1.1. The Catholic Church values children as an important part of its life. It follows the example of Jesus who welcomed children and taught his disciples to do so, saying, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me’ (Mark 9:37). It also values and respects parents as the first teachers of the faith to their own children and protectors of their children. The Church’s social doctrine constantly points out the need to respect the dignity of children.
1.2. The spirituality of the Jesus Youth movement is oriented to value and protect the dignity of each individual. Upholding the dignity of minors and vulnerable persons is a core value of Jesus Youth movement as it is firmly rooted in the belief that each individual has infinite worth, being created in the image and likeness of God.
1.3. The scope of this policy applies to all persons who have or may be expected to have contact with minors and vulnerable persons in the course of any Jesus Youth activities and in Jesus Youth Locations. This policy is not intended to cover those activities where the minor or vulnerable person is under the direct care of the parent or guardian.
1.4. The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe environment for minors and vulnerable persons in all Jesus Youth Locations, to safeguard them from all forms of sexual abuse. It provides an outline of the policies, procedures and strategies developed to keep minors and vulnerable persons safe from all forms of sexual abuse in the Jesus Youth Locations. This policy applies to all Jesus Youth members, program participants, employees, volunteers, contractors, religious and clergy.
2.1. A minor in this document refers to anyone under the age of 18 years of age, or as defined by the civil law of a country.
2.2. A differently abled person is any person who is unable to protect himself/herself from harm or from being exploited due to disability, age or illness.
2.3. A vulnerable person is any person in a state of infirmity, physical or mental deficiency, or deprivation of personal liberty which, in fact, even occasionally, limits their ability to understand or to want or otherwise resist the offence.
2.4. A Jesus Youth Location includes the programs, groups, travels, gatherings and establishments, whether on site or virtual, related to the association.
2.5. Sexual abuse could be physical, psychological, emotional or verbal with sexual overtones. Sexual abuse includes any act or interaction whether it involves genital or physical contact, with or without consent, even if initiated by the minor or vulnerable person, which involves sexual contact, molestation or sexual exploitation of a minor or vulnerable person, whether physical injuries are sustained or not. forcing someone, by violence or threat or through abuse of authority, to perform or submit to sexual acts.
Jesus Youth Movement is committed to the protection of minors and vulnerable persons. The movement follows the concern and spirit expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child:
Article 3.1
“In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies,the best inte rests of the child shall be a primary consideration.”
Article 19
Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has the care of the child.
Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate for judicial involvement.”
The Holy See is a signatory to this Convention.
4.1. Jesus Youth Movement is committed to:
4.1.1. the care, nurture of, and respectful ministry to all, especially minors and vulnerable persons.
4.1.2. the safeguarding of all, especially minors and vulnerable persons, and the establishment of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is an informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
4.1.3. a zero-tolerance policy in relation to sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable persons and to prompt action.
4.2. Jesus Youth Movement will:
4.2.1. ensure efficient functioning of a Board for Safeguarding constituted with a view to safeguard the dignity of minors and vulnerable persons in the Association and to address any grievances received in this regard.
4.2.2. familiarise all the members in the Association with the policies and procedures outlined in this document.
4.2.3. create an awareness among minors and vulnerable persons on the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and maintain personal safety and well-being.
4.2.4. ensure transparency in the decision-making with parents/ guardians where it will not compromise the safety of minors.
4.2.5. respond to every complaint of abuse in accordance with these policies and procedures
4.2.6. seek to offer informed and compassionate pastoral care to those who have suffered abuse and, if needed, to their family members.
4.2.7. take prompt and appropriate disciplinary and remedial measures against any member of Jesus Youth Movement who has committed abuse against a minor or vulnerable person, while offering suitable pastoral care, including supervision and referral to the appropriate authorities.
4.3. In all these principles the movement will follow the legislations of the respective country, the safeguarding policies of the respective Catholic Bishop Conferences (if available) and recognized good practices.
5.1. This policy applies to Jesus Youth members, volunteers and employees at Jesus Youth locations all over the world.
5.2. Required additions may apply in particular countries or territories as per the civil and other legislation of that place.
5.3. The guidelines and associated material have originally been published in English language, which will be the reference document.
6.1. Jesus Youth movement comprises of members, including leaders, animators and chaplains in teams and councils, and it employs fulltime and part-time volunteers and employees, who when assuming office or responsibility will be made aware of these policies and procedures and be made sure of conforming to its standards.
