The only known deterrent to a predator is the risk of getting caught. Samantha’s PRIDE eliminates the easy opportunities predators depend upon.

The tools and information of Samantha’s PRIDE are FREE.

· Parent volunteers participate in a child watch schedule before and after school, on weekends, at community parks and pools, at recreational practices, club or scout meetings.

· All volunteers agree to submit their fingerprints for a criminal background check through the FBI's Child Abuse Index.

· All activities are done in teams, in public view.

· All PRIDE Protectors, approved volunteers, agree to participate in at least one annual PRIDE event or training and report suspicious behavior and/or signs of potential abuse.

Follow these easy steps to empower your community to protect your neighborhood children from sexual abuse and abduction!

1. Contact The Joyful Child Foundation (TJCF) at 866-756-9385 or email pride@thejoyfulchild.org to be assigned a PRIDE Area Coordinator to help you start your PRIDE.
   
   
2. Host a PRIDE Family Safety meeting in your neighborhood to raise awareness about crimes against children, share tips on avoiding dangerous situations and announce the PRIDE starting in your neighborhood. All adults are invited to volunteer to be child watch “Protectors,” but you only need two PRIDE Protectors to start. Your PRIDE Area Coordinator will provide the flyers, videos and help coordinate the event.
   
   
3. PRIDE Protectors must have their fingerprint background check approved by a state law enforcement agency and the FBI’s Child Abuse Index. In Southern California TJCF will send a representative and a portable “Live Scan” digital fingerprint machine to your PRIDE events to sign up volunteers.
   
   
4. Once the results of the fingerprinting background check are approved the new volunteer PRIDE Protectors will meet with the Area Coordinator to get their vests, signs and training. PRIDE Protectors take an oath to uphold the principles of the PRIDE and then design their PRIDE choosing from a variety of options from PRIDE Fun Days to watching children walk safely to and from school or playing outside.