Pennsylvania District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman Writes Children's Book To Help Parents Discuss Online Safety

NORRISTOWN, Pa., April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, a nationally recognized anti-child abuse advocate, set out to raise awareness among children and parents about the dangers of browsing online with her just published book, The Mouse Who Went Surfing Alone. Inspired by her own children who, like most youngsters, are exposed to Internet games and social media networks more and more frequently, Ferman wanted to create an outlet for parents to teach kids about the importance of surfing the web safely at a level children would understand.

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"Watching my son innocently navigate an online game made me realize how easy it is for children to accidentally access endless amounts of information on the Internet," said Ferman. "It's our responsibility to protect our children from dangers in both the real world and now the online world, and it is my hope that this book will be a helpful resource for parents."  

To make her vision a reality, Ferman worked with her partners at Diccicco Battista Communications, a full-service brand communications agency, and artist/illustrator Stephen Herko, to bring her fictional tale to life.  The book tells the story of Wesley, a young mouse who loved to surf.  Despite his parents' warnings, he went surfing alone and encountered numerous predators.  With quick thinking and common sense, Wesley avoided dangers and returned home safely.  Wesley's adventure surfing on the high seas serves as a metaphor to surfing on the Internet, educating young children about safe web browsing habits.

All proceeds of the book will benefit Mission Kids, a local non-profit organization aimed at easing the criminal justice process for abused children.

The book will debut at Mission Kid's annual fundraising event, Mission Possible, held at the Merion Tribute House on April 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  People can purchase the book at the event or online at www.missionkidscac.org.

Also making its debut at this year's Mission Possible benefit is the presentation of the Chief John McGowan Award.  McGowan was an East Norriton Police Chief who dedicated his life to serving others and was an instrumental part in establishing the Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center.

Since the organization opened it's doors in October of 2009, Mission Kids has conducted over 450 interviews with abuse victims. Many of those cases have already led to successful convictions and the abuse victims have begun the process of healing.  Those who would like to make a donation to Mission Kids may contact 484-687-2990 or visit www.missionkidscac.org.

About Mission Kids

Mission Kids is a 501(c)(3) corporation located in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Founded in March 2007, Mission Kids was created by the collaborative effort of the Montgomery County District Attorney, the Police Chiefs of Montgomery County, and the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth to stop the cycle of abuse and improve the outcomes for abused children and their families. Mission Kids serves as a child-friendly facility where medical professionals, social workers, police officers and lawyers come together to streamline the investigative process and provide victims with the necessary support services to help them begin to heal.

SOURCE Mission Kids