Child Protection Policy
Many of the children under the supervision of GPN are deprived of their first line of protection - their parents. Children without the guidance and protection of their primary caregivers are often more vulnerable and at risk of becoming victims of violence, exploitation, trafficking, discrimination or other abuses. Surviving children face malnutrition, illness, physical and psychosocial trauma, and impaired cognitive and emotional development. Unaccompanied girls are at an especially high risk of sexual abuse. As stated in both the Universal Declaration of Human rights as well as Article 6 in the Convention on the rights of the Child all children have an inherent right to life and should be afforded protection. States parties should also shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child. Therefore, the welfare of the children is paramount. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. All staff member of GPN have a responsibility to report concerns.
All children have needs and rights:
- The need for physical care and attention.
- The need for intellectual stimulation.
- The need for emotional love and security.
- The need for social contact and relationships.
- The right to have their needs met and safeguarded.
- The right to be protected from neglect, abuse and exploitation.
- The right to be protected from discrimination.
- The right to be treated as an individual.
Therefore, all staff GPN staff must be committed to a pro-active role that will protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse.
Expectations for all GPN staff:
- Always working in an open environment avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication.
- Treating all young people/disabled adults equally with respect and dignity.
- Always putting the welfare of each young person first.
- Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust and empowering children to share in decision making.
- Being an excellent role model - this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people.
- Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
- Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.
- Not to share a room with a child.
- Not to allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching.
- Not to allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
- Not to make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.
- Not to use physically or emotionally abusive means to control behavior.
- Not to allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
- To make sure it is inappropriate behavior which is criticized, and not the person. Always avoid labeling someone as 'bad'.
- Never to invite or allow children to stay with at a private home unsupervised.
- To never use physical punishment.
- To never use physical force with a child, unless it constitutes reasonable restraint to protect him/her or another person or to protect property. If it is necessary to restrain a child because they are an immediate danger to themselves or others or to property then the minimum amount of force should be used for the shortest amount of time.
- All staff should demonstrate exemplary behavior in order to protect themselves from allegations of misconduct.
- Staff members who fail to follow the above guidelines will be dealt with appropriately and infractions may result in the permanent termination of all and any contracts with GPN and further prosecution by the local authority.
Children under the care of GPN will be encouraged to meet basic regulations designed to promote their wellbeing which include:
- Respectful language use with their peers and caregivers.
- Non-violence towards their peers and caregivers.
- An honest effort to better their lives through the means of communication.
- Reporting any sign of abuse, distress, health or safety issue immediately to GPN staff.
- Seek any form of assistance from their caregivers.
- Take an active role in welcoming and assisting other children who are making the transition to a conventional lifestyle.
