Social Networking Site for Child Actors Announces Plan to Develop Classes to Fight Sexual Harassment in the Work Place

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 9, 2012 -- Children In Film, Inc. – a social networking site for child actors which supports the positive employment of minors in entertainment- announced today a plan to develop a program which educates parents, young performer ‘s and entertainment industry professionals about the sexual harassment of minors, warning signs, bullying and how to report abuse.

In recent weeks, the media has reported many incidences of abuse. From the arrests of casting director and convicted child molester Jason Murphy to the arrest of Talent manager Martin Weiss. However, sexual abuse in entertainment is nothing new. Cases of abuse have been circulating since the 1940’s when Errol Flynn was brought to trial and accused of having sex with a teenager. In 1977 Roman Polanski was convicted of ‘unlawful sexual intercourse’ with a 13 year old girl, and in the 1980’s both Corey’s (Feldman & Haim) claimed to have been sexually abused by a major Hollywood Mogul who they refused to name.

“Parents and kids are afraid to report issues for fear that it will affect their careers.” Said Paul Petersen, of the non-profit group A Minor Consideration. Surely you’ve heard the expression, “you’ll never work in this town again?”

Toni Casala, president of Children In Film and 25 year industry veteran adds, “Show business tends to move quickly and it is often the anxiety about making the right choice, accompanied by a lack of industry inexperience that causes parents to let down their guard.”

Casala stated that “children should never be alone in a casting room, should never be left alone to ‘hang out’ with their agent or manager, and that sleepovers – which have come up frequently in the abuse reports – should never happen."

Children In Film is aware that much of the interactions within the industry are not regulated. For example, auditions are not employment and therefore not regulated. People such as managers & casting directors are unlicensed, have not had formal training and often not required to submit to a background check.

By creating community policy such as “no sleepovers” that is adhered to as a matter of professional ethics, Children In Film aims to reiterate that certain behaviors are simply never appropriate. In 2012 they will be working to develop guidelines to assist both parents and pros in navigating such issues.

For more information about Children In Film, Inc. please visit ChildrenInFilm.com or contact their offices directly at 818 432 7400.

More information can be found online at http://www.childreninfilm.com

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