Child Safeguarding Policy

Child Safeguarding Policy Index

1.0Introduction
1.1About OSCAR Foundation
1.2Vision
1.3Priority Goals
1.4Our Programmes
2.0Guiding principles
3.0Objectives
4.0Scope
5.0Operational Definitions
6.0Implementation Guidelines
6.1Children
6.2New Recruitment
6.3Staff in Service
6.4Sponsors, Donors and/or Visitors
6.5Interns and Volunteers
6.6Code of Conduct
6.7Communication and Media Material
6.8Staff Training and Workshops
6.9Partner Organization
7.0Whistle-blower Policy
8.0Complaints/Allegations
9.0Review
9.1Composition of Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee
9.2Procedures in Handling Allegations/Complaints
10.0Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
10.1Signs and symptoms of abuse
10.2Recognizing signs
10.3Reporting Breach of Child Protection Policy
11.0Child Protection Implementation- Format
12.0Written Media Consent Form
13.0Encloses
14.0The Committee – 2023-2024

1.0 Introduction

1.1 About OSCAR Foundation

OSCAR Foundation (Organization for Social Change, Awareness, and Responsibility) is a non-profit organization, that instills the value of education through football and empowers underprivileged children and youth with life skills to maximize their potential and use it to transform their lives.

1.2. Vision

To create a world that enables young people to become role models, to mobilize their communities for positive social change through sports.

1.3. Priority Goals

OSCAR Foundation aims at:

  • Youth Empowerment – Through building skills and professional competence the youngsters gain confidence to work as change-makers in their respected communities as well as professionals in various organizations.
  • Sustainability of Organization – At OSCAR the youngsters trained today are the leaders of tomorrow. This way the community itself gradually becomes self-sustained. Making community an integrated part of running the OSCAR programs.
  • Education through sport for all children – Education is a basic right for every child. Providing education for all children plays a vital role in determining the progress of communities and the country. Therefore through sports, our program encourages the children to continue their education. A zero drop-out rate from school is a requirement for participating in the OSCAR program.
  • Gender equality – We truly believe that girls and boys are equal citizens of the world. At OSCAR Foundation, we provide equal learning opportunities for boys and girls. We also work toward sensitizing families and communities regarding the merits of educating children irrespective of their gender. We believe teaching boys about girls’ rights plays a major role in improving gender equality.
  • Health & Hygiene – Our programs focus not only on imparting education and developing leadership skills in children but also on making them role models for the society by inculcating good hygiene and living habits. They are made to understand the importance of a good clean and healthy living environment.

1.4 Our Programme

Football Programme

The Football Programme is constructed for 5-22 year old children and youth who want to play football and at the same time learn the value of education, how to handle social issues and gain positive values.

The football programme develops not only football skills but also encourages children & youth to be regular at school and complete their education & reduce drop out ratio.

Education Programme

OSCAR’s Educational Programme provides help to those OSCAR children who face difficulties in performing well at school. Assistance is provided in Hindi and English languages and mathematical problem-solving. The goal of the Educational Programme is to make children, youth and parents understand the value of education and the importance of after-school studies. Through the programme, students reach their grade-level learning goals and succeed in their formal schooling.

Young Leader Programme

The Young Leaders Programme is one of OSCAR’s core programme. It is targeted at youth from the slums and aims to create an opportunity to build their career and to give back to their community all that they have learnt about ‘Social change through Football’. These Young Leaders in turn reach out to slum children through the football programme.

Outreach Programme

The main aim of this project is to deliver our curriculum to youths across India and collaborate with NGOs, clubs, and Individuals. The curriculum‘s activity will be based on social issues i.e. social message through Football. This will be our unique programme because hardly any other organization shares their curriculum. But through this programme we will be associated with many NGOs, Clubs, Individual Leaders etc. to teach how football can change lifestyles, thoughts and communities.

OSCAR Foundation Child Protection Policy

OSCAR Foundation is a child-centred organization working on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), 1989. It is committed to promoting the rights of children and protecting them from harmful abuse and exploitation.

This policy sets out the key principles, goals and implementation strategies that will be imbibed by the organization to create a safe environment for the children.

The guiding principles of OSCAR Foundation’s Child Protection Policy is based on the UNCRC and abide by the clauses laid down in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), 2012 and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

2.0 Guiding principles

  • All children have a right to a safe environment.
  • All children have equal rights to respect, dignity, protection, and freedom from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
  • Violation of the rights of children is never acceptable.
  • All children have a right to express their opinions and make their own decisions in matters pertaining to their lives.
  • All children have a right to privacy and confidentiality.
  • Child protection is a shared responsibility between the organization, its partners and the Communities in which it works. Zero tolerance of child abuse – mandatory reporting of confirmed or suspected child abuse

3.0 Objectives

OSCAR Foundation is committed:

  • To promote and practise the highest standards of child safety policies internally and across partner organizations.
  • To assess and address areas of child risk and vulnerabilities within OSCAR Foundation spaces.
  • To ensure a well-defined implementation strategy and timely Redressal mechanisms upholding the best interest of the child in all child protection violations.
  • To develop and build awareness about child protection among all stakeholders of the OSCAR Foundation.

