Posted on 10/12/2005 9:16:24 PM PDT by Diago
A few people have emailed to say that after they sent their own kudos to Bishop Robert Vasa of Bend, Oregon for his public stance opposing the use of “safe environment sex education” programs in his diocese, they received personal email responses back. Each one said that he made a request for information, which I thought I’d share since the wider blogging audience might be able to help.
Do you know of any studies showing some way to measure the ‘effectiveness’ or ineffectiveness of these child intrusive programs? It seems to stretch the boundaries of incredulity to simply declare that these programs, by fiat, actually accomplish the good which they promise to accomplish without any harm to children. Why should I believe that? Your support is appreciated.That’s a good question. Does anyone know of anything?
I suppose William Coulsen’s material would be too old, and too focused on values clarification programs to be of use to him?
Catholic attorney Sheila Parkhill has been fighting those programs in the Diocese of Tucson:
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/abbott/050821
Hi Dom,
The University of Calgary did a whole study on such programs. It also found that TAT is not effective for kids in dealing with pedophiles. When a real pedophile ignores their “Don’t Touch” commands they do not know what to do.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/resolve/violenceprevention/English/reviewprog/childsxprogs.htm#prog3
_A Return to Modesty: Recovering a Lost Virtue_ by Wendy Shalit (published in 1997) has a chapter regarding the increasingly early age sex education is offered. I’m sure her bibliography would provide assistance. Unfortunately, I have not owne the book for years.
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Bishop Vasa's concerns are well taken. What should also be considered is whether these anti-abuse programs being put into practice in the name of protecting youth conform to the Holy See's own principles on this subject. Or will this be the way Planned Parenthood type of corruption will asail Catholic youth and parents.
See this link:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_19831101_sexual-education_en.html
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