TAIZÉ1. Different responsibilities towards young people aged 15-17
Legal guardians [1] of under 18s taking part in the meetings in Taizé must already have given their agreement for the participation of their child in the meetings. They must designate someone over 18 as responsible for this young person. The legal guardian must be reachable to be reached at all times for medical questions or questions of discipline concerning their child.
Group leaders [2] ensure that each under 18 travelling in their group carries with them a document signed by their legal guardian authorising responsibility to an over 18, should urgent questions arise. This person immediately informs the legal guardian in such cases. The group leader must be especially vigilant for the safety of these under 18s. S/he ensures especially that group members do not leave the site of Taizé and take part fully in the program proposed.
If the legal guardian is not present in Taizé, under 18s are under the responsibility of an over 18 chosen by their legal guardian. This person may be the group leader or someone else. The person with this responsibility should communicate to the legal guardian all difficulties encountered by their children, maintaining a close link with the group leader.
During times of small group sharing, designated people, preferably 20-29 years old, but over 30 if this is impossible, named as “contact people”, help facilitate the groups together with the person leading the Bible introduction. The group leaders continue to ensure that their youth are participating and retain the safeguarding responsibility for those in their care. They also prepare the contact people for their role and ensure that these people are safe to work with under 18s.
1.1 Some basic rules for accompanying young people aged 15-17 in Taizé
Respect
Always respect the integrity of the young person in all their diversity. Bullying can be manifested in different ways and can also include inappropriate activities or games, which lead to mockery or humiliation even if that was not the primary intention. Make sure that the young person feels welcomed also with the frailties they bear. Do not pressure youth to reveal secrets, or anything they are uncomfortable with, during the time of sharing. Use appropriate language and behaviour – for example, do not smoke during the time of sharing. All inappropriate use of internet, including social media, must be avoided at all times. Refrain from all harassment, from all sexual harassment, including in the form of sexting [3] all of which are punishable under French law Do not ask for the contact details or social media profiles of young people under 18 outside of the group you travelled with.
Vigilance
Do not leave the site of Taizé unless the person leading the Bible introduction explicitly suggests this. Never be alone with just one young person out of view of the group. If you need to listen more especially to one young person, do so while staying within sight of others. All consumption of alcohol or drugs must be reported.
2. Different responsibilities towards people aged over 18, especially those who are vulnerable
Group leaders ensure that any vulnerable adult over 18 is suitably prepared and accompanied. The group leader must be especially vigilant for the safety of these vulnerable adults.
If full participation in the programme is problematic for such people, or if there are particular accommodation needs, the group should mention this on registering. If a person becomes vulnerable during the stay, the group leader speaks immediately with the brother working at the Casa.
If vulnerable adults are under legal guardianship, then they must specify on registering why they are under guardianship, giving the contact details of his or her guardian. The guardian must then send a document, the contents of which will remain confidential, to protection taize.fr explaining what is possible for this person and any special precautions that should be taken. If this person is part of a group, the group leader must be especially vigilant for their safety.
The group leader should encourage certain young people from their group aged 18-29 years old to act as “contact people”, to help facilitate the small groups together with the person leading the Bible introduction. The group leaders continue during this time to ensure that their youth are participating and retain the safeguarding responsibility for those within their care. They also prepare the contact people for their role and ensure that these people are safe to work with other youth.
2.1 Some basic rules for accompanying people aged over 18, especially those who are vulnerable
Respect
Always respect the integrity of people in all their diversity. Bullying can be manifested in different ways and also include inappropriate activities or games, which lead to mockery or humiliation even if that was not the primary intention. Make sure that people feel welcomed also with the frailties they bear. Do not pressure people to reveal secrets during the time of sharing. Use appropriate language and behaviour – for example, do not smoke during the time of sharing. All inappropriate use of internet, including social media, must be avoided at all times. Refrain from all harassment, from all sexual harassment, including in the form of sexting [4] all of which are punishable under French law Do not pressure people for contact details or social media profiles.
Vigilance
Always check with a brother if you wish to leave the site of Taizé. All consumption of drugs or excessive consumption of alcohol must be reported.