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Children's Advocacy and Child Abuse Prevention
Children's Advocacy and Child Abuse Prevention
Angela Baroco Eddy joins Gulf Coast Kid's House staff
Read MoreGulf Coast Kid's House adds Angela Baroco Eddy as Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator to its staff.
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Release Date: Sunday, March 18, 2012
Angela Baroco Eddy of Pensacola is the new child abuse prevention coordinator at the Gulf Coast Kid's House in Pensacola.
The Gulf Coast Kid's House is an advocacy center that was established in 2004. Its purpose is to facilitate the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse and neglect, and promote prevention through education.
Eddy is a former senior account representative with Sonitrol of Northwest Florida and its sister company, Redwire. She also used to teach middle school English and literacy in Pensacola and Orlando.
Eddy, 40, will split her time working at the Kid's House and as a recruiter for IMS Expert Services, a witness search firm in Pensacola.
QUESTION: Why did you decide to accept the challenge of dealing with such a difficult subject?
ANSWER: Because I think I can make a difference. I think that it's very important to be involved in something that you are passionate about, and I am definitely passionate about protecting children and helping children lead the best lives possible. I think this opportunity gives me the chance to be one of the very few lucky people who can say that their job does make a difference every day.
Q: Do you have experience dealing with child abuse or child abuse prevention?
A: I was formerly a middle school English teacher, so I don't have specific experience with child abuse. I have worked with several boards in the local community, one of which is the Child Guardians board, which is the nonprofit board with the guardian ad litem program. That is a program that deals directly with abused and neglected children. I was more working with recruiting volunteers to try to assist with the cases that were in the court system already, so I have some familiarity with it but no direct experience.
Q: How will you carry out your responsibilities as child abuse prevention coordinator at the Kid's House?
A: At Gulf Coast Kid's House, we are very fortunate to have a lot of resources in the building. We have the Department of Children and Families, Department of Health, Lutheran Services Florida, the State Attorney's Office and law enforcement. Using those resources really will help me to try to spread the word, try to let people know the services that we provide once the abuse has happened but also using those resources to try to get out into the community in some of the areas that I think are most needing some education, awareness and things like that to help prevent it.
Q: What ideas would you like to implement?
A: (I would like to develop) something with the middle school and high school age students. I am going to be working to develop some things with that, working with some volunteer groups and some teen volunteer groups, hopefully, in the area and maybe have some teen facilitators.
Q: What has been the most interesting case that you have worked on at IMS?
A: Simply Orange is owned by the Coca-Cola Co. That big green cap that is on their bottles is patented. Tropicana, which is owned by Pepsi, came out with a new juice product called Trop50, and they were packaging it in a very similar carafe-style bottle with the big green cap. Coca-Cola and Simply Orange sued them for patent infringement and claimed that consumers would just see the big green cap and think that it was one of the Simply Orange products, when in fact it was quite different. They needed an expert to discuss the similarities in the design and manufacturing and the overall look of that bottle cap. I ended up talking to someone who had worked in packaging with Ocean Spray for more than 30 years. He knew everything there was to know about bottle caps and design and placement on shelves and why consumers would be confused looking at the two very similar products. Coca-Cola ended up winning the case. Tropicana changed their caps, so now they are red and orange, and they are not made the same way.
Release Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012
In response to the increased number of reports seen at the Gulf Coast Kid’s House, the GCKH recently hired a child abuse prevention coordinator. Angela Baroco Eddy previously worked full-time at IMS Expert Services and will remain with the expert witness search firm part-time.
Prior to her work as a recruiter, Eddy worked as a senior account representative with Sonitrol of Northwest Florida and its sister company, Redwire, consulting with local businesses in need of security and life safety solutions. She also spent several years as a middle school English and literacy instructor in Pensacola and Orlando. Eddy has served on a number of local boards, including Crime Stoppers and Child Guardians Inc. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Vanderbilt University.
For more information on the Gulf Coast Kid’s House go to: gulfcoastkidshouse.org
Release Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012
Gulf Coast Kid's House has a team of professionals from child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution and medical and mental health professionals. An abused child referred to the house can receive care from the team at one location. This "one-house" concept helps to ensure that children who are victims of abuse will not be further traumatized by the system intended to help and protect them.
