Alice Alobi Foundation (AAF) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children under 18 years of age participating in its programs and activities. This Child Safety Policy outlines the measures and procedures in place to ensure the welfare and protection of children, as well as the responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and any other individuals involved.
This policy aims to safeguard children from any form of harm or abuse and to promote their well-being and best interests. It includes measures to prevent child abuse, procedures for reporting concerns or allegations, and guidelines for responding appropriately to any identified risks or incidents. The policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and other individuals associated with AAF.
All staff, volunteers, and contractors involved in programs or activities that involve direct contact with children will be required to undergo a thorough screening process. This process will include background checks, reference checks, and interviews to assess their suitability to work with children. Regular updates of these checks will be conducted at least every two years.
A comprehensive code of conduct will be established and communicated to all individuals involved with children. This code will outline appropriate behavior and interactions with children, including guidelines for physical contact, communication, and use of social media. All individuals associated with AAF will be required to adhere to this code of conduct.
All staff, volunteers, contractors, and relevant individuals will be provided with child protection training to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and expectations regarding child safety. This training will include information on identifying signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and appropriate behavior with children. Regular refresher training will also be provided to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.
Anyone who has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is at risk of harm or has been subjected to abuse must report their concerns immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer (CPO) or a senior staff member. All reports will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with the organization’s reporting procedures, which include investigation via a team and some cases involving external child protection authorities, if necessary.
In cases where a child is identified as being at risk or subjected to harm or abuse, AAF will take immediate and appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. This may include removing the child from the risky situation, providing support and counseling, involving external authorities or agencies, and conducting investigations as required. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process, in line with legal and ethical obligations.
A transparent and accessible system for handling complaints and feedback related to child safety will be established. Individuals will be encouraged to report any concerns or incidents, and these will be thoroughly investigated and addressed. Anonymous reporting mechanisms may also be provided to ensure confidentiality for individuals who prefer to remain anonymous.
This Child Safety Policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Compliance with the policy will be regularly monitored and evaluated, and feedback from stakeholders, including children and their parents or guardians, will be sought and considered. Any identified failures or areas for improvement will be addressed promptly.
Alice Alobi Foundation is committed to protecting children from harm and promoting their rights and well-being. This Child Safety Policy sets clear expectations, procedures, and safeguards to ensure the highest standards of child protection across all programs and activities.