4.0 Scope

The Child Protection Policy applies to all working for and/or associated with OSCAR Foundation including:

  • All staff, trustees, consultants, coaches, interns, and volunteers at all levels working with OSCAR Foundation and partner organizations.
  • All associates of OSCAR Foundation including vendors, suppliers, funding agencies and donors.
  • All visitors to the OSCAR Foundation including donors, media, researchers, etc., who may come in contact with the children.

5.0 Operational Definitions

Child – Any person below the age of 18 years.

Staff/Consultant/Coach – Any person receiving financial remuneration (salary, fees, honorarium, etc.) for rendering his/her services to OSCAR Foundation.

Trustee – Any person who is a member of the board and has the legal obligation to administer OSCAR Foundation without any remuneration whatsoever.

Intern – Any person (including non-Indians) registered as a student with any recognized/affiliated educational institution (school, college, university, etc.) joining OSCAR Foundation with the purpose of extending help and completing their internship/fieldwork/assignment without any remuneration whatsoever.

Volunteer – Any person, who of their own accord, joins the OSCAR Foundation to extend help without any remuneration whatsoever.

Child Abuse/ Maltreatment – It refers to physical, emotional, and sexual maltreatment, neglect, and exploitation which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s physical and emotional development and well-being. The following are categorized under child abuse:

  1. Physical abuse – When someone knowingly uses force to harm a child’s body. It includes hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, or suffocating a child.
  2. Bullying – It is a deliberately repeated physical, verbal, and/or social behavior by an individual or group of persons causing physical and/or psychological harm to the child.
  3. Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse as defined under Sections 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act 2012.
  4. Emotional abuse – It occurs when the caregiver acts or fails to act in certain ways which causes mental trauma, behavioral problems, and psychological distress to the child. It includes taunting, isolation, rejection, or name calling.
  5. Neglect – Failure/negligence to fulfil the duty of care which results in harm, injury, or impairment of the child.
  6. Exploitation – Using a child’s labor or other activities for the benefit of others.

Child Protection – In this context, child protection refers to the roles and responsibilities of the OSCAR Foundation in terms of measures and activities undertaken for preventing and responding to abuse against children.

Spaces – Spaces of OSCAR Foundation, in this context, refer to the OSCAR Foundation office and its premises, other centers and their premises, and local and out-of-station events which include child participants.

6.0 Implementation Guidelines

OSCAR Foundation shall endeavor to fulfill the following guidelines towards implementation of the Child Protection Policy.

6.1 Children

  • Treat all children with respect and dignity.
  • Commit to inclusion of all children without any form of discrimination.
  • Design and implement all activities in the ‘best interest of the child’.
  • Protect all children from all forms of intentional and unintentional harm and abuse.
  • Give every child the opportunity to express their views and to be heard.
  • Assess situations identifying areas of potential child risks and vulnerabilities before undertaking an activity.
  • Ensure all children are aware of the clauses laid down in the Child Protection Policy.

6.2 New Recruitments

  • Thorough scrutiny and background check of candidates before selection for recruitment.
  • All new recruits are to sign and abide by the Code of Conduct on Child Protection and Child Protection Self-Disclosure Agreement.
  • All persons selected to undergo an induction program on orientation of child protection.
  • All persons to be given a copy of the Child Protection Policy.

6.3 Staff in Service

  • Develop a checklist to monthly review staff behavior and attitude towards children.
  • Any case of abuse reported against staff of OSCAR Foundation is to be investigated by the Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee set up under the Whistleblower’s Policy.
  • Any person convicted of an offence against children is to be terminated from service by OSCAR Foundation with immediate effect.

