Ssf Childpro Policy

C HILD P ROTECTION P OLICY November 2009

MISSION: SSF was created to improve the quality of life for families living in extreme destitution in Cambodia. SSF aims to develop educational support programs for children who run a high risk for being trafficked. SSF helps these children by protecting them from all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse including: commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labor and child marriage. Our team is also committed to provide emergency support to extremely poor communities in rural Cambodia to reduce drop-out rates from public schools and to assist families in becoming economically self-sufficient through switching those target families from repeating low income generating activities to unique and more financially sustainable activities. This economic independence will enable families more productive through more frequent planting for daily harvesting to provide for their own children entire family without the need to place them in orphanages, force them to quit school to work or, in extreme cases, traffic them. SSF recognizes UNICEF’s definition for the term ‘child protection’, which is as follows: preventing and responding to violence, exploitation and abuse against children – including commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labor and harmful traditional practices, such as female genital mutilation/cutting and child marriage. UNICEF’s child protection programs also target children who are uniquely vulnerable to these abuses, such as when living without parental care, in conflict with the law and in armed conflict. Violations of the child’s right to protection take place in every country and are massive, under-recognized and under-reported barriers to child survival and development, in addition to being human rights violations. Children subjected to violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect are at risk of death, poor physical and mental health, HIV/AIDS infection, educational problems, displacement, homelessness, vagrancy and poor parenting skills later in life. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) outlines the fundamental rights of children, including the right to be protected from economic exploitation and harmful work, from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, and from physical or mental violence, as well as ensuring that children will not be separated from their family against their will. These rights are further refined by two Optional Protocols, one on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and the other on the involvement of children in armed conflict.

For the significance of daily operations, Sao Sary Foundation (SSF) has based its child protection policy on three conventions: 1. SSF has a zero tolerance for abuse – physical, mental or other form of abuse including negligence, maltreatment, and exploitation – towards children. 2. The term children is applied to any person aged 18 years and younger. 3. SSF acknowledges that the interest of the child – legal, physical, and mental – is first and foremost the primary concern of SSF. 4. SSF recognizes that the protection of children goes beyond the actions and agenda of SSF. It is a duty that all members of the local, regional, and global community have an accountability to uphold. S A O S A R Y F O U N D A T I ON

P R OM I S E S T O U P H OL D T HE F OL L OW I N G

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SSF is committed to providing a nurturing environment in which children are being provided a protected and positive development experience.

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SSF recognizes that the protection and well being of children is a responsibility of the community beyond the confines of SSF and promises to promote the pledge set forth in this document throughout said population.

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SSF is committed to providing proper supervision, support, resources and training to personnel within the organization that work – directly and indirectly – with children.

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SSF recognizes that is the responsibility of all personnel to prevent – and if discovered, report – any form of child abuse.

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SSF is committed to informing and educating all personnel of the regulations set forth in this policy. Each person shall be given a copy of this and other relevant SSF policies.

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ANY organization working in cooperation with SSF shall be informed of the regulations set forth within this document, and if requested shall be given a copy of the policy. P R OC E D U R E

F OR I N I T I A T I N G E M PL OY M E N T OF PR OS PE C T I V E PE R S O N N E L W I T H C HI L D R E N

 All personnel working with children will be asked to complete an informational document detailing current living address, educational background, employment background, criminal background, skills and training. This form will also be attached to a declaration of

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compliance with the rules and regulation set forth by SSF in this policy; said form MUST be signed by the prospective employee.  All prospective employees will be asked to give written consent to background check of criminal records and personal reference. The executive director and hiring personnel only will use information gained from said investigations for review of employment. S A O S A R Y F O U N D A T I ON

W I L L GU A R A N T E E T H A T

 As far as possible, no personnel will work alone with any child, where their activity cannot be seen or easily observable.  A system of Parental/Guardian Consent Forms for use of activities and actions shall be operated and maintained by SSF.  A system of Incident Documentation shall be operated and maintained by SSF.  An appropriate First Aid and/or Emergency Procedure(s) shall be prepared and maintained by SSF. PERSONNEL

W O R KI N G W I T H C HI L D R E N S H OU L D A D HE R E T O T HE F OL L O W I N G

 Treat all children with respect and dignity; this includes, language and tone of voice, general physical contact, and other emotional/mental aquaintance.  Not engage in any of the following: o Excessively physical games o Sexually provocative games o Making sexually suggestive comments, about or to a child; under no circumstances will this be acceptable o Inappropriate and intrusive touching of any form o Any scapegoating, ridiculing or rejecting a child o Invading the privacy of children when they are showering, using the restroom, getting dressed, or engaged in any personal action where privacy would generally be suitable.  Learn to control and discipline children appropriately; this means without using coercive physical or emotional tactics.