6.2. At the time of formal commitment in the movement through formation, the aspiring Jesus Youth will be required to make a self-declaration conforming to these policies and procedures.
6.3. As part of the process of elections into the council of the movement, the prospective member’s conformity to these policies and procedures will be verified and a self- declaration to that effect will be made.
6.4. While recruiting a volunteer or employee to work in any office or project of the movement, the person’s conformity to these policies and procedures will be ensured and a self-declaration will be obtained to that effect.
6.5. Before receiving a candidate for priestly formation or celibate life in the movement, a verification of the person’s background will be made, and the person will be required to make a self-declaration conforming to these policies and procedures.
7.1. The movement imparts comprehensive formation as part of becoming a member in the movement and follows up with further guidance and input. At different stages of this process these policies and procedures will be made part of the formation.
7.2. The leaders, including members of teams and councils, chaplains, animators, priests ordained for the Association and celibates for the kingdom, will be in relation to safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons.
7.3. All the members in the respective board for safeguarding will undergo comprehensive training in compliance with the relevant Safeguarding policies and procedures.
8.1. Jesus Youth movement is committed to the education of its members, workers, volunteers and participants of faith formation programs and trainings, to help prevent abuse of minors and vulnerable persons, to create a safe environment and enable an effective ministry to those who have been abused.
8.2. With a view to raise awareness and to educate the members on these policies, relevant input sessions and study materials will be used
9.1. Responsible Leadership
9.1.1. Members of Jesus Youth are called upon to act responsibly in the roles and circumstances in which they find themselves. The tradition, history, and regulations of Jesus Youth require that the members always protect the interests familiarised with the process of receiving complaints and their reporting obligations to the BSG and rights of the most vulnerable in the society, especially minors, young people and vulnerable persons.
9.1.2. Members are to protect the confidentiality and privacy rights of others at all times in accord with the circumstances of the situation. Regarding abuse, in general, and sexual abuse, in particular, members should be familiar with and follow applicable reporting obligations.
9.1.3. The leaders in Jesus Youth movement have the responsibility to be aware of these policies and procedures and to take measures to educate and implement its spirit and content.
9.1.4. The leaders in Jesus Youth movement are committed to implement the provisions of these policies and procedures without fear or favour, in the best interest of minors and vulnerable persons
9.2. Guidance and Mentoring9.2.1. The guidance and mentoring of minors and vulnerable persons in the movement include listening to, praying with and offering spiritual accompaniment.
/p> 9.2.2. Members of Jesus Youth who provide spiritual guidance are to respect the rights and promote the welfare of each person to whom they provide such guidance.9.2.3. Members who provide spiritual guidance are not to overstep the limits of their competence. They are also to be diligent in referring persons, seeking the help of other qualified professionals when appropriate or necessary. Members who are engaged in ongoing guidance with minors or differently abled persons must have the consent of the parents or guardians for doing so, beyond the initial session.
9.2.4. Members who provide spiritual guidance are to exercise great caution and as much as possible refrain from doing so with someone with whom they have a pre- existing relationship like close relatives, employees, colleagues and friends.
9.2.5. Members who provide spiritual guidance are not to audiotape or videotape these sessions.
9.2.6. Members who provide spiritual guidance assume full responsibility for establishing and maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries.
9.2.7. Members are to avoid unnecessary social contact, and avoid taking personal favors or benefits from minors and vulnerable persons during the course of spiritual guidance.
9.2.8. Members are never to engage in sexual intimacies with the persons they provide guidance to or with other persons who are close to the client like parents, close relatives and friends. This includes consensual or non-consensual intimacies, forced or inappropriate physical contact, as well as the use of sexual language or comments that are inappropriate to the nature of the guidance provided.
9.2.9. Members are never to use social media platforms for any form of abuse, especially sending messages with improper content, or by engaging in ‘sexting’ which is the sending of sexually explicit digital images, videos, text messages and emails.
9.3. Environment of Confidentiality
9.3.1. Information disclosed to members of Jesus Youth in spiritual guidance is to be held in the strictest confidence.
9.3.1.1. Members who provide spiritual guidance are to discuss and make clear with each person seeking guidance the nature of confidentiality and its limits.
9.3.1.2. Information obtained in spiritual guidance sessions are to be held in confidence, except as required by law.
9.3.1.3. If there is clear and imminent danger to the person or others, members who provide spiritual guidance may disclose to the appropriate authorities the information necessary to protect the parties affected or prevent harm.
