6.1 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.