Tips for Parents Living with a Sexual Predator in Your Neighborhood - Associated Content

A number of years back, a young man in our neighborhood raped an adolescent girl at the school yard. He was tried and convicted and sent to jail. Upon his release, his only option was to return to live in his parent's home. When he was released, the local police sent fliers to homeowners in the area advising that he had been released and explaining his restrictions and providing a mug shot. Ordinarily, I wouldn't worry too much about it except at the time I had a young girl living in my household. Here are some tips for living with a sexual predator in your neighborhood.How to Find Out If A Sexual Predator Lives in Your AreaIf you provide your zip code to your home to the FamilyWatchDog website, it will return a map of the area with boxes colored red, green, blue and yellow boxes of people convicted of crimes of rape, assault of children, battery and of other related crimes. Pictures are available along with descriptions and explanations of the crime committed. There are other website available, but this one doesn't require registration. See the definitions of what makes a person a sexual predator.Keep a Copy of any Sexual Predator's PicturesBecause I wanted the young girl in my house to pay attention to her safety, having the picture on the refrigerator was a constant reminder that there may be danger. Advise Children to Travel in Groups or Pairs and Report WhereaboutsAlthough some people haven't been able to afford a cell phone, the concept is still the same. Children should be expected to tell you where they are going, when they will be back and call if they are going to be late. Instruct them that an adult must be in charge at any location that they visit.Children should travel in pairs or with a group when going to public parks and to schools. Parents can take turns walking them to their destination, especially during low light times. Train your child to use safety practices, say no to strangers and rehearse responses to dangerous situations such as opening doors, entering cars and answering the phone when the situation involves a stranger -see the Florida Sexual Predator Safety Worksheet for guidance.