9.3.1.4. Before such a disclosure is made, unless prohibited by law, members who provide spiritual guidance may inform the person being guided about the disclosure and the potential consequences.
9.3.2. Information acquired by Members providing spiritual guidance may be used in teaching, writing, preparation of homilies or other public presentations only when effective measures are taken to protect the identity and confidentiality of the person receiving guidance and any other persons involved.
9.3.3. The above obligations are independent of the sacramental seal of Confession, which demands that under no circumstance whatsoever, should there be any disclosure, even indirect disclosure, of information received through the Sacrament of Penance.
9.4. Conduct with Minors and vulnerable persons9.4.1. Members of Jesus Youth, when interacting with minors and vulnerable persons, are to maintain appropriate boundaries.
9.4.2. In interacting with minors and differently abled persons, members should generally employ a team approach involving the knowledge and/or presence of other adults
9.4.2.1. Members are to avoid meeting individual minors and differently abled persons in isolated locations without the presence of other adults.
9.4.2.2. In case of sacramental confession with a minor and differently abled persons, members are to avoid meeting in isolated locations.
9.4.3. Members are always to observe the following when interacting with minors and differently abled persons. Exceptions may be made to some of these standards for members’ family relations who are minors, with the permission of the minors’ parents or guardians.
9.4.3.1. When members have legitimate cause to meet alone with a minor or differently abled person, the office or room is to have a window or the door that is to be left open.
9.4.3.2. Members are not to visit a minor or differently abled person without another adult present and without the express welcome of parents or guardians.
9.4.3.3. Members are not to drive/travel alone with a minor or differently abled person except in the case of an emergency and only with the knowledge of another adult.
9.4.3.4. Members may not use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol, or drugs that may impair their functions while supervising minors and differently abled persons, or in carrying out their duties when they are representing Jesus Youth or the Church.
9.4.3.5. While organizing programs for minors and differently abled persons (i.e. retreats, youth group trips, sports-related activities, pilgrimages), the recommended male/female gender specific ratio of adult to minor is 1:15 for overnight programs and 1:25 for all others. There should be at least one male adult chaperone for male minors and one female adult chaperone for female minors. Any request for exceptions should be directed to the concerned chaplain/animator in advance. The above ratio has to be in conformity with the guidelines prescribed by the country or local church.
9.4.3.6. Members are not to share sleeping quarters with minors and differently abled persons, unless accommodation is barrack-style with multiple adults and multiple minors and differently abled persons in the same room, each individual having a separate bed.
9.4.3.7. Members are not to share locker rooms, shower rooms, and dressing rooms with minors and differently abled persons. If doing so is necessary, another adult must be present.
9.4.3.8. Members are not to expose their nudity in the presence of minors and differently abled persons.
9.4.3.9. Members are not to accompany minors and differently abled persons into restrooms without another adult present unless the circumstances require otherwise.
9.4.3.10. Members are not to invite minors and differently abled persons alone into the private sections of their living quarters. This includes the members’ bedrooms, offices attached to bedrooms, and bathrooms.
9.4.3.11. Members are not to invite minors and differently abled persons to stay alone with them overnight in private quarters, houses, a hotel/motel room, or other facility. If a truly grave cause requires such, and with the knowledge of the parent/guardian, members are to take extraordinary care to protect all parties from all risk of harm and any appearance of impropriety. This approach is to be employed in managing such situations by not resting or sleeping in the same room as the minor or differently abled person.
9.4.3.12. Members should not introduce or expose minors and vulnerable persons, sexually-oriented or morally inappropriate materials including text messages, pictures, magazines, cards, videos, films, dvds, clothing, digital or print materials, recordings, music, games, or websites.
9.4.3.13. Members should not engage in any form of sexual harassment using electronic means. It can occur through SMS, text, videos and apps, or online in social media forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.
9.4.3.14. Members are to refrain from inappropriate language in the presence of minors and vulnerable persons (e.g. swearing, sexually explicit talk and racial slurs).
9.4.3.15. Members are not to discuss sexual activities with minors and vulnerable persons unless it is a specific professional requirement and the member is trained to discuss these matters.
