Conduct with Children
Appropriate contact between Jesus Youth volunteers and children constitutes a positive part of Church life and ministry. Jesus Youth recognise that this is an important part of creating a loving environment, but all volunteers when working with children must ensure:
- Respect to the personal space and dignity of the child.
- Physical contact should not be initiated by volunteers e.g. hugs. In the event that a child initiates physical contact, volunteers must respond appropriately, considering the age and gender of the child involved. Further guidance on appropriate and inappropriate contact has been outlined in the Appendix.
- When interacting with children, volunteers should generally work with other adults present, or informed. When volunteers have legitimate cause to meet alone with a child, where possible, this should be in a visible and accessible location.
- Volunteers should refrain from forming overly emotional attachments to a child, which includes avoiding spending too much time exclusively with a child.
- Volunteers are to avoid developing inappropriate intimate relationships with children.
If there is any doubt regarding appropriate conduct with children, volunteers are advised to talk to the Responsible Person in Charge for an event or the Safeguarding officer.
Guidance and Mentoring
Providing mentoring and guidance form an integral part of Jesus Youth and the spiritual formation of children. Volunteers of Jesus Youth who provide any form of spiritual guidance are to respect the rights and ensure the welfare of each person to whom they provide such guidance.
Mentoring
The following guidelines are to be followed by volunteers who engage in formal mentor-mentee relationships as part of structured and ongoing mentoring programs, distinct from general guidance provided during events.
- For ongoing organised mentoring with a child, parental permission must be sought. Parents should be provided with information about the mentor and made aware of the frequency of meetings. A record of the meetings must be kept by the mentor including date, time and venue of meeting.
- Mentoring relationships should always be conducted with a mentor of the same gender, and meetings must take place in open and visible settings.
- Mentors are to keep clear boundaries and expectations for mentor-mentee relationships, placing importance on maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Jesus Youth will ensure mechanisms for supervising and monitoring mentoring relationships, such as regular check-ins with mentors and mentees, oversight by leaders and clear protocols for reporting any concerns or issues that arise.
- Jesus Youth will provide training and support for mentors to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively mentor children.
When offering guidance in a mentoring capacity or within general events
- Volunteers are not to overstep the limits of their competence. If it appears a child is in need of additional support e.g. psychological support, volunteers should seek guidance from the Responsible Person in Charge.
- Volunteers should listen to the child showing patience, respect, sensitivity and a non-judgemental attitude.
- Volunteers should only give general advice and encouragement which is in line with Catholic teaching. In giving advice, offer suggestions and never give orders. Volunteers should avoid giving specific advice about problems involving decision making.
- Use clear and uncomplicated language, appropriate to the child’s age and understanding.
- Volunteers who provide spiritual guidance are also to be diligent in seeking the help of the Responsible Person In Charge or raising concerns to the Safeguarding Officer when appropriate or necessary. Mentors are to follow protocols for reporting incidents of abuse, self-harm, or other serious concerns to responsible individuals.
Prayer Ministry
At Jesus Youth locations, optional prayer ministry may form parts of some events. All volunteers are required to take steps to minimise risks, especially considering that those who attend prayer ministry may be doing so from a place of vulnerability.
- Volunteers should pray in mixed-sex pairs (male and female), with the child.
- Unnecessary bodily contact should be avoided to ensure participants do not feel uncomfortable. Further guidance on appropriate contact can be found in the appendix.
- Prior permission should always be sought before hands are placed on the head or shoulder of a participant. If a participant voices or shows signs of discomfort, the volunteer can pray over the child without touching.
- Praying over children or giving advice must always be done in a gentle, sensitive and responsible way.
- Event organisers should ensure they maintain a safe environment for prayer ministry to take place. This area should be open, ensuring visibility and transparency, while also maintaining privacy to prevent conversations from being overheard.
- Except in the case of safeguarding concerns, volunteers must ensure what is discussed in prayer is kept confidential and not raised with the participant or anyone else outside the prayer ministry setting.
- In the event a child chooses to disclose sensitive information of abuse within a prayer ministry context, it is imperative to report this to the Safeguarding Officer. Never promise complete confidentiality to the child. While gently establishing clear boundaries, reassure the child that any sharing of their situation will be done on a ‘need-to-know’ basis only. Emphasise that their well-being is paramount, and every effort will be made to ensure they are cared for and supported.
- Children may pray with each other in pairs or small groups.