Free Training Offered to Prevent Child-Abuse



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 A free training course aimed at preventing child abuse and supporting families will be offered next month at the Easton Salvation Army, 1110 Northampton St.

Three "Front Porch Project" 3-hour sessions are planned for upcoming Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., on Oct. 4, 18 and 25.

Offered by Easton's Weed and Seed in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, the course will cover:

• How and when to safely respond when worried about a child in the neighborhood or a public place
• Issues affecting children and families today
• Ways to help protect all children

"The idea here to educate folks on how to spot signs of child abuse and neglect at the community level before it escaltes to the point that professionals need become involved," said Weed and Seed Director Laura Accetta. "The training will focus on ways that the average citizen can help to keep children safe."

The classes are open to anyone including child care professionals, but Easton residents are especially encouraged to sign up and attend, Accetta added.

"It would be super to have all residents since most professionals either have training or are familiar already with these issues," she said.

Registrants must commit to attending all three sessions, and each will receive a $25 gift card to Bottom Dollar at the end of the third session as a thanks for their participation.

Additionally, a light meal and refreshments will be served, and child care during the class sessions is available.

"The training is limited to 30, so it is first come first served," Accetta said.

St. Luke's Health Network and Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation are sponsors for the program, she added.

For more information or to register for the classes, call Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance at 800-448-4906 or contact Laura Accetta at Easton Weed and Seed at 610-438-2680.