9.4.3.16. Members are not to engage in any sexually-oriented conversations with minors and vulnerable persons unless the conversations are part of a legitimate lesson and discussion regarding human sexuality issues. On such occasions, the lessons should convey to them the Church’s teachings on these topics. If they have further questions not answered or addressed by their individual teachers, they should be directed to their parents or guardians for clarification or counseling.
9.4.3.17. Members should not engage in sexual contact with minors and vulnerable persons. This includes sexual intercourse of any kind, touching of an erogenous zone of another (including but not limited to the thighs, genitals, buttocks, pubic region, or chest) for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person. This will also include kissing, watching pornography together or touching themselves in the presence of others.
9.4.3.18. Members are prohibited from using corporal punishment or demeaning language of any kind for behavior management of minors and vulnerable persons. This prohibition includes spanking, slapping, pinching, hitting, or any other physical force as retaliation or correction for inappropriate behavior.
9.4.3.19. However, members may use appropriate and proportional physical force only when protecting themselves or another innocent party, or to prevent a minor or vulnerable person from harming him/herself.
9.4.4. Appropriate contact between members of Jesus Youth and minors/vulnerable persons constitutes a positive part of Church life and ministry. The following forms of nonsexual contact could comfortably be carried out in the presence of and with the approval of the minor’s parents or guardians.
9.4.5. Appropriate physical contact with minors and vulnerable persons may include the following:
● Hugs;
● Pats on the shoulder or back;
● Handshakes;
● “High fives” and hand slapping;
● touching hands, faces, shoulders and arms;
● arms around shoulders;
● verbal praise
● holding hands during prayer
● Holding hands, with consent when a minor/vulnerable person is upset
● holding hands while walking with small children
● sitting close to small children
● kneeling or bending down for hugs with small children
● holding or picking up children three years of age or younger
9.4.6. Inappropriate physical contact with minors and vulnerable persons may include but not limited to the following:
● Any form of unwanted touch
● Full frontal hugs or “bear hugs”
● Touching bottoms, chests, or genital areas
● Patting on the thigh
● Hugging from behind
● Games involving inappropriate touch
● Kisses on the mouth
● Touching when in isolated areas such as bedrooms and staff-only areas.
● Making a person sit on the lap
● Lying down or sleeping beside a minor
● Massages whether by a Member to a minor or by a minor to a Member
● Tickling, wrestling, or “roughhousing” with minors and differently abled persons
9.4.7. Members are to avoid involving minors and differently abled persons in activities that his/her parents/guardians would not allow them to do, including but not limited to the following:
● Ridiculing the beliefs or rules of the minors and differently abled persons’ parents/guardians
● Persuading the minor and differently abled person to do things against the legitimate wishes of the parents/guardians
● Asking a minor or differently abled person to keep secrets from his/her parents/guardians
9.4.8. Members are not to provide illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco to minors and vulnerable persons.
9.4.9. Members are not to give or accept expensive gifts (over $10) to/from minors without the knowledge of the minor’s parents/guardians. Gifts are to be understood as in kind, cash or the equivalent.
9.4.10. Members are not permitted to give or accept expensive gifts (over $50) to/from vulnerable persons. Gifts are to be understood as in kind, cash or the equivalent.
9.5. Guarding Against Exploitation
9.5.1. Members of Jesus Youth are not to exploit a minor or vulnerable person, thereby violating a trust relationship.
9.5.2. Members of Jesus Youth teams/Councils are to maintain an awareness of the inherent power imbalance with others that arises simply by reason of the members’ trusted position within the movement, and they are to avoid taking advantage of that power imbalance in relationships with minors and vulnerable persons. In this context Members are to be aware of the possibility of ‘abuse of authority’ committed against vulnerable persons.
9.5.3. Sexual exploitation of a minor or vulnerable person also includes instances in which, though there is no physical contact with the person, they are encouraged, enticed, invited, solicited, or asked about sexual situations or information for the improper prurient interest of the member.
9.5.4. Members are to be aware of their own susceptibility to seductive behaviour and are to monitor the same lest they find themselves crossing appropriate boundaries in ministry and relationships in response to such seduction.
10.1. Procedures for Receiving and Reporting Allegations of Sexual Abuse
10.1.1. The dignity of the human person is of paramount importance to the Jesus Youth Movement. Any attempt to violate or abuse this dignity, particularly instances of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable persons will be treated with zero tolerance. Allegations/grievances in this regard will be dealt with utmost seriousness and confidentiality, by the ‘Board for Safeguarding’ constituted by the International Council.
