Child protection policy

Introduction

We have a duty to children and young people to defend them from harm.

So that we do all that is possible to fulfill this duty, Help for Children in Uganda has adopted this policy on child protection.

Anyone may have the potential to abuse young people. All reasonable steps must therefore be taken to ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with them. Under the Protection of Children Act 1999, all individuals working on behalf of, or otherwise representing, an organisation are treated as employees, whether paid or volunteering.

1. Principles

An adult has a moral and statutory duty for the care, custody and control of any children under the age of 18 under their supervision.

The child’s welfare is paramount.

All young people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.

All incidents, or suspicion, of poor practice, or allegations of abuse, must be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

This policy recognizes and builds on the legal and statutory definitions of a child: a young person is defined as being under the age of 18 years (Children’s Act 1989 definition),#.

Everyone in Help for Children in Uganda - whether trustees or staff, paid or voluntary, full time or part time, must use the same procedures consistently.

Help for Children in Uganda is required to foster relationships of the utmost integrity.

Staff and volunteers coming into contact with children in any paid or voluntary capacity need to operate within a framework of good policy and practice which will ensure that the children are safeguarded. Staff and volunteers must avoid taking advantage of trust.

The highest professional standards should therefore be maintained: the exploitation of any relationship for self gratification will not be tolerated.

2. Policy

2.1 All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and all appropriate steps will be taken to collaborate fully with the statutory and voluntary agencies concerned with child abuse. Help for Children in Uganda will not conduct investigations on its own.

2.2 All those coming into contact with children will be properly recruited and trained and subject to appropriate supervision.

2.3.1 All those seeking a position with Help for Children in Uganda, professional or voluntary, which may involve coming into contact with children, will be subject to a full, enhanced disclosure with the Criminal Records Bureau.

2.4 In the selection and appointment of all staff and volunteers who may have access to children and young people, full references will be taken up and, if the information revealed by this exercise gives any cause for concern at all, the Chairman of Trustees will be consulted before any appointment is made.

2.5 Trustees and Senior Management undertake to remain alert to any unusual or inappropriate behaviour on the part of any Help for Children in Uganda staff and volunteers towards young people or vice versa. In the event of suspicion or allegation of abuse, they should seek advice from the Board of Trustees and, if necessary, contact the local Social Services Offices or Child Protection Officer (Uganda) direct.

2.6 Any member of staff or volunteer who is concerned about the welfare of a child or the behaviour of a member of staff or volunteer must report their concern to a member of Help for Children in Uganda management.

2.7 Where children aged 3-18 years of age have to be transported by car or other transport, it is desirable that there should always be more than one adult passenger in the vehicle.

2.8 Health and Safety Regulations must always be adhered to.

The Trustees of Help for Children in Uganda are responsible for the Child Protection Policy and Senior Management of the Foundation will be responsible for ensuring compliance.