CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT

 

Ball Life Africa recognizes:

 

The paramount importance of the welfare of children and their right to protection from all forms of abuse;It is the duty of anyone, whether employed or volunteer, who is caring for the children to give each one the right of protection from all forms of abuse and neglect.

 

Ball Life Africa will:

• Ensure that members of staff are carefully selected. Any member of staff employed to work directly with children must undergo a child protection training and sign the Ball Life Africa Child Protection Policy Document.

• Appoint the Manager and Assistant Manager to have responsibility for educating the staff and children, and ensuring the implementation of the Child Protection Policy.

• Take all allegations of abusive behavior/practice in all forms seriously and respond to such allegations quickly.

• Provide a Code of Behavior (see below) for all staff, identifying basic principles when dealing with children, guidance on management of typical risk situations and procedures for dealing with events where abuse of children by others is observed or suspected.

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CODES OF BEHAVIOR

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People employed by or otherwise working with Ball Life Africa should observe the following requirements where children are concerned.

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• Act as positive role models.

• Recognize a person’s developmental needs, whether a child or adult.

• Always put the welfare of a child first.

• Set and monitor appropriate boundaries and relationships when working with children, based on openness, honesty and respect for their personal space.

• Create and maintain a safe and caring environment that enables children to raise concerns about attitudes or behavior they do not like.

• So far as is possible, avoid situations in which you are alone with children. If necessary, move to a place where you can both be seen by other colleagues or other adults.

• Confront situations between children that could be or potentially become abusive e.g. initiation ceremonies, bullying, including those from a child’s peers.

• Take action if you have concerns about a child’s welfare, or if you have concerns about the behavior of an adult towards a child.

• Support a child making a complaint.

• If a child is hurt or distressed, do your best to comfort or reassure them without compromising their dignity.

• Avoid any physical contact or behavior that could be misconstrued.

• Where physical contact is necessary, ensure it is in direct response to a person’s need. It may be appropriate to hold someone’s hand, to put a comforting arm around their shoulder or support/carry them if they have fallen.

• Any physical contact with children should respect their age and individual stage of development.