A child with a disability, such as hearing loss, language impairment, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities, is often at increased risk for bullying. Children who struggle to understand social cues or control impulsive physical behaviors are also at increased...
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has created gardens of healing in each of the Archdiocese’s pastoral regions, dedicated to those harmed by sexual abuse, in their family, church or community. Located at St. Camillus Pastoral Center in Los Angeles (Our Lady of Los Angeles...
In recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Office of Safeguard the Children has created the 2024 “Keep Kids Safe” Pinwheel Resource Booklet. This useful Resource Booklet will help parishes and schools plan and prepare for Child Abuse Prevention Month....
During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and on behalf of Archbishop José H. Gomez, we affirm our continued commitment to report allegations of sexual misconduct to law enforcement, support victim-survivors in their healing journey, and protect children and the vu...
The Office of Safeguard the Children of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles annually publishes the Working Together to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Brochure, which provides an up-to-date listing of safe environment policies, programs, resources, contact numbers and other impo...
Last week, we looked at negative behavioral changes that could be red flags for abuse. It is important for caregivers to remember that some seemingly positive changes could also be signs of abuse, such as when a child tries to “be perfect” so as to avoid a feared conse...
A child may not be able to verbalize when he or she is being abused, but certain signs may prompt caregivers to take a closer look. Red flag behaviors may include a sudden change in behavior, like a child hating something he previously liked, or changing eating habits....
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) defines a traumatic event as a “frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity.” This includes events that victimize the children directly or events of this type tha...
Children with disabilities are at higher risk for maltreatment and abuse. In many cases, this is because these children may be more vulnerable to grooming or exploitation by a perpetrator, need extra attention and care, which can lead to caregiver burnout and frustrati...
Listening to the stories of victim-survivors is one way in which we can acknowledge what has happened to them and the impact the abuse has had in their lives; hearing these sacred stories can also help us to find patterns that empower stronger safeguarding measures, su...
“Sexting” is the sending of sexually explicit messages or images via text. Sexting commonly happens in conversations between teens and tweens, and usually involves nude “selfies.” When these images are shared or distributed on social media platforms like TikTok, Instag...
If you have concerns about someone’s behavior, sharing those concerns is critical to protecting the children in that person’s life. If you see or hear about inappropriate behavior, you can take your concerns to a supervisor or program director for further action. This ...
Cryptocurrency is virtual or digital currency that exists as a virtual network. This allows cryptocurrency to exist outside of government controls or authority. This is one main reason why criminal enterprises often use cryptocurrency to run sexual exploitation operati...
During conversations with teenagers, focusing on the matter at hand is essential. It is tempting to make every dispute an opportunity to discuss multiple issues at the same time, but this is often counterproductive. Instead, addressing a particular issue at a time you ...
Child pornography is the visual depiction of a minor in sexually explicit conduct. There is some general public confusion surrounding the term “child pornography” — for example, some people believe that child pornography can be accidentally found while browsing the int...
Appropriate behavior online is critical to maintaining boundaries and being a trusted adult to the young people in your care. Do not use your personal social media account to “friend” or “follow” the children you work with. Do not email from a personal email address. I...
Disclosing abuse is one of the hardest — and most important — steps for a victim to take. If a child chooses to tell you about abuse, make sure you are actively listening. Give the child all of your attention and listen calmly, without making judgements or assumptions....
During adolescence, young people require more parental engagement – rather than less. This is a time when they begin to experience the many facets of their personality and to test their parents as well as themselves. During this time, adolescents will try to do what is...
Every adult has the responsibility to make sports a safe and enjoyable experience for children. Playing sports helps children work on sportsmanship, goal setting, personal responsibility, and emotional control. But sports also include some risks — the potential for phy...
It is the job of adults — not minors — to protect children from harm and abuse. However, many minors are also volunteers at school and at church, which sometimes makes it difficult to know what roles minors should play. Within programs or ministries, there should alway...