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 Will not allow children to involve you in activities, which could be misinterpreted, as overtly sexual, physical or emotional in nature; this includes excessive attention seeking.  Will not invite a single child or group of children to their place of residence without other personnel being in attendance.  Where possible will not share sleeping accommodations with a child or children, nor enter the dormitories of the opposite sex without personnel of the opposite sex in attendance; it is crucial that all resources and options are exhausted before disregarding this rule – with few possibilities, the only exception to this rule would be in an emergency situation.  In a situation where, for example, a child not able to dress themselves should be dressed by personnel of the same sex with other adult personnel in attendance.  If other personnel are observed disregarding the rules and regulations set forth in this policy, such an incident must be reported to supervising authority. S U PE R V I S OR S

A N D P E R S ON N E L I N A U T H O R I T Y S H OU L D A D HE R E T O T HE F OL L O W I N G

 Meet regularly with workers to review daily operations and if necessary, modify SSF procedure and activity.  Ask personnel about relationships, professional and otherwise, with children at SSF.  Create opportunities and take advantage of occasions to observe personnel working with children.  Keep records of meetings with personnel and anything of significance, which has been observed.  If the supervising authority has any suspicion of personnel violating the rules and regulations set forth in this policy, it is that supervisor’s responsibility to investigate that suspicion until there is no possibility of abuse. P R OC E D U R E S

IF ABUSE IS REVEALED

Types of abuse Physical: bodily harm and injury  Emotional: lack of proper love and/or affection, fear from threats of harm, or given responsibility beyond the child’s/children ability

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 Sexual: where a child or children are used to fulfill sexual desires  Neglect: failure to care for a child/children and protect them from danger or inability to provide a nourishing environment in which proper development can be provided. If abuse is exposed or discovered:  Do not delay  Do not act alone  Do not start to investigate  Consult with the supervising authority as soon as possible so the appropriate action can be initiated R E GU L A T I ON S

F OR

P H OT O GR A PH Y & M E D I A

1. ‘Standard Photograph’ refers to a photo taken of the child, in which the child has a plain background behind in which no defining landscape of the child’s location or any other person is visible. The child may be situated in any pose that is comfortable for them, or that is necessary for any physical inability they may have, as long as the pose is NOT considered provocative in any way. 2. ‘Personal Information’ refers to the full name (given name and surname), address, or any other information that may be used to identify a beneficiary’s personal or family location, as well as private history and records. 3. Prior to distribution of standard photographs and media Sao Sary Foundation MUST acquire written consent from both the parent/legal guardian AND the child beneficiary. For Funding Partners & Private Donors:  ONE (1) standard photograph is permitted for distribution only for the requirement of quarterly/bi-annual/yearly progress reports that SSF is obligated to provide.  Group photos and media are permitted for distribution, provided the child beneficiaries are engaged in routine educational activities or recreation.  Under no circumstances may funding partners and private donors share ANY information or photographs and media with other parties that are not partners of Sao Sary Foundation. For Sao Sary Foundation Website & Distributed Informational Media or Material:

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 SSF is permitted to upload/distribute ONE (1) standard photograph of child beneficiaries for the explicit purpose of providing information.  Group photos and media are permitted for distribution, provided the child beneficiaries are engaged in routine educational activities or recreation, for the explicit purpose of providing information.  Under no circumstances may personal information, other than first name ONLY, be shared as for the protection of the child beneficiaries. The only permitted exception is for the distribution of information in connection with SSF programs and activities. For Volunteers & SSF Staff:  The following regulations are designed specifically relevant to social network sites, however are inclusive of other forms of photograph and media distribution.  Under no circumstances may standard photographs, media or personal information be shared, this includes the first name or any nickname for the child.  Photos of a single child beneficiary are not permitted, regardless of the activity or SSF program the child is participating in.  Photos of a single child beneficiary AND the volunteer are permitted, providing no personal information is shared and the photo or activity is not provocative in any manner.  Group photos and media of the children participating in activities or SSF programs are permitted, providing no personal information is shared and the photo or activity is not provocative in any manner.  Volunteers may physically share (i.e. in person and not via the internet) personal photos and media with friends and family provided that they do not share ANY personal information that can be used to locate that child beneficiary or impair their security and welfare. Any violation of the policy set forth in “Regulations for Photography & Media” will result in legal action, be it locally or internationally, assuming the country in which the incident occurs would support such proceedings.

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P ROSPECTIVE V OLUNTEER I NFORMATION We ask all prospective volunteers to complete this form. Sao Sary Foundation will keep the information confidentially, and the form retained by the designated supervising authority. Name: ___________________________________ Date of Birth: __ / __ / __ (Mo./Day/Yr.) Address:______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Contact Number: 1.__________________________ 2.__________________________ Please tell us about your previous employment experience. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Please tell us something of yourself – any specific interests and skills you have and previous experience working with children. Where appropriate name the organization and the dates. Continue on another sheet if necessary. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Have you any relevant qualifications or appropriate training? If YES, please indicate ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Are you prepared to undertake some (more) training?

¤ YES

¤ NO

Do you suffer, or have you suffered, any illness that may directly affect your work with children

¤ YES

or young people?

