With the goal to educate and raise awareness to our local community about child abuse, the impact of substance abuse on children and youth, and the resources that are available to assist children and families, STARS’ Kids on the Block program is partnering with the Child Advocacy Centers in Rutherford and Cannon Counties for their international 19 Days of Activism for the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Youth. “We had a mother approach us after a parent presentation on child abuse prevention. She explained that she had seen the puppetry presentation as a child and that was the first time she heard that what was happening to her was against the law. She was able to then reach out for help. Now having seen the presentation as an adult, she was going to use the kid-friendly language to then explain to her children what had happened to her. Her ultimate goal was to work to keep her kids safe and empowered.” – Melanie Scott VP of Community Relations and Director of Kids on the Block.
STARS’ Kids on the Block’s (KOB) mission is to educate children, as well as the broader community, about health and social concerns that affect their lives. Using puppets and other teaching tools, the KOB program promotes understanding and acceptance of all children and adults regardless of their differences. The program empowers children to make positive choices as they deal with tough and serious issues.
“I use Kids on the Block’s Child Abuse Prevention Program every year. The program has a fine balance of humor and education. These are delivered in a safe and kid-friendly manner. They do not waste one word.” – Elementary School Counselor
The KOB program is licensed and trained through the Department of Children’s Services and offers a variety of programs for each grade level. Third grade is an ideal time to teach children about personal safety. The KOB program offers a Child Abuse Prevention program where the presentation educates students on how to identify child abuse and neglect. The presentation empowers children to say “No!” and talk to a trusted adult. For fourth grade students, the program teaches students about substance abuse and the negative effects it has as well as exploring ways to effectively deal with peer pressure. If you would like the Kids on the Block program to visit you or you’d like to learn more visit our website at www.starsnashville.org or contact us by phone at 615-279-0058.
STARS is a nationally recognized and evidenced-based resource for student assistance, training and professional consultation. STARS exists to provide prevention, intervention and treatment services addressing bullying, substance abuse, violence, and social and emotional barriers to success to students, families, and schools. Led by CEO Rodger Dinwiddie, current president of the International Bullying Prevention Association (IBPA), STARS staff operate in schools and community sites throughout Middle Tennessee via STARS Specialists, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, licensed alcohol and drug out-patient treatment facility through Youth Overcoming Drug Abuse (YODA) and their Kids on the Block puppetry program which helps educate kindergarten through fifth grade students about health and social concerns that affect their lives while promoting an understanding and acceptance of all children and adults regardless of their differences.