Gulf Coast Kid's House is at 3401 N. 12th Ave. in Pensacola.
For more information or to reserve a seat, call (850) 595-5800.
Release Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012
On Feburary 17, Express Employment Professionals and Pensacola Cordova Rotary teamed up to raise funds for Gulf Coast Kid’s House by offering the community a unique opportunity to see and ride beautiful Clydesdale horses.
Of a rare black and white color, the Express Clydesdales stand 17-18 hands high and weigh more than 2,000 pounds each. Their shoes are the size of dinner plates and weigh more than three pounds each. They are the reigning National 8-Horse Hitch and National 6-Horse Hitch Champions.
Attendees enjoyed facepainting, food and rides and raised much needed funds to support Gulf Coast Kid's House. Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is not state or federally funded. In 2011, Gulf Coast Kid's House provided services to over 2000 child victims of abuse. The trained professionals under one roof investigate, treat, and prosecute cases of child sexual and physical abuse, and severe neglect; education in child abuse prevention is also provided.
Release Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Lauren Book overcame years of physical and sexual abuse.
She was in Pensacola today as part her 3rd Annual "Walk in her Shoes" campaign.
It's a 1500 mile walk across Florida to raise awareness of child sexual abuse.
She says a third of girls and 20 % of boys will become the victims of sexual abuse before they turn 18.
"This is happening and putting our head in the sand is not going to serve our children and we need to do all that we can to protect them."
Book does say 95 % of all abuse cases can be prevented with awareness and education.
She is also pushing for legislation that would require schools to report abuse or face a million dollar fine and a two-year ban from state funding.
Release Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Yesterday at Seville Square, fighting the cold, evening breeze people wait for Lauren Book to make her pit-stop in Pensacola, from Key West, for her Walk in My Shoes campaign. There’s teal t-shirts with campaign’s logo, a table full of pamphlets and a poster with the message, “It Should Not Hurt to be a Child,” in red.
Book’s bus arrives and she walks out, wrapped in a sea-foam green blanket.
“It’s freezing,” she called out.
She’s cheery and happy despite the weather. She smiles and shakes hands with her greeters.
Book has embarked on a 1,500 mile journey to raise awareness about sexual abuse and to let victims know, “It’s Ok to Tell,” which is also the title of her memoir.
Book was a victim of sexual and physical abuse from her female nanny starting at the age of 11. The next six years of her life were controlled by the woman who abused her until 2002, when Book’s boyfriend encouraged her to tell someone what was happening. Book told her therapist, who told her father. Since then, Book and her father have been strong advocates for the cause.
This is Book’s third year walking the walk. Each year, she has expanded starting at 500 miles to this year’s 1,500 mile trek. It wasn’t an easy—Book survived pneumonia and one of her devoted walkers had a root canal during their time on the road.
The Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Lakeview Rape Crisis Center, Florida Department of Children and Families, Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and Lutheran Services Florida were there to support Book.
“We’re grateful that Lauren would be willing to do this,” said Janice Thomas of Florida Department of Children and Families. “It’s a commitment of time and money…”
“…and knees,” Book interrupted with a smile.
“What we really would like to happen is for our services not to be needed,” Thomas said. “The only way to start stopping is to talk about it.”
When Book dropped the blanket and took her turn to speak, she made it a point to show her appreciation for the support she received by making everyone clap and pat themselves on the back.
“I’m honored to be here,” she said. “Thank you – from a little girl who had nobody.”
After she spoke, another survivor approached Book. Without missing a beat, Book hugged her tight.
Unfortunately, child abuse has been a topic in the national headlines. The only light to come at the end of that tunnel is that people are more willing to help.
“The community is starting to wake up,” said Stacey Kostevicki, executive director of Gulf Coast Kid’s House. “There has been an increase in volunteers and general outreach.”
Book says this walk is the “physical manifestation of my journey as a survivor.”
“You do become a thriving survivor,” she said. “I’m a warrior in the crusade to end sexual exploitation.”
At this point in her walk, which continues until Wednesday, Feb. 22, Book has gone through three pairs of sneakers. The 27-year-old says she feels 90.
