Knowing how to talk to kids about child abuse can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. In this impactful episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor interviews child abuse prevention advocate Jane Donovan—who also happens to be her mom.
Jane shares her personal journey, sparked by a tragic event, that led to a decades-long mission to protect children and educate communities. From creating a long-running puppet program for abuse prevention to empowering kids with body safety tools, this conversation is full of actionable advice for parents, caregivers, educators, and child life specialists.
This is a special repost of one of our most important and requested episodes. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting it, this conversation remains just as powerful and relevant today.
In this episode, you'll learn:
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How to talk to kids about child abuse in age-appropriate, non-scary ways
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The importance of ongoing conversations about personal safety
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How tools like puppets, music, and hula hoops teach children about personal boundaries
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What parents should know about mandated reporting and how to act on their instincts
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How to evaluate youth-serving organizations for child safety protocols
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Why Children's Advocacy Centers are essential for abuse investigation and healing
Whether you're a parent, educator, or healthcare provider, this episode provides the tools and confidence you need to start meaningful conversations that protect kids and empower them.
Timestamps & Key Topics
⏱️ [00:00] – Introduction: Meet Jane Donovan
Katie introduces her guest (and mom), a lifelong child advocate
Learn how the Child Life On Call app empowers families
⏱️ [03:00] – A Personal Story That Inspired a Mission
How a child's abduction changed Jane's life
Why she dedicated her career to child abuse prevention
⏱️ [06:00] – What Are Children's Advocacy Centers?
A child-friendly space for reporting, healing, and justice
How they support kids through forensic interviews and therapy
⏱️ [09:00] – Making Conversations About Abuse Less Scary
Why it's not "the talk"—it's ongoing, age-appropriate education
Teaching safety in everyday moments without fear
⏱️ [11:00] – Teaching Kids About Boundaries with Puppets
Introducing the "Kids Count Players" puppet show for elementary students
Using storytelling and music to make serious topics approachable
⏱️ [15:00] – Personal Space for Children: Hula Hoops & "Uh-oh" Feelings
How to use visual tools to teach kids about body autonomy and boundaries
The difference between "good touch" and "confusing touch"
⏱️ [22:00] – Real Impact in Schools
How the puppet show helped children disclose abuse
Why teachers and counselors praise the program
⏱️ [23:00] – The Adult's Role in Protecting Children
Tips for keeping kids safe at camp, church, and extracurriculars
How to ask youth-serving organizations about their safety policies
⏱️ [25:00] – Understanding Mandated Reporting
Why professionals and caregivers must report suspected abuse
How to file a report, even if you're unsure
⏱️ [29:00] – Practical Safety Tips for Parents
Teach proper names for body parts
Encourage privacy and reinforce their right to say "no" to unwanted contact
⏱️ [31:00] – Easy Tools & Takeaways
How to start the conversation—and keep it going
Resources & Links
📌 Learn about Children's Advocacy Centers: www.cactexas.org
📺 Watch the Kids Count Players on YouTube
🎧 More podcast episodes: childlifepodcast.com
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📩 Contact us: Lyndsey@childlifeoncall.com
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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.