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¤ NO

References: In the space below please give the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two people who know you well and who would be able to give a personal reference. Tell us their relationship to you. Note these references may not be taken up in every case. Reference ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Reference ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Relationship ____________________________________

Relationship ____________________________________

Declaration of Criminal History: Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense, or are you at present the subject of criminal charges?

¤ YES

¤ NO

If YES, what was the nature and date of the offense? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Do you give permission for a criminal record check to be done?

¤ YES

¤ NO

Statement of Authenticity: ______________________________ PRINT NAME

Promises that the information provided in this document is truthful to the best of their knowledge and awareness. If it is discovered that the personnel indicated has provided false information, they will be immediate given notice of termination.

Signed____________________________________________

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Date____________________

C HILD P ROTECTION C ODE

OF

C ONDUCT

I,_______________________________, engaged by Sao Sary Foundation, agree that while acting on the part of SSF, I will adhere to all rules and regulations set for the Child Protection Policy, to include (but not limited to): Treat children with respect regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status. As far as possible, I will not work alone with any child, where their activity cannot be seen or easily observable. I will not engage in excessively physical games, sexually provocative games, making sexually suggestive comments or conversation about or to a child, inappropriate and intrusive touching of any form. I will not invade the privacy of children when they are showering, using the restroom, getting dressed, or engaged in any personal action where privacy would generally be suitable. I will learn to control and discipline children appropriately; this means without using coercive physical or emotional tactics. I will not allow children to involve me in activities, which could be misinterpreted, as overtly sexual, physical or emotional in nature; this includes excessive attention seeking. I will follow all policies set forth in the “Regulations for Photography & Media” section and I understand any violation of such may result in legal action. Where possible, I will not share sleeping accommodations with a child or children, nor enter the dormitories of the opposite sex without personnel of the opposite sex in attendance; I understand that, it is crucial that all resources and options are exhausted before discounting this – the only immediate exception to this rule would be in an emergency situation. I will not use language or behavior towards children that is inappropriate, harassing, abusive, sexually provocative, demeaning or culturally inappropriate. I will use computers, mobile phones, or video and digital cameras appropriately, and never to exploit or harass children or to access child pornography through any medium. I will immediately report concerns or allegations of child abuse to the appropriate supervising authority. Print Name_________________________________________ Signed____________________________________________

Date____________________

V OLUNTEER C ONTRACT

FOR

P ERSONNEL

OF

SSF

Name of Worker__________________________________________ Position and Duties ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ You are joining a team that is committed to providing a nurturing environment in which children engaged in activities with Sao Sary Foundation will receive proper development and life skills. Working with vulnerable people is a responsibility, but it also brings great rewards. We hope you will enjoy your work. Signed__________________________________(Executive Director)

S AO

Date______________

D ECLARATION OF P ERSONNEL TO U PHOLD S ARY F O UNDATION ’ S C HILD P ROTECTION P OLICY

I understand the nature of the work I am to do with Sao Sary Foundation. I have received a copy of, and have read, SSF’s Child Protection Policy. I understand that it is my duty to protect the children with whom I come into contact. I know what action to take if abuse is discovered or disclosed. I understand that any abuse done on my part is justification for immediate dismissal. Name ______________________________________________ Signed ______________________________________________ Date

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Note: 2 copies of this contract should be signed and retained as follows: 1. Worker 2. Executive Director

V OLUNTEER C ONTRACT

FOR

P ERSONNEL

OF

SSF

Name of Worker__________________________________________ Position and Duties ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ You are joining a team that is committed to providing a nurturing environment in which children engaged in activities with Sao Sary Foundation will receive proper development and life skills. Working with vulnerable people is a responsibility, but it also brings great rewards. We hope you will enjoy your work. Signed__________________________________(Executive Director)

S AO

Date______________

D ECLARATION OF P ERSONNEL TO U PHOLD S ARY F O UNDATION ’ S C HILD P ROTECTION P OLICY

I understand the nature of the work I am to do with Sao Sary Foundation. I have received a copy of, and have read, SSF’s Child Protection Policy. I understand that it is my duty to protect the children with whom I come into contact. I know what action to take if abuse is discovered or disclosed. I understand that any abuse done on my part is justification for immediate dismissal. Name ______________________________________________ Signed ______________________________________________ Date

__________________

Note: 2 copies of this contract should be signed and retained as follows: 1. Worker 2. Executive Director

S AO S ARY F OUNDATION P RIVACY P OLICY The Sao Sary Foundation is fully conscious of the trust and accountability that has been bestowed upon SSF due to the work with at-risk populations, particularly children. Their best interest is ALWAYS at the forefront of any activities and programs that SSF performs or participates in. Because of this responsibility, NO personal information of our beneficiary clients will be shared with any other entity outside of SSF without prior consent; for beneficiaries under the age of 18 years old, this includes the written consent of both the child and the parent or legal guardian. We require written consent from children, as well as the guardian, as we believe they deserve to have an active role and decision in what happens in their life and future.