This morning at 9 a.m. another crowd gathered at Plaza de Luna for Book as she departs Pensacola to make her way to Fort Walton Beach. Kostevicki had said the day before that they would meet, rain or shine, to send Book off.
The grey mood didn’t affect Book who was under an umbrella doing an interview with WUWF. Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan chats with the leather-clad BACA team and walkers are warming up in their ‘Walk in My Shoes’ t-shirts.
Escambia and Santa Rosa County law enforcement and State Attorney Bill Eddins were there to send Book off with well wishes.
“Guys, be careful out there, roads are slick,” Morgan said to the bikers. “My heard and admiration goes out to Lauren, Godspeed and be careful.”
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Wendell Hall gave his appreciation to Book and said he hoped we won’t need advocacy centers one day.
“A little bit of rain can’t stop you, Lauren,” said Pensacola Chief of Police, Chip Simmons.
Eddins pointed out that Book’s efforts have resulted in positive changes. Laws have strengthened and advocacy houses have been built.
“The efforts you’ve made do make a difference,” he said to Book about her campaign. “Children have reported sexual abuse who would not have done so without the education.”
When Book took the microphone again she wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
“I’m so happy to share my heart with you,” she said. “A piece of my heart is with you each and every day.”
You can learn more about Book and her journey at laurenskids.org.
Release Date: Monday, February 13, 2012
She doesn't call herself a victim, though many would.
She's a "thriving survivor" of childhood sexual abuse, and she's walking 1,500 miles across Florida to advocate for legislative and social change.
Lauren Book, who was physically and sexually abused by a nanny for six years as a child in South Florida, was welcomed into Seville Square on Monday evening. Pensacola is one of dozens of stops on Book's third annual "Walk in My Shoes" journey.
Her trek began in Key West on Jan. 14 and will end Feb. 22 on the steps of the Capitol in Tallahassee.
"Kids should be able to go down the street and play hopscotch," Book said. "Ninety-five percent of abuse can be prevented by education and awareness."
Book, 27, is supporting legislation including measures to require a timely HIV test of the abuser, prevent abusers from contacting victims, fund abuse treatment centers and extend the length of time during which child sexual abusers can be prosecuted. The event Monday was sponsored by Gulf Coast Kid's House, which works with partner agencies to coordinate investigation of child abuse and promote awareness in Escambia County.
Gulf Coast Kid's House executive director Stacey Kostevicki thanked a shivering crowd for attending.
Since Jan. 14, Book has burned through three pairs of tennis shoes. She traveled 500 miles the first year of "Walk in My Shoes" and 1,000 miles in 2011.
"We're going to keep talking about it and keep walking about it," Book said, bouncing from toe-to-toe to stay warm.
Book, the eldest daughter of Florida lawyer and lobbyist Ron Book, wrote a memoir about her experience, "It's OK to Tell."
In 2007, she founded Lauren's Kids, a nonprofit group that aims to educate adults and children about sexual abuse through legislation, in-school curriculum, a 24-hour crisis hotline and the walk.
Last year, the Florida legislature gave the group $1.5 million to create a curriculum for kindergarten children. Schools across the state should receive the kit during February, said spokesperson Jessica Clark.
Book, who has a degree in education from the University of Miami, created curriculum to teach children about body boundaries, and the difference between safe secrets and secrets that need to be told, Clark said.
"People think abusers are dirty old men, or winos waiting behind a trash can," Book said. "But the truth is 90 percent of the time, the abuser is someone the child knows, loves and trusts."
Waldina Flores, the nanny that abused Book from age 11 to age 17, is currently serving a jail sentence, including an additional 15 years for contacting Book from jail.
Release Date: Sunday, December 04, 2011
The news that a former assistant coach at Penn State University stood accused of molesting boys shocked many.
Unfortunately, though, coaches or other adults in a position of authority taking sexual advantage of children in their care is something that child advocates at the Gulf Coast Kid's House in Pensacola deal with on a regular basis.
In fact, the Gulf Coast Kid's House offers training to parents and others with frequent contact with children.
The program, called "Stewards of Children," is designed by the Darkness to Light child welfare organization. The training is offered to professional groups, such as nurses and mental health workers, in their work and educational settings. However, the Gulf Coast Kid's House also offers it to the general public six times a year.
