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Speak Up...Speak Out Child Abuse Awareness Training - September 16, 2026

Person covering their face with their hands, representing awareness of child abuse and neglect

One of the most effective tools in fighting child abuse is having the ability to recognize it when it is happening. When abuse is discovered, it is often learned that the abuse had been occurring for some time but the signs were overlooked.

What You Will Learn

This free, 4-hour training covers the realities of child abuse and neglect and equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to take action. Topics include:

  • Recognizing the signs of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse
  • Understanding how children disclose abuse and how to respond
  • Supporting a child after a disclosure
  • Mandated reporting laws and procedures in the State of Maryland
  • The investigation process and patterns of injury
  • The impact of abuse on children, including the effects on children in foster care

The program is presented by Taylor Pyles, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Blue Ribbon Project, who draws on his professional background and his own lived experience as a survivor of childhood abuse and a former child in foster care.

Important Content Advisory

This training shows the true realities of child abuse. The presentation includes graphic images and realistic discussions of abuse, neglect, and injury patterns. The second half of the program focuses on investigations and patterns of injury and is graphic in nature. This program is intended for adults only.

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for professionals and community members who work with or care about children, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, school staff, social workers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), foster parents, and anyone who wants to learn how to recognize and report child abuse.

What to Expect

  • A 4-hour in-person training session (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM)
  • A certificate of completion will be provided at the conclusion of the program
  • Light refreshments will be served; there is no lunch break, so attendees are encouraged to bring a small packed lunch
  • Seating is limited and registration is required
  • There is no cost to attend (donations are welcome)

Location

The Blue Ribbon Project
45 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032

Private Training

We also offer this program as a private training for agencies and organizations. If you would like to bring Speak Up...Speak Out to your team, please contact us.

Event Information

Event Date 09-16-2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Slots Available 16
Individual Price Free
Location The Blue Ribbon Project

Location Map

If You Are Concerned About a Child

If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please do not wait. You do not need proof - you only need reasonable concern. Reports made in good faith are protected by law.

  • If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Maryland Child Protective Services Hotline: To report suspected abuse within Maryland, contact the Department of Social Services statewide hotline at 1-800-91Prevent (1-800-917-7383), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Outside of Maryland - Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support.

AI chatbots are not a substitute for trained crisis professionals. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please use the resources above. Reporting abuse can protect a child. Remember, you do not need to be certain that abuse is occurring - if you have concerns, reach out. Trained professionals will assess the situation and take appropriate steps.  If you are a survivor of childhood abuse and are struggling with its effects, support is available. Healing is possible, and you deserve to access it.