An FSGC Professional Stands At Front of Room With Bear Mascot (Person Inside of Bear Costume). Several Children Stand In Front of FSGC Professional and Bear, Facing Away From Camera. FSGC Professional Asks the Children a Question About the Bear with Arms Open and Palms Raised. Bear is Wearing Pink Stole With FSGC Logo.

Child Abuse Prevention

Happy Bear

An overview of the Happy Bear program

FSGC Topeka has been taking its cuddly costumed character, Happy Bear into classrooms, school assemblies and other settings across Kansas for more than 30 years. Happy Bear helps to teach children ages 3-6 about a subject that’s never easy to talk about: sexual abuse.

With the help of her “teacher” —an experienced FSGC professional—and the eager children attending the program, Happy Bear learns about “good touch” (like a hug), “bad touch” (hitting), and “mixed-up touch” (sexual abuse). Happy Bear presents each in a way that is age-appropriate, nonthreatening and easily understood.

To learn more about Happy Bear and child abuse prevention, contact Diane Wishall at dwishall@fsgctopeka.com.

Illustration of a group of friend, two boys and two girls, sit next to each other in the park. One boy leans against a tree while the other sits on a log. A girl sits on a swing while the other girl smiles behind her.

How it Works

cartoon of 4 smiling kids are framed inside of a giant yellow magnifying glass. To the farthest right, one kid points up to the letter "i" signifying information.

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Happy Bear not only brings about awareness among children and others who attend, but it teaches perhaps the most important message of all: protection of one’s self and prevention of sexual abuse.

Children learn what to do if they experience a “bad” or “mixed-up touch.” The presenter never names body parts but refers to “body parts they cover up with their bathing suits.”

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Parents receive a letter via their child’s preschool, child care provider or school in advance of the Happy Bear presentation. This allows parents to call FSGC and ask questions or discuss concerns they may have. Parents always have the option of not having their child attend.

Finally, parents are highly encouraged to attend so they can better understand Happy Bear’s important message of child abuse prevention and then talk openly and honestly with their child.

Happy Bear Documents

Why choose FSGC

Family Service & Guidance Center is the only community mental health center in Kansas dedicated exclusively to meeting the unique mental health challenges of children, teens and families.

We serve over 10,000 children each year from more than 30 Kansas counties with direct clinical services, education and outreach. Our highly trained, dedicated professionals are here to help.

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member of staff teaching a lesson with kids at a table

Don’t let little problems become big ones.

We know how hard it is to be a parent. FSGC can help. Visit the “Get Started” page now and pre-register your child for services at Family Service & Guidance Center. The sooner they get started, the sooner they’ll begin to heal.

Get Started