The next "Stewards of Children" training session for the general public is set for Jan. 10. Cost is $15. For details, call 595-5800.
Gulf Coast Kid's House Executive Director Stacey Kostevicki and "Stewards of Children" training facilitator Debra Bond recently talked with the News Journal about child sexual abuse and the "Stewards of Children" training.
Q: How common is it for a coach to sexually abuse a child?
Kostevicki: It's not that typical. It's something that a parent needs to be concerned with, but in the cases that we see, about 89 percent of the perpetrators are a family member or a close family friend.
You need to be vigilant with knowing where your children are. It is not acceptable to send your child with an uncle, even, for a day without having some other adult checking in or another adult present.
Q: Absent a child saying, "I have been abused," what signs should a parent look for?
Kostevicki: The best indicator is any change in behavior of the child, whether they used to always like going to practice and now they don't want to go to practice anymore, whether they used to be really outgoing and now they are sort of withdrawn — any change in your child's personality. It is rare that you will see any physical signs of sexual abuse ... Sometimes, you will see STDs, but it's rare.
Q: Is there a profile that perpetrators fall into?
Bond: The horrible part is you can't look at somebody and say, "Oh, they fit the profile," because that's not what they are going to reveal to you. ... The "It can't happen to me. It can't happen to my child. It can't happen in my community" just won't work. Statistically, we see that it is everywhere.
Q: There seems to be some debate in Pennsylvania about people who had witnessed the abuse but hadn't done anything or hadn't done enough. What is the law in Florida?
Kostevicki: (People who witness abuse) are legally mandated to report it, either to law enforcement or to the abuse hotline, 1-800-96-ABUSE. The requirements vary by state, but Florida has very strict requirements around these crimes. If a person even suspects a child is being harmed — not even seeing something visually but has a suspicion — they are legally required to call that in. They are (subject to legal prosecution) for not doing that.
Q: What can be done to combat the stigma of being a victim of sexual abuse — especially for that experienced by teenage boys, like in Pennsylvania — so that they feel more comfortable reporting a crime?
Bond: Boys do report less because of the stigma attached to it. It's important to get them to understand that the adult is the one who is at fault, not the child. If the child doesn't disclose who the adult is, lifelong child pedophiles can have as many as 400 victims. When a child decides to disclose, they are keeping that from happening to somebody else. If someone is reluctant, or doesn't know how it will do any good, getting that pedophile off the street is going to save a whole lot of more heartache.
Q: A lot of sports clubs and youth organizations do background checks on their employees and volunteers. How safe should that make a parent feel?
Bond: When you look at records, allegations ... could have taken place and nothing come of it. You're not going to know. It's very important for employers or the group to look into background checks with more of a personal eye. Look at someone's history. Do those personal reference calls. Those are the keys to whether this person is what they appear to be.
Q: Who, in the general community, needs the "Stewards of Children" training?
Kostevicki: I say anybody who has children. I know that is really general. But as a parent, there are situations that you don't think of — like the Penn State case. You think you're sending your child to a reputable coach. This class really helps give parents the skills and the ammunition they need to protect their children.
It really educates people for an issue we don't want to talk about. It's like preparing for a fire drill. You have got to prepare yourself mentally for the day where you might find out that your child has been abused.
Release Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011
The sad case at Penn State University has raised awareness of child sexual abuse on a national level. The nation has reacted with anger, frustration and confusion.
With the media spotlight focused on another community, we should reflect on our own community and the fact that the plague of child physical and sexual abuse exists in our own backyard.
Last year, Gulf Coast Kid's House provided services for more than 1,200 children. In the first six months of 2011, we saw nearly 900 children.
The question is now, how to address suspected child abuse? What systems are in place to protect the children in our community?
In talking with community members, many ask, "What else could Joe Paterno have done? He reported it to a supervisor." And the answer is: He could have and should have done a lot more.
In Florida, child abuse and child sexual abuse is a crime that every witness or person suspecting abuse is legally mandated to report.
So why do adult witnesses, like Paterno and Penn State assistant football coach Mike McQueary, stay silent? Many speculate it is due to a lack of information about how to report such abuse and what will happen as a result.
This tragic case can serve as a learning experience for all responsible community members. We are all legally required to report if we suspect a child is being harmed.
