Child protection policy.
Effective Date: June 25, 2024
1. Purpose
Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation is committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of all children who engage with our mental health programs, services, or staff. This Child Protection Policy outlines our commitment to preventing harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children and ensuring a safe environment where their mental and emotional health is prioritized.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
All staff, volunteers, contractors, and board members of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation.
Partners, affiliates, or third parties working on behalf of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation.
Any child (defined as any individual under the age of 18) who interacts with our services, programs, or personnel, including clients, beneficiaries, or participants in community outreach.
3. Definitions
Child: Any person under 18 years of age, regardless of local legal definitions.
Child Abuse: Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual harm, neglect, or exploitation inflicted on a child, including actions that negatively impact their mental health.
Safeguarding: Proactive measures to protect children from harm and promote their well-being.
4. Guiding Principles
Zero Tolerance: Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, exploitation, or neglect.
Best Interests of the Child: All decisions and actions prioritize the child’s safety, mental health, and overall well-being.
Non-Discrimination: Every child, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status, is entitled to equal protection.
Confidentiality: Information about a child’s mental health or personal circumstances will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, except where disclosure is required to ensure their safety.
Participation: Children’s voices and perspectives will be respected and considered in matters affecting them, where appropriate and safe.
5. Commitments
Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation will:
Ensure all staff and volunteers are trained in child protection and mental health awareness.
Conduct thorough background checks for all personnel who work directly or indirectly with children.
Establish clear reporting mechanisms for suspected abuse or policy violations.
Provide age-appropriate mental health support and resources to children in our care.
Regularly review and update this policy to reflect legal standards and organizational needs.
6. Code of Conduct
All personnel must:
Treat children with respect, empathy, and dignity.
Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries at all times.
Avoid any behavior that could be perceived as abusive, exploitative, or harmful to a child’s mental health.
Report any concerns about a child’s safety or well-being immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer.
Refrain from sharing a child’s personal or mental health information without proper authorization.
Prohibited actions include:
Physical punishment.
Engaging in private, unsupervised contact with a child outside of professional duties.
Using language or behavior that shames, humiliates, or emotionally harms a child.
7. Reporting and Response Procedures
Reporting: Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse, neglect, or harm must be reported within 24 hours to the Child Protection Officer or a supervisor.
Response:
The Child Protection Officer will assess the situation and ensure the child’s immediate safety while promptly reporting to the Child Protection Supervisor.
If abuse is confirmed or suspected, local authorities and/or child welfare agencies will be notified as required by law.
Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation will provide mental health support to the affected child and, where appropriate, their family.
An internal investigation will be conducted, maintaining confidentiality and impartiality.
Whistleblower Protection: Individuals reporting concerns in good faith will be protected from retaliation.
8. Recruitment and Training
All hires and volunteers are to undergo criminal background checks and reference screenings.
Mandatory training on child protection, mental health first aid, and this policy will be provided upon onboarding and annually thereafter.
Specialized training will be offered to staff working directly with children to recognize signs of abuse or mental health distress.
9. Risk Management
Programs and activities involving children will include a risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential safeguarding issues.
Online interactions (e.g., teletherapy or virtual workshops) will use secure platforms and follow strict privacy protocols.
Partnerships with external organizations will require their adherence to equivalent child protection standards.
10. Monitoring and Review
The Child Protection Officer / Supervisor will oversee policy implementation and report annually to the board.
Feedback from staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries (including children, where feasible) will inform policy updates.
This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if necessitated by legal or operational changes.
11. Contact Information
For concerns or to report a violation:
Child Protection Supervisor: Coach Ebere Amaraizu.
Child Protection Officer: Trained Child Psychologist Uzoamaka Nwachukwu.
Anonymous Reporting Line: +234 814 831 8965
12. Legal Compliance
This policy adheres to all relevant local, national, or international child protection laws, e.g., UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Any breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action, termination, and/or legal consequences.