6.4 Sponsors, Donors, and/or Visitors

  • Basic verification and background check of the sponsor/donor/visitor to be undertaken.
  • No sponsor/donor/visitor to be permitted to meet any child individually and/or in private.
  • OSCAR staff and parent/guardian to be present during any meeting between the child and the sponsor/donor/visitor.
  • Written consent for meeting with sponsor/donor/visitor to be taken from the parent/guardian
  • The child has prior information about the meeting with the sponsor/donor/visitor.
  • Any case of child abuse by sponsor/donor/visitor suspected and/or reported to be investigated by the Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee set up under the Whistleblower’s Policy.
  • Every Sponsor/ Donor/ Visitor reads and understands the Child Protection Policy and the Code of Conduct form presented to them by the coordinating staff from the OSCAR Foundation

6.5 Interns and Volunteers

  • Thorough scrutiny and background check of interns and volunteers to be undertaken by the staff of OSCAR Foundation, prior to the acceptance of their request for association.
  • Every intern and/or volunteer to sign and give consent to the Checklist on OSCAR Foundation Protocols for Interns and Volunteers.
  • Any case of child abuse by an intern and/or volunteer suspected and/or reported to be investigated by the Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee set up under the Whistleblower’s Policy.

6.6 Code of Conduct

OSCAR Foundation has laid down certain guidelines to be followed by every staff/trustee/sponsor/donor/visitor/intern and/or volunteer to maintain the code of conduct while interacting and working with children. A Do’s and Don’ts Checklist on the Code of Conduct on Child Protection has been given in Enclosure I.

6.7 Communication and Media Material

Consent from OSCAR Foundation and parents/guardian of the child participant to be taken by any individual and/or organization whoever wants to make any written, audio and/or visual recording/documentation within the spaces of the organization.
The child participant has prior information about any written, audio, and/or visual recording/documentation to be made by any individual and/or organization.
Any written, audio, and/or visual recording/documentation done within the spaces of the organization without the prior information of OSCAR Foundation to be confiscated and/or deleted permanently.
No written, audio, and/or visual recording/documentation to be uploaded on any social media platforms, including social networking sites, blogging and microblogging sites, and messaging and chatting forums without prior consent from OSCAR Foundation.
The identity of the child participant is to be kept confidential in all publications and/or reports to the best of the knowledge of OSCAR Foundation.
All media presentations and/or publications about child participants are to be made in an appropriate and sensitive manner.

6.8 Staff Training and Workshops

  • Annual training programs to be organized by OSCAR Foundation for its staff members enabling them to have a better understanding in dealing with issues of child protection.
  • Annual workshop on Child Protection Policy to be organized for all staff of OSCAR Foundation to re-visit, discuss, and recommend suggestions.

6.9 Partner Organizations

Partner Organisation/Contractor/Associate agrees to abide by the OSCAR Foundation Child Protection Policy; Code of Conduct OR has provided a copy of their own Child Protection Policy; Code of Conduct which has been approved by OSCAR Foundation (copy to be attached to MOU/contract).

7.0 Whistleblower Policy

The Whistleblower policy mentions the trust follows the guidelines in its whistleblower policy which is a separate policy in itself”. Concerned individuals are required to adhere to the policy in case of any breaches

8.0 Complaints/Allegations

  • All suspected cases of violation of child protection reported to be investigated by the Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee.
  • Any child and/or informer to consult and/or file a complaint/grievance to any member of the Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee of OSCAR Foundation within 7 working days of the occurrence of the incident.
  • Depending on the severity of the offense, appropriate formal disciplinary action is to be taken.
  • Any allegation pertaining to any form of child sexual violence and/or assault by any staff/trustee/sponsor/donor/visitor/intern and/or volunteer to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions laid down in the POCSO Act, 2012.
  • In case any violator is booked under the POCSO Act, 2012, his/her services to be terminated with immediate effect.

9.0 Review

Review and update the Child Protection Policy once every three years.

9.1 Composition of Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee

  • The Committee to comprise of:
    • Chairperson (Director of OSCAR Foundation)
    • Member (HR Manager)
    • Member (Program Manager)
    • Member (Community Representative – Male)
    • Member (Community Representative – Female)
  • At Least two female members to be part of all Committee proceedings
  • The Committee to meet at the Office of OSCAR Foundation
  • All expenses incurred by the Community Representatives during the proceedings to be borne by OSCAR Foundation

9.2 Procedures in Handling Allegations/Complaints

The following steps are to be followed in case any allegation/complaint on violation of child protection is brought to the notice of OSCAR Foundation:

  • The affected child to be immediately given medical attention if required and to be referred to a Counsellor
  • The identity of the affected child to be kept confidential under all circumstances
  • The identity of the accused person/s as well as the informer to be kept confidential under all circumstances
  • The testimony of the affected child to be heard and recorded by the Counselor in the presence of at least two members of the Committee (of which at least one should be a female)
  • The statement of the accused person/s to be heard and recorded by the Committee members
  • During the investigation procedure, appropriate measures to be taken to refrain the affected child from coming in contact with the accused person/s
  • On the completion of procedural enquiry, necessary action to be taken by the Committee on the basis of the severity of the issue
  • The Committee to decide upon whether the case requires closure, or follow a process of mediation between the affected child and the accused, or suspend and/or terminate the accused person/s, or refer it to the Court of Law for further facilitation

10. Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

The organization will ensure that all staff undertakes training to gain a basic awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and safeguarding issues (including Female Genital Mutilation, Preventing the child from abuse, and Child Sexual Exploitation).

