MT. PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)- Child abuse is something that can be uncomfortable to talk about, or even think about. According to the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, more than 14,000 children are abused in Berkeley and Charleston counties each year.

To keep children safe, experts say there’s a few questions parents can ask before the kids start an after school program, sport, or other extracurricular activity.

Executive Director of the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, Dr. Carole Swiecicki, says, “Do they do background checks, including both criminal background checks and department of social services background checks? And who’s reviewing that information?”

She says ask if there are policies requiring doors to stay open, and preventing adults from being alone with a child one-on-one. She also recommends stopping by to make sure those rules are followed.

Dr. Swiecicki says, “When you drop them off, go in and talk with them, make sure you feel comfortable with that person. Ask questions about their background, their history, and how they got involved in child care.”

She adds parents should follow their intuition, and listen to any gut feeling saying something is not right.

Dr. Swiecicki says, “They know their child and they know what’s a fit with their child. And anytime they feel uncomfortable with something, they should act on that.”

Parents can use this time of year as an opportunity to have clear conversations with children about personal boundaries.

Dr. Swiecicki says, “I think part of it is having really clear body rules that no matter who asks you to do these things, it is not okay and I need you to tell me. And any time you feel uncomfortable with someone touching your body, or being close in your personal space, you need to tell me or another adult. And making it very clear that, yes, it’s your job to follow the rules that grown ups have, but it’s never okay for a grown up to ask you to do something with your body that you’re uncomfortable with.”

For more information, contact the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center at (843) 723-3600.