Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Objectives
3. Scope
4. Legal and Regulatory Framework
5. Definitions
6. Guiding Principles
7. Roles and Responsibilities
8. Preventive Measures
9. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
11. Training and Awareness
12. Monitoring and Review
1. Introduction
The Society for Urban & Rural Enlightenment (SURE) is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children involved in its programs and activities. This Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy outlines SURE's approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and preventing abuse and exploitation.
2. Objectives
- Ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in SURE's activities.
- Establish clear procedures for preventing and responding to child abuse and exploitation.
- Promote a culture of awareness and responsibility for child protection within the organization.
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to child protection and safeguarding.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and board members of SURE. It covers all activities and interactions involving children, whether conducted on SURE's premises, during field visits, or through online platforms.
4. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy is aligned with the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act), the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and other relevant laws and regulations in India.
5. Definitions
- Child: Any person under the age of 18 years.
- Child Abuse: Any action or inaction that harms or threatens to harm a child's physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.
- Safeguarding: The measures taken to protect children from harm and promote their welfare.
- Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): The person appointed to oversee and implement child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures.
6. Guiding Principles
- Best Interests of the Child: The welfare of the child is the primary consideration in all actions and decisions.
- Zero Tolerance: SURE has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and exploitation.
- Empowerment: Children should be encouraged to express their views and participate in decisions affecting them.
- Confidentiality: Information about child protection concerns must be handled with strict confidentiality.
- Accountability: All individuals within the organization are accountable for upholding this policy.
7. Roles and Responsibilities
- Board of Directors: Ensure overall compliance with child protection and safeguarding policies and regulations.
- Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Appointed to oversee and implement the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, conduct risk assessments, and respond to concerns.
- Employees and Volunteers: Follow child protection procedures, report concerns, and participate in training programs.
8. Preventive Measures
- Recruitment and Screening: Implement strict recruitment procedures, including background checks and reference verification, for all individuals working with children.
- Code of Conduct: Establish and enforce a code of conduct outlining acceptable and unacceptable behavior when interacting with children.
- Risk Assessments: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks to children.
- Safe Environments: Ensure that all activities and environments are safe and child-friendly.
9. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
- Reporting: All concerns about child abuse or exploitation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
- Response: The DSO will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all reported concerns, following established procedures.
- External Reporting: When required, the DSO will report concerns to relevant authorities, such as the police or child protection services.
- Support: Provide support to children affected by abuse and their families, including counseling and referral to appropriate services.
10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
- Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of all information related to child protection concerns.
- Information Sharing: Share information only on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
11. Training and Awareness
- Training Programs: Provide regular training on child protection and safeguarding policies, procedures, and best practices to all employees and volunteers.
- Awareness Campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns to promote a culture of vigilance and responsibility for child protection.
12. Monitoring and Review
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor compliance with the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
- Review: Conduct periodic reviews and updates of the policy to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and organizational activities.
- Audits: Perform internal and external audits to ensure the effectiveness of the child protection and safeguarding program.