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June 14, 2005

Jackson trial brings guarding your kids to forefront

While Michael Jackson was being cleared of all charges against him in a child molestation case followed around the world, local child advocates and parents pointed to the positives that came from the lengthy trial.

"What this case shows us is to be careful who has access to children," said Assistant State Attorney Julia Lynch, with the sex crimes division. "It teaches us to look for red flags, like sleeping arrangements and inappropriate touching."

Jackson, 46, was cleared on all counts Monday, exonerated on charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He also was acquitted of getting the boy drunk and of conspiring to imprison the accuser and his family at Neverland.

The high-profile, controversial case has been fodder for radio talks shows, late night television and the water cooler for nearly four months. Many agree that having the topic of sexual child molestation thrust into the mainstream can yield some long-term benefits, including keeping parents more vigilant.

"It's good to make the public aware that these people are not always creepy looking people on the streets," said Indialantic parent Heidi Mead, who said she loved Michael Jackson when she was younger.

Dr. Manal Soliman, chief psychiatrist of children's services at Devereux in Viera, said it's unfortunate that children seem to have lost yet another hero, despite the verdict.

"Hopefully the media exposure will help foster discussion between guardians and children," she said. "This case, for the majority, is helpful in that it is making people more aware that there are other things that are inappropriate between adults and children other than sexual intercourse."

A "sense of fright," brought on by the allegations and trial, as well as other high-profile child kidnappings and murders, has caused Viera parent Christine Golden to be even more protective of her three children.

"I've always been cautious about who the kids spend time with," said the mother of three. "I'm even more cautious now. This has made me more leery about letting my children go to people's houses."

The Jackson trial has left some people wondering why parents would let their children spend time with a man in his mid-40's, especially after previous sexual abuse allegations.

J.B. Kenna, spokesman for the Community Based Care of Brevard -- the organization taking over for Department of Children and Families on July 1 -- agreed there is much parents can learn from this case.

"At the first inkling that something is wrong they should remove their kids," he said. "No matter how star-struck they are."

Assistant State Attorney Lynch said that since child molesters are often trusted by the family or victim, it is hard for the abused to come forward.

"Parents should ask their children questions about visits (with adults) in a non-confrontational way," she said. "The child has to feel safe to be able to tell a parent or guardian what has occurred."

All agreed, however, that ultimately it is up to the parents to monitor who their children are with.

"Parents have to know what their kids are doing," Mead said. "I wouldn't let my daughter sleep over a man's house like that."

Golden said she is amazed at how many parents let their children visit her home without ever coming in to meet her and her husband.

"They just drop them off at the curb," she said. "I don't get it."

Posted by Nealus at June 14, 2005 12:17 PM

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