What is Grooming?
When Trust Is Misused
Grooming uses authority, access, secrecy, emotional control, and boundary testing to make a child or young person feel isolated, indebted, confused, or responsible for the relationship.
It is never “just words” when authority, access, secrecy, and control are used to blur boundaries with a child.
Learn more
When the adult is an educator, clergy member, counselor, coach, youth leader, or another trusted authority figure, the harm is intensified by the imbalance of power and by any failure of protective adults or institutions to respond.
Signs of Grooming
Grooming is often not one obvious moment. It is usually a pattern of behavior that builds over time, slowly normalizing what should feel concerning.
One behavior alone may not tell the whole story, but patterns matter. Communities should pause, document, report, and protect when adults use access, authority, trust, or secrecy to create control.
Learn more
Tap each card to expand.
Grooming Awareness by Audience
Different communities play different roles in prevention. These resources are being built to help each group recognize risk and respond sooner.
For Educators
Understand behavioral patterns, strengthen reporting practices, and create safer classroom environments.
Coming SoonFor Nonprofits
Build stronger safeguards within youth programs and organizations.
Coming SoonFor Legislators
Support policies that reflect real-world grooming patterns and prioritize prevention.
Coming SoonFor Parents
Learn warning signs, build open communication, and help children feel safe speaking up.
Coming SoonFor Kids
Age-appropriate awareness about boundaries, trusted adults, and asking for help.
Coming SoonFor Churches
Support safe, informed ministries by recognizing grooming behaviors and strengthening safeguards.
Coming SoonFor Survivors
The semicolon honors survival, healing, and the courage it takes to keep going. It is a reminder that no story has to end in darkness, and that every survivor is worthy of safety, support, and hope.
For Bystanders & Community Members
Learn how to recognize warning signs, respond to concerns, support survivors, and take appropriate action when a child may be at risk.
Coming SoonFor Mandated Reporters
Understand your reporting responsibilities, recognize patterns of abuse and grooming, and strengthen trauma-informed responses that help protect children.
Coming SoonFor Law Enforcement
Access resources on trauma-informed investigations, child protection, survivor-centered practices, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Coming SoonRequest a Training or Speaker
Invite Project Worth for a prevention focused training, speaker, or community conversation for your school, church, nonprofit, workplace, or group.
Light the Way