It was with heavy hearts that we at D2L received the news of former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden’s passing.
In a society where we are just beginning to understand children’s right to a healthy, protected childhood, Biden was a pioneer.
In September of 2011, the Attorney General’s office joined with state community leaders including the YMCA of Delaware, Prevent Child Abuse Delaware, and Christ Church of Greenville, unveiling a plan to train 35,000 adults statewide to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse using Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training.
“It is not a child’s job to protect him or herself from abuse, it’s our job,” said Biden.
Later that year, Darkness to Light honored Biden and other Delaware prevention leaders with the organization’s Voice of Courage award, recognizing their efforts to train adults to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse, and to change societal norms surrounding child protection.
In September of 2012, Prevent Child Abuse Delaware recognized Biden with their “Champion for Children” award for efforts to protect children including creation of the state’s Child Predator Task Force and integral role in itsStewards of Children initiative.
The Child Predator Task Force was created by Biden to track internet predators. By using cutting edge technology and teaming with Delaware’s local police forces, the task force expanded prevention and response efforts to include cyberspace. In August of 2014, the Child Predator Task Force reached a milestone of 203 convictions.
“Protecting children is all of our responsibility and requires all levels of government working together,” said Biden. “Delaware’s children are much safer because of the Child Predator Task Force’s work.”
Beau Biden was a dedicated prevention partner, a friend of child advocates, and a true champion for children. He will be missed.
