We are a group of dedicated, experienced, and trained volunteers with a mission to teach elementary school-aged children to recognize, prevent, and stop all forms of child abuse, neglect, and bullying. Our program is a grassroots effort to address the alarming child abuse statistics in New Mexico.
Our Program
Evidence Based Curriculum
Interactive Lessons
Enthusiastic Engagement
The program utilizes an evidence-based curriculum that involves two, 30-45 minute, interactive lessons per age/grade level for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Children typically are engaged and enthusiastic about sharing thoughts and ideas.
We also offer free, 30-45 minute staff trainings for community centers or other group working with children, which covers the importance of their role as safe grown-ups to the kids in their care, how to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, and how to report suspected maltreatment.
Child Abuse Statistics & Facts
“Children’s chances of being healthy, doing well in school and growing up to be productive and contributing members of society are tied most profoundly to their experiences in the early years.”
New Mexico Voices for Children, “KIDS COUNT Data Book” (2018)
Child abuse and neglect greatly increase a child’s risk for current and future problems such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, criminal activity, physical health conditions, low academic and economic success, and perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
Child abuse affects everyone. It is not just the victim who suffers - trauma has a ripple effect that can impact an entire community. This is why it’s so important to prevent child abuse BEFORE it happens.
“If someone would have talked in school about safe touch and unsafe touch, I believe I would have spoken up as a child and not been victimized over and over again for years, but that day never came, which is why my mission now is to protect children from the childhood I could not be protected from.”
-Erin Merryn, creator of Erin’s Law, which has been passed in 37 states, including NM, and requires public schools to implement a prevention oriented child sexual abuse program.
A 2015 study by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the annual cost of child maltreatment to the United States is
$2 Trillion
Kids Empowered Cyberbullying Segment in CABQ Video
(Starts at 0:4:38)
To report suspected child abuse or neglect in NM: Simply type in
#SAFE
from a cell phone or dial
1-855-333-7233
(remember you can remain anonymous)
Contact Us
To learn more about Kids Empowered programs, classes, or upcoming events please fill out this form and we’ll contact you shortly.