Protection Policy for Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

The Catholic Association has drawn up the following policy for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

CODE OF CONDUCT

YOU MUST . . .

Treat all pilgrims with respect.
Always be an example of good conduct that you would wish others to follow.
Ensure that there is more than one helper present during your activities with children, young people and vulnerable adults, or at least that you are within sight or hearing of others. Clearly Sacramental or Medical protocols may be exceptions to this requirement. However, all sensible precautions should be taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
Respect all pilgrims right to personal privacy.
Encourage pilgrims to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like.
Remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well intentioned.
Be aware that even caring physical contact with a pilgrim may be misinterpreted.
Recognise that special caution is required in moments when you are discussing sensitive issues with other helpers or other pilgrims.
Operate within the Code of Good Conduct and procedures of the Catholic Association Lourdes Pilgrimage

YOU MUST NOT

Render yourself unfit for duty through the consumption of alcohol or the lack of sleep.
Have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with other pilgrims.
Allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour.
Make suggestive/derogatory remarks or gestures in front of other pilgrims.
Jump to conclusions about others without checking facts.
Exaggerate or trivialise abuse issues.
Show favouritism to any individual.
Rely on your good name or that of the Church to protect you.
Believe ‘it could never happen to me’.
Take a chance when common sense, policy, and practice suggest another more prudent approach.
Ignore the Protection Guidelines and Procedures operating within the organisation.

WHAT TO DO . . .

If a pilgrims discloses to you abuse by someone else:

Allow him or her to speak without interruption, accepting what is said, but do not investigate.
Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, do not pass judgment.
Let them know you are glad they have shared this information.
Advise the person that you must pass on the information.
Report the matter to the leader in charge of your group/section, and/or the Pilgrimage Protection Officer.

If you suspect a pilgrim is being abused, emotionally, physically, or sexually:

Report the matter to the leader in charge of your group/section, and/or the Pilgrimage Protection Officer.

If you receive an allegation about any pilgrim or about yourself:

Immediately tell the leader in charge of your group/section, and/or the Pilgrimage Protection Officer.
Try to ensure that no one is placed in a position that could cause further compromise.

In all cases . . .

The listener must record the conversation as soon as possible. The record should reflect the conversation as accurately as possible, using the Pilgrim’s own words. The record should be signed and dated noting the time and location at which it took place. The names of anyone else present should be included.
Report facts to the Pilgrimage Protection Officer.
You must refer, you must not investigate. Do not contact the subject of the allegation.
Do not promise confidentiality, as any information received may have to be acted upon by other authorities.