POLICY STATEMENT: 

Sarv Saarthi Foundation’s mission is to enable a prosperous life with dignity using the power of Education, Nutrition, Wellness and Economic Inclusion irrespective of caste, creed, race, gender, religion or language. 

We believe that every child has a right to a happy and healthy childhood. We are committed to the principle that all children, regardless of all dimensions and layers of discrimination, are entitled to their rights as defined by the United Nations Convention of Child Rights (UNCRC) Charter and the Constitution of India, including an equal right to protection from all kinds of abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect.

We stand committed towards safeguarding children and to protect them from harm and abuse, keeping the best interest of the child. Any form of harm and abuse of children is unacceptable and non-negotiable to the organisation. Any violation of the policy, whether intentional or unintentional, will invite appropriate disciplinary action and judicial procedures as per this policy and law of the land.

PURPOSE OF POLICY: 

1. To express and reinforce the organisation’s commitment for safeguarding children
2. To ensure that the safety, care, protection and welfare of children is imperative in  practice and we adopt it in whatever we do.
3. To establish standard policy and procedures for all which includes: 
   • Management Committee members of Sarv Saarthi Foundation
   • All staff members, including non-temporary or casual staff of Sarv Saarthi Foundation
   • Volunteers(of all types) including children / researchers / academicians
   • Parents and guardians
   • Third Party Contractors and Service Providers
   • Visitors / Govt. Officials / Donors / Journalists / Individuals / Groups

The ‘CODE’ UNDER THE POLICY 

Appropriate Behaviour Protocol with Children: (DO)

• Behave as a positive role model to children.
• Promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children.
• Be vigilant and proactive with regard to child safety and child protection issues.
• Provide age appropriate supervision for children.
• Treat all children with respect.
• Promote the safety, participation and empowerment of children with a disability.
• Promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of linguistically and culturally diverse children.
• Use positive and affirming language towards children.
• Encourage children to ‘have a say’ and then listen to them with respect.
• Respect cultural, religious and political differences.
• Help provide an open, safe and supportive environment for all children to interact, and socialise.
• Intervene when children are engaging in inappropriate bullying behaviour towards others oracting in a humiliating or vilifying way.
• Report any breaches of this Child Protection Policy
• Report concerns / violations about child safety to the General Secretary / President. 
• Respect the privacy of children and their families and only disclose information to people who have a need to know.

Unauthorized Behaviour Protocol with Children: (Do Not)

• Engage in any form of inappropriate behaviour towards children or expose children to such behaviour.
• Use prejudice, oppressive behaviour or inappropriate language with children.
• Express personal views on cultures, race or sexuality in the presence of children or discriminate against any child based on culture, race, ethnicity or disability.
• Engage in open discussions of an adult nature in the presence of children.
• Engage in any form of sexual conduct with a child including making sexually suggestive comments and sharing sexually suggestive material.
• Engage in inappropriate or unnecessary physical conduct or behaviours including doing things of a personal nature that a child can do for themselves, such as toileting or changing clothes.
• Present during bathing / clothes changing / sleeping of the child
• Engage in any form of physical violence towards a child including inappropriately rough physical play.
• Use physical means or corporal punishment to discipline or control a child.
• Engage in any form of behaviour that has the potential to cause a child serious emotional or psychological harm.
• Develop ‘special’ relationships with children that could be seen as favouritism (for example, the offering of gifts or special treatment for specific children).
• Engage in undisclosed private meetings with a child that is not your own child.
• Engage in inappropriate personal communications with a child through any medium, including any online contact or interactions with a child.
• Take or publish (including online) photos, movies or recordings of a child without Sarv Saarthi Foundation’s management’s permission.
• Post online any information about a child that may identify them such as their: full name; age; e-mail address; telephone number; residence; school; or details of a club or group they may attend.
• Ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse.