Child Protection Policy

Introduction

EIBS, committed to promoting European citizenship and upholding the values of the European Union, recognizes the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. In line with both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which state that every child has a right to protection, EIBS adopts this Child Protection Policy to ensure that all children involved in its activities are protected from harm and abuse.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure the well-being and safety of children in all EIBS activities.

• Respect the rights, wishes, and feelings of children.

• Protect children from neglect and physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse.

• Treat children with respect and dignity, regardless of their background.

• Empower children by educating them about their rights and how to seek help if needed.

Values

EIBS’s Child Protection Policy is guided by the following values:

Respect for Human Rights: Safeguarding children’s rights and dignity

At EIBS, we are deeply committed to respecting human rights, particularly in safeguarding children’s rights and dignity. This commitment is rooted in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the importance of treating children with respect, dignity, and fairness. We recognize that respecting children’s rights is crucial for their development and well-being, allowing them to reach their full potential in life. Our approach ensures that children are protected from harm, including violence, abuse, and exploitation, as outlined in Article 19 of the UNCRC. We strive to create an environment where children feel valued and empowered to express their views and participate in decisions affecting them. By upholding these principles, we contribute to building a more just and equitable society where all children can thrive.

Non-Discrimination: Protecting children regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, or any other personal characteristic.

We are commited to ensuring that all children are protected and respected regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, or any other personal characteristic. We believe that every child deserves equal treatment and opportunities, free from prejudice or bias. Our commitment to non-discrimination is rooted in the principles of equality and justice, as outlined in the European Union’s values and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where children feel valued and supported, and where their unique backgrounds and experiences are celebrated. Through our policies and practices, we actively work to prevent discrimination and promote understanding and respect among all children and stakeholders involved with our organization. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality, we aim to empower children to reach their full potential and contribute to a more harmonious and equitable society.

Empowerment: Informing children about their rights and involving them in decision-making processes.

We recognize that empowering children is crucial for their development, self-esteem, and ability to advocate for themselves. We recognize that this empowerement is necessary for preparing the child to its future citizen’s duties and therefore helps safeguarding the democratic principles that caracterise the European society.

Our approach is guided by Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the importance of respecting children’s views and involving them in decisions that impact their lives. We strive to create opportunities for children to learn about their rights and responsibilities, and to participate meaningfully in our activities and programs. By fostering a culture of empowerment, we aim to help children develop into confident, capable, and engaged individuals who can contribute positively to their communities and society at large. Through education, participation, and support, we empower children to become active agents of change, promoting a brighter future for themselves and others.

Solidarity: Ensuring that all children have access to supportive and socially useful education.

We believe that education should not only impart knowledge but also foster a sense of community and mutual support among children. Our approach to solidarity in education is guided by the principles of inclusivity, empathy, and cooperation. We strive to create learning environments where children from diverse backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and learn from each other. By promoting solidarity through education, we aim to empower children to become active contributors to their communities, fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding that extends beyond the classroom. Through collaborative activities and projects, we encourage children to develop essential social skills such as teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution, which are vital for building strong, supportive communities. By doing so, we contribute to shaping a more harmonious and equitable society where every child feels valued and supported.

Commitments

Safe Environment: Ensuring that all activities are conducted in safe environments.

We acknoledge that a safe environment is essential for children’s well-being and development, allowing them to participate fully in our programs without fear of harm or risk. The key compononents of our comitment are as follow:

1. Safe Venues and Facilities:

   • We ensure that all venues and facilities used for our activities meet high safety standards, including adequate lighting, secure access, and proper emergency exits.

   • Regular inspections are conducted to maintain these standards.

2. Trained Staff and Volunteers:

   • All staff and volunteers undergo a training on safety procedures, first aid, and emergency response (PSC1 french training).

   • They are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to create and maintain a safe environment.

3. Supervision and Monitoring:

   • Adequate supervision is provided at all times during activities to ensure children’s safety.

   • Monitoring systems are in place to quickly identify and address any safety concerns.

4. Emergency Procedures:

   • Clear emergency procedures are established and communicated to all staff, volunteers, and participants.

   • Regular drills and training sessions ensure that everyone knows how to respond in case of an emergency.

5. Parental Involvement:

   • Parents and guardians are informed about our safety policies and procedures.

   • We encourage open communication to ensure that any concerns or needs are addressed promptly.

6. Continuous Improvement:

   • Feedback from children, parents, and staff is regularly collected to identify areas for improvement.

   • Our safety policies and procedures are reviewed annually to ensure they remain effective and aligned with best practices.

By prioritizing a safe environment, we aim to create a space where children feel secure, supported, and empowered to engage fully in our activities, fostering their growth and development as active and responsible Eurocitizens.

Data Protection: Complying with GDPR and ensuring that children’s data are processed ethically and securely.

EIBS is committed to ensuring that all personal data of children involved in its activities are processed in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and handled ethically and securely. We are therefore commited to the folowing principles :

1. Compliance with GDPR: EIBS ensures that all processing of children’s personal data adheres to the principles outlined in the GDPR, including transparency, fairness, and lawfulness of processing, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity, and confidentiality.

