The Stark County Prosecutor and the Ohio's Stark County iC.A.R.E. Team Initiative are joining forces through the Job and Family Services of Stark County, Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County, Stark County Educational Service Center, Stark County Family Council, Stark County Family Court and United Way of Greater Stark County to present an Internet safety program in the Stark County area schools.
The program is designed to teach the benefits of the Internet and to alert children as to when the use of the Internet can be dangerous.
John D. Ferrero, Stark County prosecuting attorney, said "I am excited to have my office involved in this type of program because the Internet is often used in sexual abuse cases."
Krista Allison, director of iC.A.R.E. likes the new partnership and remarked, "We in education are pleased to be a part of a collaborative effort with local law enforcement, including the Stark County Prosecuting Attorney John D. Ferrero's Office, to inform and promote a safe and supportive learning environment for our students, their families and communities."
The program, which is referred to as i-SAFE, was found in 1998 and is active in all 50 states. It is a leader in Internet safety education. Its mission is to educate and empower children and their families to make their Internet experience safe and responsible. The goal of the program is to educate students to avoid dangerous, inappropriate or unlawful on-line behavior. James Knight, who is a certified i-SAFE trainer and a certified crime prevention specialist, will direct the program.
For more information about the program, call Stark County Prosecuting Attorney John D. Ferrero's Office at 330-451-7888 and ask to speak to James Knight or call iC.A.R.E. Director Krista Allison at 330-492-8136 ext. 409.