"Who Are The Kids Really IMing?" Is Topic Of Oct. 10 Conference

The Internet has brought many new issues to the traditional concept of child safety. And for people who work with - or live with - kids, it can be hard to keep up.

The Devereux Foundation's Legacy of Caring Conference aims to give participants the knowledge to keep children safe in the virtual world. Protecting children from Internet predators and knowing what children are doing online are both topics that will be discussed. Bay State Parent magazine is a sponsor of the conference.

The Devereux Foundation, which provides treatment for children with emotional and behavioral needs, established the annual conference to improve the skills of those working with and for families and children.

The daylong event on Tuesday, Oct. 10, called "Who Are The Kids Really IMing? Child Internet Safety," promises to help both families and those who work with youth to understand the dangers of the Internet.

Detective James McLaughlin, a Keene N.H., police officer, will be honored with the 2006 Legacy of Caring Award for his pioneering work combating Internet predators during the conference. Past recipients include the Kennedy family, Deborah Prothrow-Stith of Harvard University, and author Robert Cormier. The award is given annually to those who have improved the quality of life for children and families on a national or international basis.

Other featured presentators include Carolyn Walpole, director of education and curriculum development for i-SAFE, Inc., an Internet education and outreach initiative funded by Congress, and John and Carolyn Bish, founders of the Molly Bish Center for Protection of Children and the Elderly at Anna Maria College.

Tickets are $90 for the conference, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Assumption College in Worcester. For more information or to register call 508- 886-4746 or visit www.devereuxma.org.