Initially, the school system had trained all of its certified staff in the Stewards of Children program. That, also, was a first for a school system in the state of Georgia.
Just last month, the system completed training for all staff, not just teachers, according to school system social worker Joni McElwaney.
"All of our para-pros, all of our office staff, all of our administrative [staff]; we've trained every bus driver, every nutrition staff and every custodial staff," said McElwaney.
McElwaney said while the program trains staff to recognize signs of sex abuse in children, the main goal is to prevent abuse from taking place at all. She said the program prompted Lumpkin County Schools to take a close look at its own policies and procedures.
"Volunteers coming in, mentors coming in, student teachers...it just really has made us look at that, ensuring that we have background checks and things like that in place," said McElwaney.
The school board will receive a commendation Monday night from the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/12/244257