Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Council of Bartholomew County, Columbus, Indiana

Kids on the Block (KOB) Program

Who are the "Kids on the Block"?

The Kids on the Block, Inc. was developed in 1977 in direct response to U.S. Public Law 94-142 (sometimes called "the mainstreaming law"). Within its guidelines, children with disabilities were legally given the opportunity to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers in "regular" classrooms and schools.

Since its inception, The Kids on the Block, Inc. has created educational curriculums to teach children about disability awareness, medical and educational differences, as well as social/safety concerns.

In 1995, the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Bartholomew County began training and sponsoring local teens as puppeteers to present the Kids on the Block programs on child abuse, neglect and related personal safety curriculums for younger children.

How do "Kids on the Block" programs help?

The medium of live puppet theatre makes a "Kids on the Block" performance an unforgettable educational experience. It is through the powerful, lively scripts and question/answer sessions that many widely held myths and misconceptions are replaced with facts. The warmth and sensitivity of these programs enhances understanding, enriching both adults and children. Their purpose is to stimulate positive changes in attitude and behaviors, which will affect both present and future generations.

Appreciation for the "Kids on the Block" program

The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Bartholomew County was honored at the 2002 annual conference of the Indiana Association for Play Therapy. CAP Council's Kids on the Block program received the Vivian Thompson Award of Merit for Outstanding Contributions to Play Therapy.

Teachers consistently give us high marks on the performance evaluation forms. Recent teacher comments have included:

• "The children were engaged and thinking"
• "Non-threatening way to present these topics"
• "Grade level appropriate - really got the kids thinking about the topic"
• "We had several statements/questions from students that made us decide to watch those students and want to talk with them or get Pupil Services involved"

Script Summaries

Open House

Stephen Arthurs is a 10-year old boy who, in a clear & non-threatening way, discusses his experience with physical abuse with his friend during a school open house. Script material covers specific issues such as the difference between discipline and abuse, how and whom to tell, Stephen's love for his mother and his dislike of what she does, and family counseling as an appropriate course of action.

Hot Line

Nam misunderstands what constitutes child abuse and interrupts Stephen's homework session to describe what his parents are doing, that he calls child abuse. Stephen invites Nam over and together they clarify some aspects of physical abuse and neglect.

Between Friends

Joanne tells Stephen she was once sexually abused and together they act out the scene in which she tells a trusted adult that she was being abused. Major points made in the script include: if you are sexually abused, it is not your fault, your parents will still love you, don't believe the threats, if this has happened to you, you should tell someone about it and, you have the right to say no.

Big Plans (Resist peer pressure / make positive choices)

When Nam meets Jason and tells him about the "big plans" he has in mind (i.e. "trashing the neighborhood with some "cool" kids, the two end up discussing peer pressure, making choices and the consequences of choices.

True Colors & Guessing Game (Prejudice)

Joanne is fearful of people who are minorities. Clare explains that fear is normal but it should be of particular behaviors, not of particular groups of people. Impacts of racial prejudice, stereotyping and prejudicial thinking are examined.

Shake It Up (Conflict Resolution)

Nam has had a violent encounter with a bully. When he and Jason plan to gather their friends to retaliate, John suggests that this would only escalate the violence. Consequences of violence and better ways to solve problems are discussed.

Personal Safety Scripts for Younger Audiences

• Bad Strangers: Don't believe their tricks; get away and tell a trusted adult.
• Emergency Numbers: Learn your area code and phone number in case you're ever lost.
• The Secret Password: Make up a secret password that only you and your parents know.

To schedule a program, volunteer or learn more, call CAP Council at (812) 314-2949.