Artificial intelligence, or AI, has opened the door to generating incredibly realistic images. Often called “deepfakes,” we have seen these images crop up on social media. In January 2024, explicit images of Taylor Swift, created by AI, were posted online, and viewed o...

What are some practical ways we can interact with others that are trauma-informed? We can be mindful of what we talk about and how, recognizing that certain topics can trigger a trauma memory. We can also take those topics seriously, refusing to participate in jokes or...

A child who has experienced sexual abuse may exhibit one or many of these common behaviors: sleeping troubles, including nightmares, fear, withdrawal from family and friends, anger, anxiety, or depression. Children who have been abused may speak or behave in a manner t...

What can be done if a person is taking pictures of a minor in a public place? Although it is legal that a person can take pictures or videos in a public place, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that require adults to pay more attention. Is the person taking...

Personal boundaries are critical for every relationship and interaction we have in ministry or volunteer work. We set boundaries to protect ourselves and the people with whom we are interacting. As an employee or volunteer in ministry, you have an inherent, perceived p...

Consider using the STAR method to keep your children safe in parking lots. The organization Connecting for Kids offers the STAR method to remind children of simple steps when they are in a parking lot. S: STOP as soon as you get out of the car. T: TOUCH a safe space on...

As your children head back to school, make it a priority to meet all their teachers in person if you can. Many of us get to know our child’s classroom teacher easily, through back-to-school night, or parent-teacher conferences. But you should become familiar with all t...

Your children will likely spend a significant amount of time online. All sources are not created equal, so teaching them to evaluate the information online is critical. Using concepts appropriate for their age, teach your children to consider the expertise, motive, and...

Even if you have no daily connection with human trafficking, you can do your part to help stop this crime. Start with the basics — know the facts about human trafficking, what it looks like, and how to get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Look at your ...

If your child is participating in a summer camp through your diocesan school or church, likely some — or all — of the staff will be volunteers or young people. In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, all volunteers who have contact with children are required to go through V...