Here are some links and resources to help parents talk to their children about difficult stories like the death of Autumn Pasquale, the 12-year-old girl who went missing and was found dead this week, or the abduction of a baby girl during a murder in King of Prussia.
From the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website, you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions on Child Safety -- questions like, "What are the most important things parents should tell children about safety?" and why speaking openly to your children will help you build a better relationship with your child when it comes to safety and secrecy.
On The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, there is information on how both parents and caregivers play a very important role in helping children and teens recover from traumatic experiences. The site gives you some guidance on answering questions or having conversations about child sex abuse, physical abuse and domestic abuse.
And finally, on the CARES Institute website [Child Abuse Research Education and Service] there is information on medical and mental health services that can help meet the needs of children going through trauma.