10.1.2. The Jesus Youth International Council will nominate and appoint the International Board for Safeguarding with not less than three senior members of the movement, ensuring gender balance and entrust the responsibility of receiving and processing complaints relating to abuses.
10.1.2.1. The International Board of Safeguarding will be coordinated by the chairperson, appointed by the International Council.
10.1.2.2. The term of the Board will be evaluated and renewed by the International Council every 5 years. However, the International Council will have the authority to replace members or reconstitute the Board if a need arises.
10.1.3. The National Council, in consultation with the International Board for Safeguarding and with the approval of the International Council will constitute a National Board for Safeguarding and appoint its chairperson.
10.1.3.1. The term of the Board will be evaluated and renewed by the National Council in consultation with the International Board of Safeguarding and with the approval of the International Council every 3 years.
10.1.3.2. However, the National Council will have the authority to replace members or reconstitute the Board if a need arises, in consultation with the International Board of Safeguarding and with the approval of the International Council.
10.1.4. Each complaint of abuse will be received by the respective national board for safeguarding, if there is one in that country, or by the International board for safeguarding, the processing of which will be entrusted to one of the members by the chairperson.
10.1.5. Allegations of abuse of a minor or vulnerable person in a Jesus Youth location may come from a variety of sources, including alleged victims or their families, church officials, members of the Jesus Youth, a colleague in the workplace or from an alleged perpetrator.
10.1.6. The Board for Safeguarding will be the authorized body to receive and process grievances and take appropriate action. The following procedures have as their primary goal the welfare, safety and health of minors and vulnerable persons, their families in the event that a member of Jesus Youth is either the accused or the victim of abuse.
10.2. Receipt of an Allegation
10.2.1. Any Jesus Youth Leader or member who learns of an accusation of the abuse of a minor or vulnerable person, from an alleged victim, his or her family members, another Jesus Youth member or others, must receive them with compassion, advise them of the Board for Safeguarding and assist them in the following reporting procedures.
10.3. Reporting Procedures
10.3.1. The Jesus Youth Leader or Member who receives an allegation of abuse must immediately report known or suspected abuse to the National Board for Safeguarding of that country. In case there is no National Board for Safeguarding it shall be directed to the international board for safeguarding. All allegations against members of the international council, members of national councils or national teams, clergy and religious should be sent directly to the International Board for Safeguarding.
10.3.2. All allegations of sexual abuse against minors and differently abled persons must be reported to the civil authorities in accordance with the law of the land, and always within time frames provided by the applicable law, regardless of whether the accused Jesus Youth Member is living or deceased, or whether he/she is a current or former Member of the Jesus Youth. Current abuse should be reported to civil authorities immediately. Jesus Youth Members should familiarize themselves with applicable mandatory reporting requirements in the state(s) or nations in which they minister. The report should be made in the jurisdiction in which the alleged incident occurred, unless the law provides otherwise.
10.3.3. The Jesus Youth Leader or Member who receives an allegation of abuse, the Board of Safeguarding and all others concerned must keep strict confidentiality regarding all matters pertaining to the allegation.
10.3.4. Whoever receives an allegation of abuse will ensure to gather the following information to pass on to the Board for Safeguarding:
● Name of the alleged victim
● Age of the alleged victim
● Contact details of the alleged victim
● Any additional relevant details about the abuse
10.3.5. When an allegation of abuse is received, the Board for Safeguarding will gather sufficient information to complete a preliminary report. The information will include the following:
● Name of the alleged victim
● Age of the alleged victim
● Contact details of the alleged victim
● Name of the alleged perpetrator
● Approximate date(s) of alleged abuse
● Nature, type and location of alleged abuse
● Nature of relationship between alleged victim and perpetrator, if any
● Any additional relevant details, including evidences if any
10.3.6. Whenever the Board for Safeguarding receives an allegation of sexual abuse by a member of Jesus Youth, it will ensure compassionate and just treatment to the victim of the alleged abuse.
10.3.7. Upon receipt of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable person, the Board for Safeguarding will promptly ensure that the necessary civil and ecclesiastical reporting procedures are followed.
10.3.8. In the circumstances in which the notification has to be made to the civil or ecclesiastical authorities, the accused Jesus Youth member will be immediately notified by the Board for Safeguarding that an allegation has been lodged against him/her and has been reported to the concerned authorities. In exceptional circumstances, the Board may, at its discretion, withhold from the accused Jesus
Youth member that an allegation has been lodged and that the civil authorities have been notified of the allegation, if civil authorities require it or if other compelling circumstances warrant a delay in such notification.
