It grew out of Femiani's belief that Lifeline could be adapted for children. He developed a child-friendly program and presented it to Washington County Judge Debbie O'Dell Seneca. Within the first year, about 40 children were connected. Today the program operates in Washington, Allegheny, Fayette, Butler, Beaver and Lawrence counties. It's also in New Jersey, Delaware, Florida and Virginia.
Plans are underway to open in Oregon and New York, too.
The monitors have become a major deterrent, so much so that there have been no reported cases of re-abuse anywhere in the country where Watchful Shepherd exists, Femiani said. It's funded by donations from both foundations and individuals. Inside of here are the nurses, the doctors, the police, the judge, the CYS worker, the main businesses and foundations, the children who raise the money, the volunteers who call the children. That's what's in here. Jeff Felton, Washington County Children and Youth Services director, has worked closely with Femiani and praised his efforts.