CHILD PROTECTION POLICY OF THE PGRA

No. 3/15.01.2024

I. Introduction

The PGRA Foundation is firmly committed to ensuring the protection and well-being of all children with whom we interact. This child protection policy is in line with the „Keeping Children Safe” Child Safeguarding Standards and is designed to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The policy is valid and mandatory for all partners of the PGRA Foundation involved in implementing our projects.

II. Objectives

1. To protect all children participating in our programs and activities.
2. To provide a clear framework for all employees, volunteers, collaborators, and partners regarding conduct and procedures related to child protection.
3. To promote a safe and positive environment for children.

III. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, collaborators, and partners of the PGRA Foundation who come into contact with children or are involved in activities related to children.

IV. Core Principles

1. Best Interests of the Child: All our decisions and actions will consider the best interests of the child.
2. Non-Discrimination: All children will be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of race, religion, sex, nationality, ethnic origin, or any other characteristic.
3. Confidentiality: Information about children and their families will be treated confidentially and shared only with their consent, except in cases where there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety.

V. Responsibilities

1. Employees, Volunteers, and Partners: All employees, volunteers, and partners are responsible for adhering to the child protection policy and immediately reporting any suspicions of abuse.
2. Child Protection Coordinator: A child protection coordinator will be designated to manage the implementation of the policy and respond to any concerns related to child protection.

VI. Review

The child protection policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective.Feedback from employees, volunteers, partners, and children will be used to improve the policy.2

ANNEX: CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURE OF THEPGRA FOUNDATION

1. Introduction

This procedure outlines the concrete steps that the PGRA Foundation and its partners will follow to ensure the protection of children in accordance with our child protection policy. 

2. Child Protection PoliciesObjective:

To clearly define the commitments and procedures of our foundation and partners for child protection.

Measures:

• • The PGRA Foundation and its partners commit to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all children.
  • All employees, volunteers, and partners will sign a statement of compliance with the child protection policy.
  • The child protection policy documents will be accessible to all employees, volunteers, and partners.

3. PreventionObjective: To prevent the risks of abuse and exploitation of children through proactive measures.

Measures:

• Selection and Recruitment:
  
  • All candidates for positions involving interactions with children will be rigorously screened, including criminal background checks and relevant references.
•  Training and Awareness:

• • All employees, volunteers, and partners will participate in regular training sessions on child protection.

• • Awareness campaigns on the risks and preventive measures of child abuse and exploitation will be conducted.

4. Reporting and Response

Objective: To ensure effective mechanisms for reporting and responding to incidents of child abuse.

Measures:

• Reporting Mechanisms:
• • The PGRA Foundation and its partners will provide children, parents, and staff with confidential and accessible mechanisms for reporting child protection concerns.
• Prompt Response:
• • Any report of abuse or exploitation will be promptly investigated and treated seriously. Necessary measures will be taken for the immediate protection of the involved child.

• • The foundation and its partners will designate a child protection officer to coordinate all investigation and response activities.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

Objective: To constantly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our child protection policy.

Measures:

• • Periodic Audits:
    
    • • Child protection policies and procedures will be reviewed and audited periodically to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

• • Continuous Feedback:
    
    
    • • The foundation and its partners will collect feedback from children, parents, and staff to continuously improve our policies and practices.
    
    
    • • Periodic sessions will be held to evaluate and enhance the child protection policies.
    
    
    

Policy Revision Table

Note

• • Policy Edition: Indicates the current version of the policy.

• • Review Date: The month and year when the policy was reviewed.

• • Annual Approval: The month and year when the revised policy was officially approved.

• • Remarks: Comments related to changes or improvements made to the policy.

The PGRA Foundation and its partners are committed to protecting children and creating a safe and  conducive environment for their development. By implementing this procedure, we ensure that all our activities adhere to the highest standards of child safety and protection.

For any questions or concerns related to this procedure, please contact our child protection officer,

Kanj Florentina, at Email: contact@pgra.ro