Looking for ways to observe Lent with your little ones? 📷 Acts of Kindness: Challenge your children to perform acts of kindness each day, like sharing toys, helping a sibling, or making a card for someone in need. Let them experience the joy of giving!

Trauma results in two core areas of loss which are power/control and safety/trust.  In our work, we prioritize restoring what trauma survivors have lost. This means creating safe spaces where empowerment, voice, and choice are honored.

Here is a sobering reality: fewer than 1% of abductions are by strangers, yet the majority of children are sexually abused by someone they know. Look out for warning signs of inappropriate behavior. #ProtectOurChildren #BeProactive #SpeakUp

Most children are taken by people they know. In fact, the most common scenario is when children run away or are enticed to do so by someone they trust. Over 80% of missing children reported to NCMEC are cases of voluntary departure, often coerced.

We need safety—both offline and online. Our kids don't differentiate between their real-world and digital lives, so neither should we. Safety rules should apply equally whether they're exploring amusement parks or navigating cell phones and gaming platforms.

It's essential to pay attention when children show signs of distress or withdrawal. If you notice any red flags, don't hesitate to start a conversation.

Children are Worth Protecting! You can protect children by taking OCYP training, following mandated reporting policy, and speaking up when you see something. Our efforts to prevent child sexual abuse are what every child deserves.

Creating Safe Spaces for Childhood A nurturing childhood is every child's right! OCYP ensures children grow and flourish in environments where safety is paramount.

🌟 Being a role model doesn't require lofty actions, just a heart open to God's word and a willingness to act on it. We contribute to the good of the world and the safety of those entrusted to us by being fully alive and present to God working within us.

🌸 OCYP wishes a very happy International Women's Day to all the strong, inspiring women who serve as safe adults in our archdiocese! Today, we honor the women who support, uplift, and empower, and protect those around them.

🌟March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM)! At OCYP we work to protect those who are vulnerable including our brothers and sisters with Developmental Disabilities.#DDAM2024 #LookBeyond #WorldofOpportunities.

Taking the step to report a complaint of sexual abuse/misconduct by a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Archdiocese is an important one. Report suspected child abuse to ChildLine, the 24-hour statewide system operated by the PA DHS toll-free at 1-800-932-0313.

Children embody and remind us of the power of vulnerability, humility, wonder, and awe.  As safe adults it is important to stay open to learning from children, while at the same time protecting them.  #safeadult #protectchildren #childlike  📷📷

Courage is about doing what is right, not what is comfortable. Reporting child abuse is crucial protecting children, even if it is uncomfortable.

Protective Factors are important resources that help prevent child sexual abuse. The good news is that you can help to actively create protective factors in your family and community.

On March 21 we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! This is a day to come together to celebrate Down syndrome and raise awareness. At OCYP we also work to protect vulnerable adults including our brother and sisters with Downs Syndrome and other Developmental Disabilities.

Promoting programs and services designed for specific purposes, such as social and emotional learning programs, parenting education classes, or programs and services designed to help families struggling with addiction, poverty, or disease help protect children from abuse.

Healthy relationships have specific characteristics that you should always expect—which should be present whether you're in-person, or communicating electronically #boundaries #healthyrelationships #protectchildren

In moments of adversity, children may respond with fight, flight, or freeze instincts. As caregivers, it's crucial to understand and support them through these reactions, offering safety, empathy, and guidance.

Good Friday is a day of profound sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption.  May this day serve as a reminder of the boundless love and grace that guides us. OCYP wishes you moments of deep reflection and peace as you journey through this holy day. #GoodFriday #Reflection #Faith