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Information for Parents and Families

Michigan State University has established policies to promote the safety of youth participating in our programs. Program staff are trained in emergency protocols and all relevant internal and external reporting requirements.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to notify the youth program director or coordinator immediately if they, or their child, are experiencing concerns with the program, other youth participants in the program, and/or program staff and volunteers.

For additional assistance, you may also contact David Chupak, Director of Youth Programs Registration, Safety Assurance, and Education by E-mail at chupakda@msu.edu or by phone at 517-353-6994. Please understand that this contact information is monitored during business hours and should not be used for immediate emergency assistance.

For emergencies, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. For additional police contact information, see Reporting Crimes.

 

 

Resources for Parents and Families

Child maltreatment is a challenging topic to discuss, especially with children. Below are resources for parents to help keep their children safe and tools to help them speak up when something is not right.

  • Resources on the Prevention of Child Maltreatment
    Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

    • RAINN provides parents and families with resources to discuss sexual assault with their children, reduce the risk of child sexual abuse, and recognize and report child sexual abuse. 

    Child Abuse Prevention

    • This resource guide from the US Department of Health & Human Services focuses on protective factors that build on family strengths to foster healthy child and youth development.

     

    Talking to Children and Teens about Abuse
    • This website dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse provides tips for preventative conversations with children and teens about sexual abuse.

     

    National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

    • The NSOPW provides information about reducing the risk of sexual child abuse, identifying suspected sexual child abuse, and talking to children and teens about sexual child abuse.
    • The NSOPW also provides parents and other concerned residents with a tool to identify reported location information on sex offenders residing, working, and attending school in their neighborhoods as well as nearby states and communities.

     

    How To Prevent Abuse

    • The website offers resources aimed at preventing child abuse, including practical tips on how to recognize warning signs and protect children. It also provides guidance on how to approach conversations about abuse with children, offering age-specific tips to ensure effective communication at different developmental stages.
  • Support Services for Survivors
    Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV)

    • The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence provides information for supporting a survivor of sexual assault.

     

    Small Talk

    • Small Talk is a community resource where children who are survivors of physical and sexual abuse are interviewed and offered trauma-focused therapy at no cost.

     

    Firecracker Foundation

    • The Firecracker Foundation provides child survivors of sexual trauma and their families with advocacy and holistic healing services including mental health therapy, trauma sensitive yoga therapy, and caretaker support groups.

     

    End Violent Encounters (EVE)

    • EVE provides supportive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, while empowering the community through education and awareness.
  • General Resources for Parents

    MSU Student Parent Resource Center

    • The MSU Student Parent Resource Center provides support, resources, and campus and community connections for all MSU student parents through graduation and beyond in efforts to help non-traditional students achieve their goals, create two-generation success, and establish long-term connections with the University.

     

    Child Welfare Parenting Resources
    • This website from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides parenting tips, resources, and tools to locate help provided within the community.

     

    Substance Abuse Guide for Parents 

    • The page provides a comprehensive guide for parents on how to recognize, prevent, and address substance abuse in their children, offering expert advice, resources, and strategies to support families dealing with addiction issues.

     

    Internet Safety Guide for Kids

    • The page offers a detailed guide on internet safety for kids, providing parents and caregivers with essential tools and strategies to protect children from online threats. It covers topics such as cyberbullying, online predators, and privacy concerns, along with age-appropriate tips for teaching children safe online behaviors.
  • Additional Campus Support

    Learn more about additional campus programs and support listed on MSU's Our Commitment website.