CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY
THE GRACE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Date: July 20, 2018 1. Introduction The Grace Social Entrepreneurship (hereinafter referred to as "the Organization") is committed to upholding the highest standards of child protection and safeguarding in line with international human rights principles, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The Organization recognizes its fundamental duty to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. 2. Scope and Purpose This policy applies to all representatives of the Organization, including employees, volunteers, board members, consultants, contractors, and partners. It establishes a framework for safeguarding children and ensuring their well-being in all activities undertaken by the Organization. 3. Principles • Best Interests of the Child: All actions concerning children shall be guided by their best interests. • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: The Organization has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse, exploitation, or neglect. • Do No Harm: All representatives shall act in ways that prevent harm and create safe environments for children. • Participation and Empowerment: Children should be empowered to express their concerns and participate in decisions affecting them. • Confidentiality and Privacy: The Organization shall respect the confidentiality of children’s information and ensure their dignity is upheld. 4. Code of Conduct All representatives of the Organization shall adhere to the following Code of Conduct: a) Prohibited Conduct: • Engaging in any form of sexual abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate behavior towards children. • Using language or gestures that are inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory. • Physically disciplining, harming, or intimidating a child. • Developing relationships with children that could be perceived as exploitative or abusive. • Sharing images or information of children without explicit consent and adherence to safeguarding protocols. • Failing to report concerns or suspicions of child abuse. b) Expected Conduct: • Always treat children with dignity and respect. • Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary for the child's safety and well-being. • Maintain professional boundaries and avoid situations that could be misinterpreted. • Report any concerns or violations of this policy to the designated safeguarding officer. 5. Reporting and Response Mechanism All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the designated Child Protection Focal Point. Reports shall be handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with child protection laws and policies. If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services shall be contacted without delay. 6. Safeguarding Checklist The following checklist shall be implemented to ensure compliance with safeguarding standards: • Attached Annex 7. Implementation and Review This policy shall be implemented through mandatory training, awareness programs, and strict monitoring. It shall be reviewed periodically to align with evolving international safeguarding standards. 8. Commitment Statement The Grace Social Entrepreneurship reaffirms its unwavering commitment to child protection and safeguarding. All representatives of the Organization must read, understand, and comply with this policy, ensuring that children are always safe, protected, and respected. ________________________________________ Approved by: The Board of The Grace Social Entrepreneurship Prof. Elie EL ZOUKI President, The Grace Social Entrepreneurship Signed & Sealed Annex: Safeguarding Checklist, The Safeguarding Checklist for the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy of The Grace Social Entrepreneurship includes key measures to ensure compliance with safeguarding standards. Here is a breakdown: Safeguarding Checklist ✅ Recruitment & Screening • Conduct criminal background checks on all employees, volunteers, and partners. • Verify references and previous work history, especially in child-related roles. • Require all staff and volunteers to sign a Child Protection Code of Conduct. ✅ Training & Awareness • Provide mandatory safeguarding and child protection training to all representatives. • Conduct refresher training sessions at least annually. • Ensure all staff understand how to recognize and report abuse. ✅ Safe Environments • Conduct risk assessments for all child-related activities and events. • Ensure children have access to safe spaces free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. • Implement supervision policies for interactions between adults and children. ✅ Reporting & Response Mechanisms • Establish a clear and confidential reporting mechanism for child protection concerns. • Ensure there is a designated Safeguarding Officer to handle reports. • Develop and communicate a response plan for incidents of abuse or exploitation. • Ensure all reported concerns are documented and acted upon in compliance with child protection laws. ✅ Data Protection & Consent • Obtain informed consent from parents/guardians before collecting or sharing children’s information or images. • Store children's personal data securely and restrict access to authorized personnel. ✅ Monitoring & Compliance • Regularly review and update safeguarding policies and procedures. • Conduct periodic internal audits of safeguarding practices. • Gather feedback from children and families to ensure their safety needs are met.