10.3.9. An anonymous, specific, and verifiable letter of concern may be sent to the Board for Safeguarding, which will be investigated to the extent that is feasible, based on available information.
10.3.10. The mandatory reporting requirements may demand disclosure of the victim’s identity even when the victim does not wish to report the matter or have his/her identity revealed to the civil authorities. The Board for Safeguarding must be aware of and follow the requirements of the applicable state laws regarding reporting. If applicable reporting law permits, the Board for Safeguarding should respect the wishes of a victim who was abused as a child and is now an adult and objects to having his or her identity disclosed. In all other cases, whether the victim is still a minor or the victim is now an adult but has not objected, the identity of the victim should be disclosed to civil authorities unless doing so would violate applicable law.
10.3.11. Board for Safeguarding will create proper documentation regarding each case of abuse which will contain all the information about how the allegation was handled.
10.3.12. The respective leadership of the Jesus Youth must cooperate fully with investigations by civil and ecclesiastical authorities.
10.3.13. Members who receive and report known, or suspected abuse should not investigate on their own or otherwise respond, except at the direction of the Board for Safeguarding, which will coordinate the response to all such allegations
10.4. Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Sexual Abuse
10.4.1. In accord with the Gospel teachings and discipline of the Church, and the charism and nature of the Jesus Youth Movement, the members commit themselves to respond to allegations and incidents of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable persons with justice and compassion, protecting the dignity and rights of all those involved
10.4.2. Because each allegation or incident of sexual abuse is distinct, the following is a general outline of the response process. The process may be modified by the National Board for safeguarding in consultation with the International Board for Safeguarding without compromising the basic procedures and principles.
10.5. Responding to Victims of Sexual Abuse
10.5.1. The Board for Safeguarding will coordinate to meet in person with the alleged victim if he or she so desires. The Board for Safeguarding will maintain a compassionate and pastoral manner regardless of the demeanor of the alleged victim, recognizing that the experience of abuse and difficulty of coming forward may bring out strong emotions during the disclosure process.
10.5.2. The Board for Safeguarding will designate a Victim Assistance Coordinator (Further detailed in Appendix A) to contact the alleged victim and if needed, his/her family and ensure that initial assistance and pastoral support are provided to them.
10.5.3. If the allegation of sexual abuse is deemed credible or substantiated following an investigation, the Board for Safeguarding will ensure that ongoing accompaniment and pastoral support are provided to the victim and if needed, to his or her family.
10.6. Responding to the Accused
10.6.1. The following provisions refer to the internal process to be followed in the movement when the Board for Safeguarding is presented with the allegation that a Jesus Youth member has sexually abused a minor or vulnerable person. This process will be independent of any civil proceeding, whether criminal or civil, against the accused, and it is not intended to obstruct or otherwise hinder any civil, criminal investigation or action that addresses the same allegation. Accordingly, the Board for Safeguarding will work together with the appropriate civil authorities to ensure that the internal process does not adversely affect the civil proceeding.
10.6.2. If, after a review of the allegation, the Board for Safeguarding determines that the allegation at least seems credible, it will make initial contact with the accused member and an internal investigation into the allegation will be initiated according to the norms of universal and particular law of the Church, unless conducting such an investigation would appear entirely superfluous (CIC 1717).
10.6.3. If the accused is not a member of Jesus Youth, the BSG will follow the necessary reporting procedures to the concerned authorities and provide any help needed for investigation.
10.6.4. The Board for Safeguarding will take steps to ensure that the accused member receives appropriate support and assistance while the allegation is being investigated.
10.6.4.1. This support may take the form of assigning a mentor for the accused
10.6.4.2. In cases where an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a member is substantiated, the Jesus Youth will provide pastoral care and fraternal support for the perpetrator also.
10.6.4.3. A Member about whom a credible accusation has been made may be asked to submit to a professional evaluation as to his or her psychological condition and proclivity to harmful behavior in the future. In such situations, the BSG may arrange for the evaluation.
10.6.4.4. Subsequent to that evaluation, the Member may be asked to participate in such inpatient and/or outpatient treatment as recommended by the evaluating professionals, as well as such other physical, psychological, and spiritual rehabilitation as may be recommended by such professionals.
