There are many myths within child protection; below are three important ones. 1) “Child Protection creates unnecessary suspicion in society.” Rubbish! We all lock our front doors when we go out, even though the chance of being burgled that particular day is slight. It is sensible to do so, and our friends don’t call us neurotic – not even when we consider sensor-activated security lights and posh garage doors operated by remote control. Similarly, it is imperative to put protective measures in to your lifestyle that guard against sex offenders. Their crimes are different to burglary therefore the measures are different, but the principles are the same – and the consequences far worse. 2) “People at church are all good people.” If only!! To all church-goers: what is it with the set of bricks cemented together and labelled a church that changes us? The church bricks mean nothing, so use your nouse and be as careful about your children within church as you are elsewhere.
		3) “If you look after someone else’s child, then it’s okay to release them to a stranger if the child clearly knows them.” No, it definitely isn’t. As a toddler, my daughter was released to my dad from a crèche on the basis of their evident (wonderful) relationship – even though the crèche worker had never met my dad before. This was not acceptable. Most sex offenders are known to their victims – an apparent relationship means absolutely nothing and must never be relied upon.

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