Child Protection Policy

Unfortunately, child abuse happens in all societies throughout the world. Child abusers can be anyone including those who work with or care about children.

The policy’s overall goal is to protect children from any kind of abuse during the delivery of SAS’s program activities. The policy outlines practical steps to increase SAS’s capacity to manage and reduce the risks of child abuse. While it is not possible to eliminate risk entirely, much can be done to reduce opportunities for child abuse.

*Child means any human being below the age of eighteen years of age.

*Child abuse includes sexual exploitation, physical and/or mental harm deliberately caused to a child.

*Sexual abuse is when someone involves a child in sexual activity by using their power over them or taking advantage of their trust. Often children are bribed or threatened physically and psychologically to make them participate in the activity.

*Physical abuse is a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child caused by a parent, caregiver or any other person.

*Psychological abuse can occur where the behavior of the parent or caregiver damages the confidence and self-esteem of the child, resulting in serious emotional deprivation or trauma.

SAS’s CPP is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding children from harm. It clears all requirements in relation to the protection of children. The policy helps to create a safe and positive environment for children and shows that the organization is taking its duty of care seriously.

Recognizing indications of potential abuse is complex and there is no simple checklist to enable easy recognition. There are potential warning signs that you can be alert to but they should be observed and assessed with care. It should not be automatically assumed that abuse is occurring, and talking to the child may reveal something quite innocent. It is important, however, not to dismiss significant changes in behavior, fears, worries, and physical indicators a child is exhibiting. Do not ignore these signs, but remember it is not your role to become an investigator. Report any concerns to a SAS Child Protection Officer.

SAS’s first priority is the safety and well being of the children under its care. Our strict CPP will endeavor to ensure that children are not exposed to abuse, exploitation, violence or neglect. Our guidelines protect both the child from abuse and adults from false accusations.

Zero tolerance of child abuse: Child abuse is not tolerated by SAS, nor is a possession of, or access to, child pornography. SAS actively manages risks of child abuse associated with delivering its program activities and trains its management, overseas business partners and all sponsors and volunteers who come into contact with children through the SAS organization on their obligations. SAS will not knowingly engage with, directly or indirectly, anyone who poses an unacceptable risk to children or associates with any individual or organization that does not meet SAS’s child protection compliance standards in their operations and activities.

Recognition of the best interests of the child: In reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, SAS is committed to upholding the rights and obligations of the convention. SAS recognizes that some children, such as children with disabilities and children living in areas impacted by disasters (natural or conflict based), are particularly vulnerable. All decisions and actions concerning a child will always be made in the best interests of the child. SAS will enforce a policy of non-discrimination at all times and all children will be treated equally with love and respect.

Sharing responsibility for child protection: To effectively manage risks to children, SAS requires the active support and cooperation of all personnel engaged in implementing SAS’s program activities. All personnel must meet the terms of this CPP and will be held accountable for complying with it.

Participation and Self- Determination: SAS abides by the principle that a child has the right to have his or her views taken into account in major decisions affecting their life in accordance with their age development They will be given the opportunity to express their ideas and views and be heard on matters which affect them. SAS aims to provide safe and friendly environments where children can develop and grow in a healthy way.

Use of risk management approach: While it is not possible to eliminate all risk of child abuse, careful management can reduce the incidence of child abuse associated with aid activities. This policy introduces risk assessments and treatments for a range of recognized risks to children.

Ensure coordinated policy implementation

To ensure coordinated implementation of the policy, SAS has four management team members.

The team consists of two female and two male personnel. Their responsibilities include promoting child protection throughout the organization, coordinating and facilitating training and procedures for the SAS staff and management team, overseas business partners and all sponsors, visitors and volunteers who come into contact with children through the SAS organization. The members are also responsible for monitoring internal and external policy compliance and coordinating policy reviews. They also serve as the central contact points for inquiries (internal and external) about child abuse and child protection.

Increase awareness of child protection issues

A key step in reducing risks to children when delivering program activities is to increase awareness of risks and how to manage them. SAS’s staff and management team receive training on child protection issues and on their obligations under the policy, including mandatory reporting of concerns or allegations of abuse. Training will also be provided to long-term volunteers upon induction and before they travel overseas to conduct work on behalf of SAS. Training is also provided to all personnel at SAS. SAS sponsors, who request contact with children associated with SAS are screened, trained, provided with procedures and are escorted during meetings by staff.

The best way to protect children is to empower them to protect themselves.

Awareness programs for parents, children and the wider community

SAS conducts child protection awareness programs for families and the wider community on the following issues:

·        The rights of the child and healthy parenting

·        The danger of ‘grooming’ from strangers

·        Child sex trafficking

SAS’S processes employ stringent screening measures to ensure that inappropriate persons are not allowed access to children associated with the organization. SAS will continue to evaluate and improve these processes.

Personnel recruitment, screening, and orientation

·        Advertisements for job vacancies will make it clear that SAS is committed to child protection and that prospective employees’ commitment to child protection must be a condition of employment.

·        All prospective SAS associates will be informed of SAS’s CPP at the start of any recruiting process

SAS has internal procedures for handling complaints related to child abuse, including child pornography. The procedures outline obligations and responsibilities for reporting on and managing concerns about inappropriate behavior.  It is mandatory for members of the SAS management team, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and SAS’s overseas business partners to immediately report to the SAS management members any concerns relating to child abuse and child pornography by anyone covered by the policy. If any of the SAS management team members are the cause for concern then Tomoko Kasahara or the local Police will be informed. (Refer to Procedures Regarding Complaints)

SAS’s guidelines on the appropriate use of its communication systems cover child pornography. Using any system to access child pornography is illegal and will be dealt with promptly, including immediate reporting to relevant law enforcement agencies.

Under this policy, risks of child abuse are now assessed as part of the initial risk assessment for program activities. Procedures have been developed to ensure these risks are assessed efficiently and that effective risk management strategies are in place. Risks to children identified during initial risk assessments are managed throughout program activity implementation.

SAS is committed to the welfare of children and their protection from abuse and exploitation. Every person who engages in the work of SAS, including the SAS staff and management team, sponsors, volunteers, and our overseas business partners, share in the responsibility to take every precaution to protect the children and families we serve.

SAS website, child imagery and child protection

SAS is committed to protecting the security, privacy, and dignity of the children whose parents, guardians and community leaders have graciously allowed them to be a part of SAS programs.