10.7. Initial Contact with the Accused Member
10.7.1. The member will be advised of the nature of the accusation against him/her in the initial contact made with him/her by the Board for Safeguarding. In this initial contact the member may be advised that he/she could decline to speak regarding the accusations until he/she has consulted with legal counsel.
10.7.2. The member will also be advised that anything he/she states to the Board for Safeguarding is not necessarily subject to privilege or confidentiality in either the civil or ecclesiastical forum. Consequently, anything he/she says may be discoverable in a civil court. Accordingly, the accused member has the right to refuse to incriminate himself/herself. On the other hand, although ecclesiastical law prohibits forcing the member to confess to a crime, refusal to answer questions in the investigation process may be interpreted either for or against the interests of the accused.
10.7.3. If he/she has not already been so informed, the member will be advised of the obligation of the Board for Safeguarding to report the allegation to civil authorities. Arrangements will generally be made within ten (10) days of receipt of the allegation for the member to bring canonical and civil counsel, if he/she so desires, to a meeting with the Board to discuss with the member and his/her counsel the specifics of the allegation.
10.7.4. Before meeting with the accused Member, if he is a priest ordained for Jesus Youth, the Board for Safeguarding will offer to help the member to appoint a canonical advisor. The Board will allow the accused member to appoint a competent canonist of his choosing, subject to the provisions of canon 1483.
10.7.5. At the request of the accused member, if he is a priest ordained for Jesus Youth, the Board for Safeguarding will make available a list of competent canonists in the area. The accused member will not be restricted to the use of the canonists on the list provided by the Board.
10.7.6. In the light of the above, both civil and canonical counsel can be particularly helpful in advising and assisting the accused member of his right of defense, the canonical process, the similarities and differences in civil and canon law regarding their respective investigations, and who determines credibility in disputed cases in civil and canon law.
10.7.7. In order to fulfill its responsibilities, the Board for Safeguarding may obtain the services of civil and canonical counsel.
10.7.8. At the meeting with the accused, he/she will be informed of the name or names of those making the allegation(s). He/she will also be informed of the circumstances of the allegation(s). If due to extraordinary circumstances, the name of the accuser cannot be furnished at this time, the Board for Safeguarding will explain to the accused Member why the name cannot be revealed. The Board will inform the accused member and his or her counsel of the name of the accuser within a reasonable period of time. Unless extraordinary circumstances urge otherwise, no public disclosure (other than any required to civil authorities) of the allegation against the member will be authorized by the Board for Safeguarding until the member has been informed of the name or names of his or her accuser(s), and of the circumstances surrounding the accusation(s).
10.8. The Internal Investigation
10.8.1. The Board for Safeguarding will designate an Investigator/ Investigating Team to gather the facts regarding the allegations.
10.8.2. In cases of verified or undisputed allegations, an investigation will be conducted to verify if there are any other potential victims.
10.8.3. The Investigator, who shall obtain statements from the parties and any witnesses, will keep the Board for Safeguarding informed regarding the status of the investigation.
10.8.4. The internal investigation will be conducted as promptly and objectively as possible so that the lives of those involved will not be held in a state of uncertainty or turmoil.
10.8.5. During investigations by civil authorities or by the Jesus Youth Movement, the member who is the subject of the investigation may be temporarily removed from any responsibilities in the movement.
10.8.6. During the course of the internal investigation all appropriate steps will be taken to protect the right of the accused member to a good reputation (CIC 220).
10.8.7. Jesus Youth investigations will be properly documented and will remain the property of Jesus Youth. Documentation of Jesus Youth investigations will be stored in the office of the International Board for Safeguarding situated at the Jesus Youth International Office, even if the enquiry is conducted by the National Board.
10.8.8. In the case of allegations of abuse by clergy, the Board for Safeguarding will make a preliminary investigation and if found credible, the matter will be reported to the respective ecclesiastical authority.
10.9. The Conclusion of the Internal Investigation
10.9.1. When the International/National Board for Safeguarding has received the completed investigation report, it will present the results of the investigation to the accused for his/her response. It will encourage the accused member to have his/her canonical counsel present at this time. The accused member can choose to respond to the results of the investigation personally or have his/her canonical counsel respond on his/her behalf, including asking further questions.
10.9.2. Should an allegation be unsubstantiated, the Jesus Youth will reinstate the responsibilities of the accused member and will work towards the restitution of his/her good name.
10.10. Decision-Making
10.10.1. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the Board for Safeguarding will exercise its judgment in delivering an appropriate response to the accused member after having consulted the International/National Coordinator.
10.10.2. If the accused member has admitted to the substance of the allegation, or in those cases where the allegation is deemed credible or has been substantiated, the International/National Coordinator shall implement the recommendation provided by the Board of Safeguarding.
10.10.3. In the case of proven and substantiated allegation, the following mandatory restrictions will be placed on the accused member as per the case.
● Limitations imposed on activities, including removal from leadership positions and public ministry.
● Suspension of Jesus Youth membership privileges for a certain period of time.
● In the case of certain grave situations, the BSG may recommend either the suspension or dismissal of membership.
10.10.4. The information of the above restrictions will be circulated to the relevant forums of Jesus Youth movement.
10.10.5. In cases where the allegation has been substantiated, the International/National Coordinator may contact the appropriate Church authorities to communicate the nature of the allegation, the procedure of investigation followed and the disciplinary measures taken in this regard.
10.10.6. In cases where an allegation of sexual abuse by a member is substantiated, the Jesus Youth will provide pastoral care and fraternal support for the perpetrator also.
10.10.7. If the allegation is deemed unsubstantiated, the Board for Safeguarding together with International/National Coordinators will coordinate communication with all appropriate parties to repair damage to reputation and relationships. More specifically, if the allegation has become public and proven to be a false allegation, the International/National Council will work to restore the reputation of the accused member in the best way possible.
10.10.8. In the instances when the disposition of the matter rests with the local/national Board for Safeguarding the member has the right to appeal to the Coordinator of the higher Council who will in turn refer to the respective Board for Safeguarding. In the case of a Covenant member, Member of the International Council, or Member of the International Board for Safeguarding, the appeal could be made to the International Ecclesiastical Advisor.
10.11. Ecclesiastical Recourse for the Accused Member
10.11.1. In accordance with Church Law, the accused member may appeal against an administrative decree removing him/her from an office or duty, removing or limiting his/her faculties, or limiting his/her exercise of ministry if such a decree is issued at the outset of, during, or at the conclusion of the internal investigation.
10.11.2. In the case of clergy and consecrated members, he/she may work with respective canonical counsel to seek recourse within the time prescribed and in accord with the applicable provisions of Church law governing recourse against administrative decrees.
11.1. Jesus Youth Movement has formulated these set of Guidelines for safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons and is committed to abide by it and implement its provisions to the best manner possible.
11.2. Jesus Youth International Council approved these Guidelines and has authorised its implementation.
11.3. The policy will be reviewed by the Jesus Youth International Council at least once in three years or whenever necessary.
The Victim Assistance Coordinator, appointed by BSG, is a person contracted for the purposes of assisting victims, preferably with expertise in counseling and working with victims of sexual abuse.
The Victim Assistance Coordinator must have education, training, and/or experience with the following content areas:
● Dynamics of dealing with sexual abuse victims
● Consequences of sexual abuse
● Providing comfort to those who have experienced sexual abuse
● Encouraging confidence and trust in the process of reporting the abuse and the ensuing response.
● Promoting healing and restoring dignity of the victim
● The Victim Assistance Coordinator of Jesus Youth may be a Member, employee, volunteer, or an apt person outside the movement.
● The following categories of people are strongly discouraged from being considered for the Victim Assistance Coordinator.
○ Those involved in the investigation
○ Those closely associated with the victim or perpetrator
The Victim Assistance Coordinator’s duties include the following:
● To listen with respect to the alleged victim and/or family
● To offer support and professional resources to the alleged victim, the victim’s family and other affected persons, assisting with referrals to therapists and/or support groups
● To explain to the alleged victim the movement’s firm resolve of zero-tolerance policy and commitment to safeguard the dignity and honor of each member
● To explain to the alleged victim JY’s response to the allegations raised
● To offer to be present during meetings between the alleged victim and/or family and the BSG/JY or its representatives
● To coordinate all communications between the alleged victim and/or family and the BSG/JY, keeping all parties apprised of developments in the case.
The Victim Assistance Coordinator maintains a professional relationship with the alleged victim and/or family and does not act officially as a therapist, attorney, or spiritual director. They should not be the liaison officer between various legal enforcement agencies.
"If you have any concerns or grievances regarding safeguarding,
please contact us at the designated email address: safeguarding@jesusyouth.org
Phone number: +91 9946033799"