LULING — In an effort to prevent sexual abuse against citizens, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Charles Parish School Board are deploying “Teaching Awareness To School Kids” (T.A.S.K.) in conjunction with the Offender Watch Initiative (OWI).

“We believe that keeping families informed of sex offenders moving into their neighborhood is an important part of keeping our citizens safe and protected from potential threats to their families,” Sheriff Greg Champagne said. “This partnership allows us to do that in an easy, free way.”

Parents and guardians of children in St. Charles Parish Public Schools should expect their children to bring home a brochure detailing specifics of T.A.S.K.

Parents are being asked to review the content with their children and have an honest discussion with them regarding the dangerous reality of sexual abuse and the measures that can be taken to prevent it.

T.A.S.K. is a three-step email registration process. Upon completion, and with parental assistance, children print a map of their area, sign it and submit it to their teacher. Once the assignment has been completed, children receive a safety prize from sponsor Adventure Quest Laser Tag.

Children will receive a free Laser Tag or Bumper Car Ride or Putt-Putt Game.

If parents think they may have already signed up, they can perform a search on offenderwatch.com and print map of sex offenders in their area to submit back to school for their child to receive a prize.

Authorities said there are 78 published sex offenders in St. Charles Parish and law enforcement officials want everyone to know their neighborhood. The process is fast, easy and free at offenderwatch.com.