Welcome to radKIDS^®, a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to providing realistic choices and options to children and parents concerning their overall safety in the world today. It is our mission to provide, through education, realistic choices for children to avoid and/or escape violence or harm in their daily lives.

It was estimated in 1988 (National Incidence Study of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, or Thrownaway Children - NISMART) over 114,000 abductions were attempted on children in our country. Every year in the U.S. alone, over one third of all the sexual assaults reported to law enforcement agencies involve children under 12 years old. In addition, in 1997 it was estimated over 1,054,000 children suffered from child abuse or neglect in this country. This translates into an astounding 15 children out of every 1,000; of that group, more than three children die each day because of abuse.

As you can see, although many people believe it will never happen to "my children", we should all remember that the statistics tell a different story. In fact, it is estimated there is one pedophile for every square mile in our country, everywhere from big cities to small rural communities. Our children must face a realistic problem, and we at radKIDS^® believe Every Child has a RIGHT to a Realistic and Empowering Safety Education so they may, if necessary, avoid or escape the dangers in their world today.

The radKIDS^® Personal Empowerment and Safety Education Program has been developed after years of research and refinement with dedicated education professionals, law enforcement professionals, sexual assault counselors, self-defense experts, and of course, concerned parents and their children. radKIDS^® are COOL Kids empowered in their own safety. The radKIDS^® Program is dedicated to resisting aggression with defense and was originally developed with guidance and assistance from RAD Systems, the National Standard in Women's Personal Safety.

This educational program incorporates many styles of presentation and is soundly based in accelerated learning theory. The program includes information and activities based on building confidence and self-esteem in the children so they truly gain the knowledge and confidence to make positive choices in their own safety. In addition, the program is presented, whenever possible with parental participation, so a true partnership can be established between the child and their trusted grown up. All parents receive a Parent/Student Manual so they can actively participate in their children's safety.

The radKIDS^® Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program began in 1998, and since that time we have been fortunate enough to train over 2500 Instructors in over 45 states and Canada. This dedicated alliance of Instructors has educated over 125,000 children, and it is our hope to educate thousands more. You, too, can help. We believe every child has the right to this realistic education, and as radKIDS^® Instructors, we believe it is our responsibility to help. Please look through our web pages for more information on the program and how you or your community can become involved in helping provide the children in your area with a true gift and a lifetime education. Lastly, if I can be of any help or assistance, please contact me at radKIDS^® Headquarters, radkids@radkids.org.

Until then, please remember our children can only make choices based on what they know and what they believe. Education and Personal Empowerment are the keys to success. As one 10 year old radKIDS^® said to me in a realistic training drill, "You will not hurt me, No one will hurt me, I won't let them." Class was over, it was now her decision, and she had options. The look in her eye and feeling in her heart were her tools. In my role as bad guy, I knew I was in trouble. In my role as teacher, my work was done. "What we believe, we can achieve; we can and do make a difference."

From the Heart,
Stephen M. Daley
Executive Director radKIDS^®

Last updated: January 31, 2005 radkids@radkids.org