The Hungarian Jesuits have established an independent Child Protection Office dedicated to prevention, aiming to create a safety net that ensures children and vulnerable adults can live and study in Jesuit institutions in a safe environment. The office also supports child protection officers who assist vulnerable groups. According to the apostolic plan of the province, one of the Jesuits' top priorities in the coming years is working with young people, necessitating continuous improvement in child protection practices. We spoke with Ilona Nagy, head of the office, about the Jesuit approach to child protection.

Interview with Ilona Nagy:

Q: With your background as a teacher, head of public education, human resource consultant, and coach, what led you to child protection?

A: I come from a small town in Hajdúság, where most people earned their living through manual labor. I worked as a teacher for 20 years, gaining insight into many families' lives. Despite the economic challenges, the community was strong and supportive, teaching me the "culture of protection" from a young age. This experience has been invaluable in my role as a child protection officer.

Q: Why does a religious order focus on child protection?

A: Educating and guiding youth is a core mission of the Jesuits. In 2022, the practices of the Hungarian order, including victim and perpetrator treatment and training, received positive feedback. We've now added risk assessments to address issues like lack of immediate intervention, insufficient training, and unclear responsibilities. Our goal is to integrate professional and religious practices in child protection, ensuring new employees are well-versed in our approach from the start.

Q: How did negative experiences influence the creation of the Child Protection Office?

A: Our primary goal is to prevent harm to children and any abuse of power in Jesuit institutions. The office, opened in December 2023, is a step towards fostering a preventive protection culture. While we can't eliminate the possibility of abuse entirely, we minimize it through expert collaboration, regular training, and clear guidelines. We take all reports seriously, investigate them promptly, and uphold transparency and openness, encouraging anyone with concerns to contact us confidentially. Prevention and continuous self-examination are crucial to maintaining a safe community.

Q: Can you describe the Jesuits' approach to child protection using the Ignatian dynamic model (situation assessment - experience - consideration - action - evaluation)?

A: Our situation assessment began before 2019 with a professional group that developed child protection guidelines. In fall 2023, we started conceptualizing the office. We're currently in the consideration stage, synthesizing past experiences and preparing for action. A significant step was appointing Attila András, a committed provincial leader in child protection. We're developing a standard approach that aligns child protection efforts across all Jesuit and civilian staff.

Q: Who comprises your work community?

A: I manage the tasks, with Father Árpád Tóth, knowledgeable in church law, overseeing the office. Our team includes four Jesuits and specialists in sociology, economics, education, and law, totaling 17 members. We collaborate with the Office of the Conferences of Hungarian Superiors, civil organizations, and external experts to ensure comprehensive child protection strategies.

Q: How do you plan to further develop your work?

A: We participate in a joint child protection training with the Pope Gregory University in Rome and the Sapientia College of Religious Studies in Budapest. This training enables us to offer professional advice and support to those who seek our help. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of families and children associated with us, fostering open discussions on previously taboo topics like child abuse and intimate partner violence. We provide anonymous reporting options for abuse cases and strive to create a supportive community.

Q: What role do child protection officers play, and how do you implement their multifaceted tasks?

A: Jesuit works, ranging from publishing to refugee aid and education, involve child protection wherever vulnerable groups are present. Organizational unit heads with the necessary expertise can propagate this approach. Some employees have already expressed interest in participating, helping us tailor strategies to each unit's unique needs.

Q: What existing good practices will the Child Protection Office adopt?

A: Gyula Fényi Jesuit High School and College in Miskolc has an effective child protection practice involving weekly case discussions by a professional team. Another example is the Jesuit Refugee Service's attitude-forming online interface, created with Father László Elek, which we plan to expand as a good practice throughout the province.

Q: What does the safe culture approach entail?

A: A safe culture allows open discussions about any topic in appropriate forums. This approach, grounded in Ignatian spirituality and community values, is crucial for child protection.

Q: Why emphasize protection and security if Ignatian pedagogy views the world as fundamentally good?

A: We believe people are inherently good, but children should learn to be cautious in certain situations and seek help when needed. Encouraging healthy skepticism and supportive relationships helps achieve this balance.

Q: How can the duality of hierarchical education and partnership with children be resolved?

A: We aim to lead by example, using authority to set and observe boundaries while fostering partnerships with children. Providing parents with opportunities to discuss child-rearing challenges and seek advice helps them become "pretty good parents."

Q: How does the Child Protection Office address burnout among helping professionals?

A: We encourage discussing cases with external specialists, collaborating with Oázis Spiritual Care and Mental Health Service for supervision. Expanding capacity in this area is also a priority.

Q: Where do you see the relationship between the Jesuits and child protection in five years?

A: I hope to see a well-established child protection culture in the province, supported by qualified employees, professional workshops, and extensive networks. Our strategy, ready by autumn, will serve to protect the entire community, embodying the Jesuit principle of striving for "magis" – always doing better.