Document Archive

The Catholic Standard and Times
By Evelyn Brannan Tarpey

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
12 April 2007

Parents are the first and most influential teachers of their children. We are responsible for the spiritual, moral, emotional, physical and intellectual development of our children. As parents, we know that this is an awesome responsibility. We are often in search of information on how to keep our children safe. I want to make you aware of one of the ways that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia supports us in this effort.
The Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection offers “Called to Protect,” an awareness session for parents concerning the prevention of child sexual abuse. Parents receive information concerning the importance of watching the behavior of adults, acting when they notice warning signs and talking to their children about their safety.
This one-hour awareness session consists of a video presentation and facilitated discussion. The more we know about preventing child sexual abuse, the better we are able to protect our children.
All children are vulnerable to child sexual abuse. In most cases children know the person who abuses them. Child molesters violate the physical and psychological boundaries of children. They corrupt children’s sense of right behavior by encouraging them to do things their parents would not permit. Abusers deceive children and act in ways that mislead adults about their motives.
To protect our children, we need to possess a greater understanding of the complex behavior of child molesters. This knowledge will help us to recognize the actions of adults who mean to harm our children. As parents we also need to share this information with our children in a manner that is appropriate to the age and development of each child. The awareness sessions help parents to know how and when to hold these difficult yet necessary conversations.
I invite parents to attend the “Called to Protect” sessions that are offered during April. Please contact the Office for Child and Youth Protection (215-587-2466) if you wish to attend one of the listed sessions, or if you wish to schedule an awareness session at your parish.
Awareness and education are key to the prevention of child sexual abuse. May God continue to bless and guide all of our efforts to keep the children entrusted to us safe.

Evelyn Brannan Tarpey is the coordinator of Safe Environment Program of the Office for Child and Youth Protection of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.