WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today offered her support for the upcoming KAPE Radio 1550 Cares for Kids event in Cape Girardeau.

 

“No issue before Congress deserves as stern or unflinching support as protecting our children against sexual predators.  Time and again the Congress has passed and the President has signed legislation to increase the penalties on child predators.  Amber Alerts, statutes barring the release of criminals convicted of sexual crimes against children, requirements that DNA and fingerprints of known child predators be filed with the FBI, and mandates that convicted child predators register with local authorities and penalties if they do not are all important recent changes to law on this issue.  Without knowledgeable parents and active law enforcement, our community is at great risk.  So we must have laws like these to protect our families,” Emerson said.

 

“The Internet age of communication poses special challenges to the modern American family.  Parents must know how to protect their children when they use the Internet.  At the same time, children and young adults must also know to never communicate with unknown persons online or provide personal details or information on the Internet or telephone.  The issue is their safety and security, and the threat is real: anonymous predators driven to commit unspeakable acts.  It is imperative that we err on the side of caution when it comes to shielding our children from those who would capitalize on their innocence and trustful natures.  Today, we have to raise our children to be naturally skeptical, especially online.”

 

The KAPE Radio 1550 Cares for Kids educational program will be held on Tuesday April 25th at 6:00 p.m. CDT at the Glenn Auditorium in the Dempster Building on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.  Attendance is restricted to adults over 21 years of age due to the graphic nature of the material.