Megan's Law
Megan's Law is named after seven-year-old Megan Kanka, a New Jersey girl who was raped and killed by a known child molester who had moved across the street from the family without their knowledge. In the wake of the tragedy, the Kanka's sought to have local communities warned about sex offenders in the area. Now, California's Megan's Law arms the public with certain information on the whereabouts of dangerous sex offenders so that local communities may protect themselves and their children. The law also authorizes a local law enforcement agency to notify the public about high-risk and serious sex offenders who reside in, are employed in, or frequent our community. The law is not intended to punish the offender and specifically prohibits using the information to harass or commit any crime against the offender. It recognizes that public safety is best served when registered sex offenders are not concealing their location to avoid harassment. How to obtain sex offender information on Megan's Law Web Site.
Click Here: http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/ Protecting yourself and your family Certain behaviors signal that you should be cautious in allowing an individual access to your children. Child molesters have well-developed techniques for luring victims. Generally, they are skilled at identifying vulnerable victims; are able to identify better with children than adults, and can manipulate children; have methods for gaining access to children; participate in activities with children, often excluding other adults; seduce children with attention, affection and gifts; have hobbies and interests appealing to children; and may show sexually explicit videos or pictures to children. Teach your children to avoid situations that put them into danger of abuse, molestation or abduction. Help protect your child by establishing a home environment where your child feels safe to tell you anything, without fear of shame, ridicule or punishment. A safe and supportive home environment, combined with clear instructions about what behavior is acceptable and what is not, will guide your child's actions and encourage your child to tell you if something improper happens. Many parents warn their children not to talk to strangers. But more often than not, an abuser or abductor is known to the child. He or she can be a school bus driver, teacher, relative, neighbor, or family friend. Many times the molestation occurs in the home of the victim or abuser. It is best to teach your child to avoid certain situations or actions. Children should know from an early age that some behavior isn't acceptable, and that they have the right to tell an adult to leave them alone. Here are some specific rules you can teach your child:
Arm yourself with information The 900 Line and Megan's Law CD-ROM are tools to protect you and your family. Individuals who seek information on high-risk sex offenders may come to the Madera Police Department, 330 South C Street, Madera, CA 93638 and complete a form which allows them to view such information. Information must be received in person and will not be relayed over the phone. To view the database you must bring in an official form of identification and be at least 18 years of age. The database is updated monthly and lists both the Serious and High-risk sexual offenders. Please note that registered sex offenders are not allowed to view the database. |
Background on Megan's Law