The degree of civilization of a society is demonstrated by the way in which child protection is ensured. Unfortunately, we are shocked to hear news of events that make our blood run cold about child abuse. It is clear that the Church as a whole, and the different Orders in particular, have been developing protocols and plans to avoid risk situations. But let us leave this reactive perspective aside and focus on a proactive dimension of child protection.
“Let the children come to me.” Throughout the Gospel we find numerous passages in which Jesus demonstrates, with deeds and words, the importance of children in the building of the Kingdom. It is inherent in its message. The child represents innocence and, precisely for this reason, the greatest need for protection. One must be like a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus warns against those who scandalize them. He is also a young man with whom he discusses the need to abandon earthly goods.
The protection of children and youth is a cross-cutting requirement. It is vital that children are listened to, and that we address them in a way that is understandable to them. It is important that, in the catechetical process, the materials and itineraries are adapted to their specific evolutionary development. We must try to use language that is meaningful to young people and children, that connects with their vital reality. And to keep in mind that the Faith is transmitted with the power of the Word, yes, but also with the image of lived experience.
Likewise, within the Church there are many examples of institutions and movements committed to minors in vulnerable situations. A clear case in point is the admirable work of the Mothers of the Homeless, based on the option for underprivileged minors of their founder, Mother Petra de San José. Also universally known is the work of the Missionaries of Charity, which began in the slums of St. Teresa of Calcutta, and which, crossing the borders of India, has reached so many places in the world.
This mission cannot be circumscribed solely to the charism of certain personal choices or specific movements. This is a task to which, as Christians, we must dedicate ourselves body and soul. Of course, there is a task that is carried out institutionally by social services or civil protection agencies. But where their essential administrative work ends, there is a space where our action can reach, to accompany so many minors in situations of unprotection.
Adoption is one of the most suitable resources to guarantee a family nucleus for minors. It has its roots in the Christian tradition, starting with St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. In this way, children in distress are united by virtue of adoption with parents, with whom they form a forever family. The happiness that comes with being adoptive parents is represented in a round phrase: “they won’t have your blood, but they will have your smile”. Almost nothing.
Another essential option for the protection of children and adolescents in distress is foster care. It may be by members of the extended family – grandparents, uncles, aunts and uncles, mainly – or by people outside the biological family relationship. It can also be carried out in a residential center or in the family environment. The key is that in these cases, the guardianship of the minor is exercised by the autonomous community, leaving the minor under the immediate care of the foster family or institution.
We turn our gaze once again to institutions and ecclesial movements that make the option for these minors, giving them a home where they can develop their lives and heal their wounds. The bonds that children establish in these environments can be fundamental for their future development. For children in centers or foster families, the eighteen-year threshold represents a limbo, since, with the age of majority, the guardianship of the autonomous community ends and, as adults, foster care formally disappears. Undoubtedly, in these times in which accompaniment is the protagonist, there is a precious reality to embrace and accompany, a space in which there are no clear solutions, where as Christians we could develop a work accompanying the growth and development of these young people.
But foster care and adoption do not in themselves exhaust the tools for the protection of children and adolescents. Indeed, the figure of the collaborating families is vital to support the growth of children living in centers. For them, it is a real respite to be able to share time on weekends and vacations with these families who offer their time and availability. The role of volunteers who offer their time to help them with study or play is also fundamental.
Therefore, let us turn our eyes and efforts to childhood. Let us become like children to dwell in the Kingdom.
Manuel Ruiz Martínez-Cañavate
(Article published in St. Rita and the Christian People Magazine, July-August 2024)