In Escambia County, we are fortunate to have a Children's Advocacy Center that promotes a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to child abuse cases.
When a report of child sexual abuse is made to the Department of Children of Families or to local law enforcement, the report is not closed until a professional has investigated the case. This guarantees that a set of professional eyes and ears are on that child in order to ensure their safety.
Agencies that work with child abuse cases form a partnership to ensure the case is investigated, the abuse ends and the child has an opportunity to safely tell what has happened to him or her. These agencies continue to work together throughout the investigation to implement services into the home for quick and effective intervention, allowing the family to begin the healing process.
If we can learn anything from this tragedy, it is that reporting child abuse is mandatory. It is
not up to you to determine whether or not abuse is occurring — let the professionals investigate.
Parents, consider this a lesson as well. Predators spend years grooming children and their families so that they are able to integrate themselves into the family as a trusted person. At Gulf Coast Kid's House, we see that the alleged perpetrator is a known family member or trusted friend in nearly 90 percent of child abuse cases.
It is unacceptable for adult witnesses to remain silent when child abuse is known or suspected. Child victims can remain silent for many reasons — fear of retribution or a false sense of "love" with the offender.
It is up to us to ensure that their voices are heard and that these children have a chance at recovery.
Release Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011
Brenda Lewis is a big fan of "Cake Boss."
While watching the TLC baking reality show one night, the 67-year-old Warrington resident was inspired to bake her own custom cake. A building, she thought, would be pretty easy.
Three weeks later, Lewis had a sweet replica of her workplace — the Gulf Coast Kid's House — and a healthy respect for professional bakers.
"Let me tell you, it ain't as easy as they show it on TV," she said, shaking her head. "This was my one and only cake."
Lewis, who has worked as a cleaner for the Pensacola nonprofit for seven years, made the giant, mostly inedible cake from rice krispy treats, fondant, sugar paper, Styrofoam, cardboard and skewers.
"You name it, it's in there," she joked. "I did everything three times, to get it right."
Her labor of love now rests in a meeting room of the Gulf Coast Kid's House on 12th Avenue, where it will remain on display until Christmas.
Stacey Kostevicki is executive director of the kid-friendly facility, which serves abused children and their families. She said that Lewis is known for going above and beyond her duties.
"She brings home the donated stuffed animals and repairs them all the time," she said. "We see her smuggling them out of the building."
The Kid's House cake, sitting on its bed of green icing, is just another example of Lewis' giving nature.
"It's heart-touching that Brenda chose to do this on her free time," Kostevicki said. "It's an amazing cake."
Release Date: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Larry and Diane Burke were surrounded by four of their adopted children on Saturday.
The couple have adopted nine children since 1998 and said it's a decision they have never regretted.
"Who doesn't want something to call your family?" Larry Burke asked.
The Burkes joined 400 others in the "Footprints to a Forever Family" walk to celebrate adoptive and foster families in the Pensacola area.
November is National Adoption Month, and several local organizations decided to have 1.5-mile walks to celebrate adoption and foster care.
The walk began at the Gulf Coast Kid's House on 12th Avenue and wound its way through East Hill to Bayview Park at 20th Avenue and Mallory Street. At the park, families and volunteers mingled to express their gratitude for each other.
In addition to Gulf Coast Kid's House, FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview, and the Guardian Ad Litem program were just a few of the organizations involved.
Stacey Kostevicki, executive director of Gulf Coast Kid's House, said the walk was organized to raise awareness of adoption and to recruit adoptive families.
"We have a really great turnout," she said. "You feel a sense of pride."
Peggy Custred, associate adoption coordinator with FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview, coordinated the walk.
She said the event had been planned since the beginning of summer, and that she hopes it will become an annual event.
Custred also mentioned the importance of being an adoptive parent. She said it requires "commitment, flexibility and unconditional love."
"We need families that can meet the children's needs," she said.
Mike Harris, another adoptive parent, has adopted two children in the past six years.
"It's definitely rewarding," he said. "You give them a permanent connection to a home."
He also said adoption makes an impact on the community by giving the children an opportunity to make changes around them.
"As a community, you are putting children in a home with a family," he said. "Everyone needs a family."