Kids", parenting expert Michael Grose... Read More
While youth gangs are nothing new -- they've been traced... Read More
Once the newness has worn off a little, you will... Read More
Q. My daughter has gotten very good at manipulating us,... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Some people can concentrate on an assignment, to the exclusion... Read More
The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More
We all want to comfort our children after they suffer... Read More
Having worked with parents for the last 35 years and... Read More
Parenting |