|
|
 |
|
Now accepting donations and sponsorship through
 |
 |
|
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
The CCASVA Child Protection Policy Statement
This policy outlines the Cambodian Children against Starvation and Violence Association commitment to ensuring the best possible protection of children’s safety, dignity and well-being.
Introduction
We take seriously our duty of care responsibilities. We recognize that any person working closely with children has a particular position with regard to their power and influence over the child, and work to prevent any abuse of this position.
CCASVA as an organization, and all adults involved in CCASVA, accept the duty to safeguard the welfare of children in it’s care.. This policy outlines our commitment to providing the children who live or study at our facilities or participate in our activities with the safest possible environment. This requires action to prevent intentional or unintentional abuse and harm of all kinds.
This mandatory policy applies to all “representatives” (staff, volunteers, sponsors, visitors, trustees, contract workers, consultants, implementing partners). For the purpose of this policy, “children” shall mean anyone under the age of 18 years and under the care of CCASVA.
Awareness
* All representatives will be individually and collectively responsible for child protection and will be made aware of this policy and any related guidelines, codes or protocols.
* A designated officer will be responsible for monitoring Child Protection Issues and will facilitate policy implementation, staff training and awareness, and incident reporting.
* Child-friendly information will be provided to ensure children understand about their safety and protection, and feel comfortable about speaking out if they have any concerns.
* Children will be made aware of an independent adult to whom they can refer any concerns.
Recruitment & Representatives
* Procedures for the recruitment of staff will take into account and promote the CPP including, where necessary, requesting background information and references. CCASVA will dismiss on any reasonable ground any persons who might reduce child safety.
* All successful candidates and existing representatives will be made fully aware of this policy and will sign the Code of Conduct prior to commencing work.
* Child protection issues will be considered during staff appraisals and evaluations.
Communications & Information
* We will ensure that information or images about children are never used in a way which compromises the children’s dignity, safety or places them at risk.
* We will respect the confidentiality of information regarding children’s health, family background and personal history; this private information will only accessed by authorized staff on a “need to know” basis.
Guidelines for Prevention
* All Representatives will behave with children in a way which fully respects their dignity and rights, and minimizes any possible situation of risk, consistent with CCASVA regulations and the Code of Conduct.
* Guidelines, rules and implementation procedures relating to Child Protection will be clearly available.
* Children will be encouraged to say what they find acceptable and unacceptable in the way they are approached by adults or other young people.
* Only authorized personnel can make changes to the policy or decisions regarding Child Protection, always reporting these to the Executive Director.
Procedures for Reporting & Reaction
* When reacting to concerns or claims of harm or abuse the ultimate guiding principle will be the best interests and wellbeing of the child or children.
* In the event of any incidents, comments, suspicions or concerns the case will be immediately reported to senior management and any cases of abuse will be investigated thoroughly.
* A child reporting concerns or claiming to be the subject of abuse will be protected, taken seriously and treated with respect; they will be reassured that they are not to blame; they are never to be treated with disbelief or in any way that might induce shame or embarrassment.
* Adults will be clear about what will happen next, explaining that while the case will be kept as confidential as possible it cannot remain a secret.
* Any adult reporting a concern will be treated seriously and with respect, and given support in dealing with the issue.
|
|
|
