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Child Protection Policy

Purpose

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children involved in our organization's activities and programs. It sets forth our approach to preventing and addressing instances of child abuse, ensuring a safe environment for all children under our care.We are dedicated to improving children's lives by promoting their rights, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This includes their right to be free from abuse and exploitation.Scope This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, board members, contractors, and anyone associated with our organization who may come into contact with children during the course of their duties.

Scope This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, board members, contractors, and anyone associated with our organization who may come into contact with children during the course of their duties.

Principles

  • We prioritize the safety and well-being of children, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of abuse, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual.

  • Our decisions and actions revolve around what is best for the child, ensuring their rights are respected and their voices heard.

  • We take proactive steps to prevent child abuse through thorough staff training, awareness initiatives, and stringent screening processes for all involved.

  • Every individual associated with our organization is held accountable for their conduct towards children, with strict disciplinary measures in place for any breaches of this policy according to legislation.

Our commitment

We are dedicated to safeguarding children from abuse. This commitment involves:

 

Education: Ensuring all staff and relevant individuals comprehend the issue of child abuse and the potential risks to children.

Preventive Measures: Employing education and best practices to minimize risks to children.

Reporting Procedures: Providing clear guidance to staff and others on the necessary steps to take if they suspect a child's safety is compromised.

  • Identify responsible personnel.

  • Describe signs of child safety concerns.

  • Establish clear reporting steps, including notifying management or security and documenting observations.

  • Ensure confidentiality and protect the rights of all involved parties.

  • Provide staff training on procedures and update them as needed.

  • Regularly monitor and assess procedure effectiveness.

Response Actions: Taking immediate steps to support and safeguard children in cases where abuse concerns arise.

Staff, board members, and volunteers affiliated with Opora Foundation will:

  • Take all suspicions seriously.

  • Take decisive action to safeguard children deemed at risk

  • React in an appropriate manner and collaborate fully with any inquiries.

  • Prioritize the well-being of the child in all actions.

  • Respect and acknowledge the perspectives of children.

  • Collaborate with parents, guardians, and other professionals to ensure the protection of children.

Code of Conduct with regards to Child Safeguarding:

All Opora Foundation staff, board members, and volunteers must follow this Code of Conduct Actions to Avoid:

  • Refrain from physically or emotionally harming children under any circumstances.

  • Steer clear of engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with children.

  • Avoid developing relationships with children that could be construed as exploitative or abusive.

  • Abstain from behaviors that may endanger or compromise the safety of a child.

  • Do not use language, make suggestions, or provide guidance that is inappropriate, offensive, or harmful.

  • Refrain from any actions that could be interpreted as sexually suggestive.

  • Ensure that children under your care do not stay overnight at your residence without supervision.

  • Do not share a room or bed with a child you are responsible for.

  • Encourage children to perform tasks they are capable of completing themselves.

  • Do not overlook or participate in any illegal, hazardous, or abusive conduct by children.

  • Avoid actions that may shame, humiliate, ridicule, or emotionally harm a child.

  • Seek written consent from children and their parents/legal guardians before utilizing images of children (such as photographs or drawings) in any publication, social media, or other platforms.

  • Refrain from treating children unfairly, exhibiting favoritism, or excluding others.

  • Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. Always avoid behaviors or actions that may be perceived as inappropriate or potentially abusive.

Duties of Staff and Individuals Interacting with Children:

  • ​Remain vigilant for any situations that could pose a risk to children and take appropriate measures to address them.

  • Arrange tasks and arrange the environment in a manner that minimizes potential risks to children.

  • Strive to maintain visibility while interacting with children.

  • Foster an atmosphere of openness where any concerns or problems can be openly addressed and discussed.

  • Uphold accountability within the staff to promptly address any instances of improper conduct or behaviors that may pose a risk to children.

Reporting and Action:

  • ​Promptly report any concerns regarding the well-being of children and vulnerable adults to the designated safeguarding officer.

  • Adhere to our protocol for addressing allegations or suspicions of abuse concerning children , ensuring a timely and fitting course of action.

  • Fully cooperate with any investigations and offer support to all individuals involved.

  • Disciplinary measures for breaches of child protection policies may include verbal or written warnings, suspension, termination of employment or volunteer status, and legal action, depending on the severity of the breach. Organizations may also require mandatory training or retraining on child protection policies for staff or volunteers involved in the breach.

Ensuring Our Commitments:

Child Safety and Complaints Procedures:

  • The OPORA staff and related partners will sign our Child Protection Policy.

  • Opora Foundation will raise awareness about issues concerning the well-being of children among our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve.

  • New team members will receive information on child protection.

  • We will provide training and support to help staff fulfill these commitments.

  • We regularly engage in conversations with children about their interactions with staff and others. We encourage open communication and want them to feel comfortable sharing any concerns.

  • We actively discuss rights, acceptable behavior, and what to do in case of problems with children. Empowering them includes educating them about their own safety and how to handle uncomfortable situations.

Review and Enhancement:

  • ​Regular reviews and updates of protection policies will ensure they remain effective and comply with current best practices and legal requirements.

  • We welcome feedback from staff, volunteers, children to continually enhance our safeguarding approach.

I comprehend and will adhere to all the aforementioned requirements.

 

 

Name and signature:                                                   Date:

The policy was adopted by Opora Foundation in Apr. 2024and last reviewed in April 2024.

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