Prevention is Possible: Building Systems that Keep Kids Safe

Prevention is Possible

Knowledge is power. And when parents, caregivers, and those who work with children and families are equipped with the right tools and skills, they can create the safe environments every child deserves. 

The Children’s Trust offers free trainings designed to strengthen communities across Massachusetts. One such training is our two-day Keeping Kids Safe: Train the Trainer workshop, which helps prepare professionals to bring child sexual abuse prevention workshops for both staff and parents directly into their schools, organizations, and communities.  

This summer, 18 new Community Ambassadors completed the training, joining a growing network of 166 Community Ambassadors dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse. Together, this group represents a powerful systems-change approach: building capacity across organizations and regions to strengthen prevention efforts across the state.   

Why Training Matters 

We believe prevention is a shared responsibility. Free training opportunities, like Keeping Kids Safe: Train the Trainer, help ensure staff are prepared to:  

• Deliver engaging prevention workshops for parents and staff 

• Understand the issue of child sexual abuse in Massachusetts 

• Apply best practices for teaching about sensitive topics 

• Address cultural factors that shape prevention conversations 

• Access ongoing mentoring, a community of practice, and recertification support 

Who Participated  

The summer session drew a diverse group of professionals, including case managers, early learning specialists, a tutor chaplain, and home visitors, all part of the family support workforce. Participants came from across Massachusetts (Boston Metro, Springfield, Central MA, Southeast, and the Berkshires) and even one from Indiana. 

Each brought their own motivation for attending: 

“I’m new to this field and want to better support my families.” 

“This will allow me to be a knowledgeable parent and more comfortable talking about this topic.” 

“We want to strengthen resources and skills among our volunteers, especially around being mandated reporters.” 

Training Attendees

Community Ambassadors described the training as approachable, empowering, and engaging: 

“This program is the baby step for educating parents, not scaring them… it focuses on skills families can actually use.” 

Community Ambassador

“This was such an incredible example of how to lead a training with intentional inclusion and presence.” 

Community Ambassador

A Growing Movement 

With 166 Keeping Kids Safe Community Ambassadors now trained, we are building a sustainable, community-driven approach to child sexual abuse prevention. Each new Ambassador represents another school, organization, or program ready to start conversations, shift culture, and prioritize child safety.  

Together, we’re proving prevention is possible — and that it’s a shared responsibility across systems, communities, and families alike. 

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Interested in becoming a Keeping Kids Safe Community Ambassador?
The Children’s Trust is seeking individuals with experience facilitating trainings, workshops, or groups who are able and committed to leading Keeping Kids Safe workshops in their own organizations or out in the community. If you or someone you know is interested, please complete the form below.