When an adult uses their authority to control or manipulate a situation, this puts children and vulnerable adults at risk for abuse. Manipulation can often occur through grooming behaviors, which can lead to boundary violations and ultimately abuse. It is always the responsibility of the adult to maintain appropriate, healthy boundaries with children in their care. For guidelines on how to interact with minors at our parishes, schools and ministries please visit https://lacatholics.org/policies-and-procedures/, and for more tips read the VIRTUS® article “Ministerial Boundaries, Power, and Authority” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.
Read the VIRTUS® article “Ministerial Boundaries, Power, and Authority” here.