Project Safe Childhood

Last night, we reported on a child pornography case that has sent an Escanaba man to federal prison.

That case is part of Project Safe Childhood.

The u–s justice department created the initiative in 2006.

An Assistant U.S. Attorney in Grand Rapids coordinates the program in Michigan.

Dan Mekaru says Project Safe Childhood involves federal, state and local law enforcement officials work together with county and federal prosecutors.

The various groups team up to investigate and prosecute people involved in child pornography, child prostitution and online enticement of children.

But he says the project’s parental outreach efforts are just as important as enforcement.

Mekaru says kids whose parents don’t monitor them carefully are the most likely to be exploited.

He says child exploitation doesn’t discriminate between ethnic or socioeconomic groups — every child is a potential victim.

If you want more information on the project, including parental resources, you can find it online here.