How we prevent child abuse
Child abuse makes headlines too often. It happens in homes, in gyms, in schools, and in youth programs. The stories are heartbreaking and preventable.
Each time, the pattern is the same. Someone knew. Someone suspected. But no one took action. Or someone tried to report and was ignored.
It does not have to be this way.
The truth about child abuse
One in ten children will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Most of them will never report it. Not because they are not hurting, but because the person who harmed them is someone they know and trust.
That is how child abuse continues without detection. It is often hidden in plain sight.
In too many cases, adults hesitate. They are not sure what counts as child abuse. They are afraid of getting it wrong. They do not know where to start.
But children cannot protect themselves. That responsibility belongs to us.
What every organization should be doing
Every adult in Delaware is a mandated reporter. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you are required to report it.
Reporting is not enough. If you run a youth program, camp, sports league, or aftercare program, you also need strong child protection policies. Those policies must be reviewed and updated regularly.
Here is what that should include:
- Background checks for all staff and volunteers
- Policies that prohibit one-on-one, unobservable interactions
- Training that helps staff recognize child abuse and respond to it
- Clear and enforced social media guidelines
- A shared understanding of everyone’s responsibilities
Many organizations miss these steps. Not because they do not care, but because they assume a simple handbook or a quick orientation is enough. It is not.
How the Beau Biden Foundation can help
The Beau Biden Foundation works with child-serving organizations to build safer environments for children. Through our Shield of Protection® Initiative, we partner with schools, camps, faith-based groups, and youth organizations to review and improve their policies.
We also offer expert-led trainings, including:
- Recognizing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect, Delaware’s mandatory reporter training
- Workshops for adults on setting healthy boundaries, identifying signs of grooming, navigating digital safety, and creating safe cultures in schools and youth programs
- Workshops for children on recognizing safe and unsafe situations, understanding boundaries, and knowing when and how to speak up or seek help from a trusted adult
These sessions are designed to empower both adults and children with knowledge and practical tools to prevent child abuse, respond appropriately, and strengthen community protection.
What happens when organizations do nothing
We often hear the same lines.
“We have never had a problem.”
“Our staff would never do that.”
“We have a policy. It should be in the manual.”
That is not protection. That is a risk.
A child’s safety cannot depend on assumptions. It must rest on policies that are clear, current, and consistently followed.
What you can do today
If you are part of a child-serving organization, ask when your policies were last reviewed.
If you are a parent, ask what training staff and volunteers receive.
If you are a mentor or coach, take a training and learn how to recognize the signs.
And if you are an adult in Delaware, know that you are required to report suspected child abuse.
Beau Biden said it best:
“We have a legal and moral obligation to stand up and speak out for children who are being abused. They cannot speak for themselves.”
We believe that too. And we are here to help you take the next step.
Review your policies. Schedule a training. Talk to your team. The next child you protect might be the one who never says a word.
