Kidpower of Colorado

Background Statement

The pandemic created conditions for a rise in abuse and violence, and reduced children’s ability to report to and get help from trusted adults. The state of Colorado saw a 45% reduction in child abuse reports across the state in 2020 (Colorado Children’s Advocacy Center) due to children being away from mandated reporters. It has been estimated that childhood adversity – like child abuse and excessive bullying – plays a major role in 45% of all childhood mental health disorders and 30% among adults. (Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., 2021) These estimates are consistent with other studies that show increased risk for major depression, anxiety, and some psychotic disorders following childhood trauma or adverse childhood experiences. The impact of trauma at a young age can last a lifetime, particularly in the absence of a strong connection to networks of survivors and community programs to aid in the life-long process of healing. (Townsend, C. (2013)). The CDC states, “The wide-ranging health and social consequences of adverse childhood experiences underscore the importance of preventing them before they happen.” (CDC, ACES Study, 2017).

Children cannot be expected to know skills to be safe without being taught. The skills learned in Kidpower’s workshops are not only crucial to prevent abuse before it occurs but also critical for those who have already been victimized; research has shown that without intervention their likelihood of being re-victimized increases significantly.

Since 1994, Kidpower has worked to reduce children's risks of experiencing trauma by teaching the skills children and their adults need to stay safe and respond constructively to threatening circumstances. Kidpower's safety skills workshops are proven effective to provide skills that can help prevent or stop abuse, assault, and abduction. Over time, Kidpower has evolved in size and scope. In 1994, the program trained 164 individuals with 5 part-time instructors. Last year, the total number served was 2,680 by three full-time and one part-time administrators and 12 part-time paid instructors. Since its inception, Kidpower provided programming to more than 67,500 Colorado children and adults. Kidpower curricula and programming expands to address concerns pertinent to today's young people. For example, technology-facilitated crime and bullying and its impact on our children has emerged as a new safety problem and skills are incorporated into Kidpower training.