Under suspicion

This is an era when there are regular headlines about youth workers being arrested for sexual abuse. We cannot ignore this situation but must make allowances for the distrust and uncertainty that will be always be present. These are controversial, debatable issues and issues that need to be nuanced beyond a “hint.” I toss out some basics and how I've dealt with some specific issues that have come up. These issues are not always clear-cut.

1. The general public cannot tell before the fact whether a youth worker is trustworthy or not.
   

• As a result, parents cannot risk their children's well being by guessing wrong.
  
• So youth workers will always be, at least a little, under suspicion.
  
• Modern youth have been raised to be suspicious and fearful and, therefore, can easily misinterpret your words and actions.
  
• Off-color language, jokes or innuendos are likely to either be reported to parents or, more likely, topics of talk and criticism among themselves.