Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Child Protection Policy
Child Protection Policy
Part 1: Introduction
The purpose of this policy is to safeguard children from abuse and exploitation in all that we do, in line with Article 19
of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). All children have equal rights to protection from
abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation. The welfare of children is always the most important consideration. We
define a child as someone below the age of 18.
This policy is approved and endorsed by the Board of Trustees. It applies, without exception, to all staff of Childreach
International: full time, part time, long and short term contractors such as researchers and consultants, international
and national staff. It also applies, without exception, to all those who represent Childreach International - to be
referred hereafter as representatives (this includes volunteers, trustees, members, individuals and groups involved in
fundraising). Those working with Childreach International, but not part of the aforementioned, such as partner
organisation members and their representatives who come into contact with children as part of the work they do for
Childreach International should consult Section 6 which addresses what we consider their obligations regarding child
protection.
Childreach International has a duty of care to protect the rights of all children with whom we work and we take our
duty of care extremely seriously. Childreach International is firmly committed to keeping children safe and takes a
proactive approach to safeguarding children by creating safe and positive environments for children. By upholding the
principles of this Child Protection Policy, we make child protection paramount at every level on which we operate.
and the exchange of money or other favours in return for sex and/or sexual favours. Such activities may have a
negative effect on the physical, mental and emotional development of the child, often resulting in them having less
access to education and may even place them in physical danger as they are asked to perform tasks unsuitable for
someone at their stage of physical development.
Code of Conduct
THIS CODE IS OBLIGATORY FOR ALL REPRESENTATIVES TO FOLLOW (SEE PAGE X FOR DEFINITION OF REPRESENTATIVES).
Disciplinary/responsive action will be taken if any of these protocols are broken. It is the individual responsibility of all representatives to read and
fully understand this protocol so that the code is not accidentally broken. Childreach International will not be held responsible if you break the code
on the grounds that you were not aware of the rules, having been given the opportunity to read and understand this code. In response, Childreach
International staff will remain always available to answer questions and clarify queries about this code.
NEVER
ALWAYS
way in which others interact with children. See the table below for the criteria (to be inserted once sign off is
complete).
6. Safe Participation
Participation is a right enjoyed by all of our beneficiaries; however it is not an obligation. It is therefore necessary at all
times during research to bear the needs of the child in mind. Research must not be performed for the sake of it, but
must be a justifiable means to a legitimate end.
6.1. Before participating, all children must be made aware of their right to participate or not.
6.2. Once children have demonstrated an understanding of this right, their consent must be obtained individually or
collectively (written or verbal).
6.3. Children must be informed of the level of confidentiality with which all Childreach International Data will be
treated, including any answers, personal information or opinions they may provide.
6.4. The individual needs of the child must be considered when involving them in participation. Particularly vulnerable
or abused children for example may require a particularly sensitive approach.
6.5. Children will be encouraged to offer their own opinions when participating in evaluation and feedback, and staff
should not put words in their mouths.
6.6. Measures must be taken to ensure safe participation for all children involved in any activity organised by
Childreach International where it takes responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the children.
6.7. Risk assessment must be completed for all activities covered in section 6.6 and necessary measures should be
taken to ensure the utmost safety and wellbeing of children participating.
6.8. Parents must be made aware of that their children will meet Childreach International staff / representatives prior
to any/all activities.