2. Ethical Processing: EIBS processes children’s data only when necessary and with the explicit consent of their parents or guardians. This ensures that data collection and use are always in the best interest of the child.

3. Security Measures: EIBS implements robust security measures to protect children’s data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes using secure servers, encrypting sensitive data, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the data.

4. Data Minimization: EIBS collects and processes only the minimum amount of personal data necessary for the purpose of its activities. This reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures that children’s privacy is respected.

5. Transparency and Consent: Parents or guardians are informed about how their child’s data will be used and are provided with clear options to opt-out or request data deletion. Consent is obtained before any data is processed or shared.

6. Data Retention: EIBS retains children’s data only for as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected. After this period, the data is securely deleted.

Reporting System: Establishing a reporting system accessible to children and adults to identify and address potential risks.

EIBS commits to establishing a comprehensive and accessible reporting system for children and adults to identify and address potential risks effectively. This system aims to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to report concerns without fear of retaliation.

1. Multiple Reporting Channels:

   • Online Reporting Form: A user-friendly online form will be available on the EIBS website, allowing individuals to submit reports anonymously or with their contact information.

   • Designated Contact Persons: Clearly identified staff members will serve as designated contact persons, providing a safe and accessible point of contact for reporting concerns.

   • In-Person Reporting: Individuals can report concerns in person to designated staff members, ensuring a personal and supportive reporting process.

2. Accessibility for Children:

   • Child-Friendly Reporting Materials: Reporting materials will be designed in a child-friendly format, using simple language and visual aids to help children understand how to report concerns.

   • Trusted Adults: Children will be encouraged to identify trusted adults within the organization whom they can approach with their concerns.

3. Confidentiality and Anonymity:

   • Confidential Reporting: All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality, and reporters’ identities will be protected to the fullest extent possible.

   • Anonymous Reporting: The option to submit reports anonymously will be provided, allowing individuals to report concerns without fear of reprisal.

4. Training and Awareness:

   • Staff and Volunteer Training: Comprehensive training will be provided to all staff and volunteers on how to recognize and respond to potential risks, as well as how to handle reports effectively.

   • Awareness Campaigns: Regular awareness campaigns will be conducted to promote the reporting system and encourage individuals to report any concerns they may have.

5. Prompt and Thorough Investigation and Mandatory Reporting:

   • Reporting to Authorities: Any incident involving potential abuse, neglect, or harm to a child will be immediately reported to the appropriate law enforcement and child protection agencies. EIBS will fully cooperate with these authorities in any investigation.

   • Informing and Encouraging Contact: Children and their parents or guardians will be informed about the reporting process and strongly encouraged to contact law enforcement or child protection services directly if they have any concerns or suspicions.

By establishing a comprehensive and accessible reporting system and emphasizing mandatory reporting to the authorities, EIBS reinforces its commitment to child safety. EIBS aims to foster an environment of vigilance, ensuring that potential risks are identified and addressed promptly and effectively, with the child’s well-being as the paramount concern.

Procedures

1. Recruitment: Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are qualified and trained to work with children.

2. Consent: Obtaining consent from the children and their parents or guardians before using images or personal data of children.

3. Monitoring: Appointing a Child Protection Policy Officer (CPPO) to oversee policy implementation and ensure compliance.

4. Reporting: Evaluating all reports of abuse or neglect promptly and involving local authorities when necessary.

Public Access

The Child Protection Policy will be publicly available on EIBS’s website.

Guidelines for Adults Working with Children

EIBS is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all children participating in its activities. The following guidelines are designed to help staff members and volunteers maintain appropriate boundaries and ensure the well-being of children:

• Respectful Communication: Communicate with children in a respectful and age-appropriate manner, avoiding any language or behavior that could be perceived as offensive, intimidating, or exploitative.

• Appropriate Physical Contact: Physical contact with children should be limited to what is necessary and appropriate for the activity, such as providing assistance or comfort. Avoid any physical contact that could be misinterpreted or cause discomfort.

• Open and Transparent Interactions: Conduct interactions with children in open and visible settings, avoiding private or secluded situations whenever possible. Maintain transparency in all communications and activities.

• Respect for Privacy: Respect children’s privacy and avoid asking unnecessary personal questions or sharing information about them without their consent or the consent of their parents or guardians.

• Professional Boundaries: Maintain professional boundaries at all times, avoiding any behavior that could be perceived as romantic, sexual, or exploitative. Do not engage in any activities that could compromise your integrity or the safety of children.

• Reporting Concerns: Be vigilant in observing children’s behavior and well-being, and report any concerns or suspicions of abuse, neglect, or harm to the designated contact person or through the established reporting system.

• Adherence to Policies: Familiarize yourself with EIBS’s Child Protection Policy and all related procedures, and adhere to them at all times. Attend any training sessions provided by EIBS to enhance your understanding of child protection and safeguarding.

By following these guidelines, EIBS staff members and volunteers can contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive and participate fully in our activities.

Contact Information

For any concerns or inquiries regarding this policy, please contact our CPPO at

• childprotection@ei-bs.eu

Contact form