PREVENTION
Child Safety Matters
The program was developed with schools, not for schools,
to make the best use of existing resources and ensure schools
have effective programs that are easy to implement.
What Is The CSM
Child Safety Matters (CSM) is a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum for elementary
school students in grades K-5. The program educates and empowers children and all relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, and digital abuse dangers.
Also available
A different course for adolescents and teens called Teen Safety Matters
About the Program
It is presented in two comprehensive lessons ranging from
35-55 minutes by trained facilitators in classrooms.
Facilitators present turnkey scripts along with engaging,
interactive PowerPoints including:
Lecture
Videos
Group discussion
Games
Skills-practice activities
Program Topics
Lesson 1
• Safety awareness
• Shared responsibility for safety
• Safe Adults
• Types of abuse
• Red Flags
• Safety Rule
Lesson 2
• Bullying
• Cyberbullying
• Digital abuse
• Digital safety tips
• Digital citizenship
• Safety Rules
Two independent research studies have examined the effectiveness of the program with positive results for both student knowledge gains and facilitator implementation fidelity.
What People are Saying…
“I was nervous about the “talk” today. Kids came home talking about it openly and were very informative. I think that it was a great thing to have at our school.”
– Parent
“I am beyond thrilled that Mr. Hathaway, our school counselor, is teaching all of our 8th-grade students about consent. This is such an important topic that up until this year has never before been taught in our school.” Thank you again, for supporting this vital program to schools. Together, we are truly making a difference!“
— North Putnam Middle School teacher
Meet Our
Child Safety
Matters Team
Candace Balzano
Prevention Education
Program Director
Danna Graham
Prevention Administrative
Coordinator
Do you Have
Any Questions?
Contact Now!
Candace Balzano
Prevention Education Director
Phone: 317-995-7140
Email: candace@susiesplace.org
Contact Susie’s Place
Our Mission
To provide a neutral, child-friendly center to investigate alleged child abuse and neglect in Indiana, while keeping the comfort and safety of the child the first priority.
Our Vision
To strengthen our community's ability to nurture and protect children.