10.1 Signs and symptoms of abuse

  • Any suspicious injuries, marks or bruises on a child that are not attributed to normal play with explanations that appear inconsistent or suspicious
  • Any behaviors which give rise to suspicions that a child may have suffered harm.
  • Any concerns that a child may be suffering from inadequate care, ill-treatment, or emotional maltreatment and neglect.
  • Any significant changes in a child’s presentation and Behaviour
  • Any changes in attendance patterns
  • Any hints or disclosure from any other person
  • Concerns regarding the person(s) who may pose a risk to children, including those outside of the organization.

10.2 Recognizing signs

On recognizing any of the signs the organization will implement the procedures necessary for a child / young person to feel they can express their concerns about their own safety, or the safety of another young person, and they will know that they can:

  • Disclose that abuse has taken place or that they feel unsafe
  • Make a third party or anonymous allegation
  • Comment on a child or young person’s appearance, behavior, play, drawing or statements that may cause suspicion of abuse and/or neglect
  • Report an incident(s) of alleged abuse which occurred some time ago
  • Report any serious misconduct of a member of staff towards a child or young person

10.3 Reporting Breach of Child Protection Policy

Who can report?

  • Child or young person
  • Parents or adults
  • Staff
  • Donors
  • Volunteers
  • Interns
  • Visitors

What to report?

  • Allegations, disclosures or observations of child abuse or suspected Breaches of the Child Protection Policy or Code of Conduct.
  • Do not discuss the concern with any third party.

How do I report?

  • By telephone or email, or by written report, or by face-to-face meeting.

When to report?

  • All concerns must be reported within 24 hours, or as soon as practically possible

Who to report to?

  • Any child abuse allegations against staff/associates must be reported to the Manager and Management at the higher level (Director, HR Manager)
  • Concerns for the safety or well-being of any child must be reported to senior Management and the Committee within 24 hours.

What will happen?

  • Situation and information will be assessed/ investigated and a confidential report will be made in compliance with this Policy and/or within the context of local, state, and country. The organization’s relevant senior management must always be notified.

Possible outcomes

  • Criminal matter or child protection report made to OSCAR Child Protection committee or Police if the case is at a high-risk level.
  • Breach of this Policy and/or Code of Conduct resulting in performance management or termination of employment
  • Victim’s and alleged perpetrator’s safety needs assessed and responded.

Feedback to be given wherever possible to those directly involved or affected, protecting confidentiality and privacy. Debriefing/counseling to be offered, if needed.

Child Protection Implementation – Format

Name of Complainant (name of the person filing the report):
Address/Contact details:
If under 18 years of age provide age:Male / Female:
Name of child/young person who has been harmed/abused (if different from Complainant):
Nationality:
Date of birth of child/young person:
If child/young person participates in the OSCAR Foundation program please state which program:
Address/Contact details:
(if different from complainant)
Name and address of parents/guardians/ care provider:
Have you informed the child about completing this form and how the information will be used?Yes / No
Date of Incident(s):Time of Incident(s):
Location of Incident(s):
Brief Description of Incident(s) and type of abuse/harm/exploitation:
Name of person(s) against whom the Complaint is registered:
If staff member or associate of OSCAR Foundation state Office/Department and position:
Has he/she signed the Child Protection Policy & Code of Conduct?Yes / No
If Yes date signed:

12. Written Media Consent Form

I give my consent to OSCAR Foundation to

  • Film, photograph, tape, and/or collect information about me and/or my child.
  • I understand that this information will be used in communications, media, advertising, publications, educational material, and/or public awareness activities (including newspapers, magazines, books, television, radio, the internet, leaflets, or letters) to promote and/or raise funds for OSCAR Foundation.

I have received and understand the following explanation about the use of information about me and/or my child:

  • I have been shown an example of how my information may be used by the OSCAR Foundation.
  • Information that identifies me and/or my child will not be used by the OSCAR Foundation unless I agree.
  • I will not receive any money or gift now or in the future by giving OSCAR Foundation my consent to collect and use my information.
  • OSCAR Foundation will not give my information to anyone unless it is related to its work.
  • I can withdraw my consent to OSCAR Foundation to collect or use my information at any time by contacting them at the address above and they will stop using my information.
Child or Young Person (under 18 years old)
Name and Age:Address:
Parent, Guardian or Representative
Name and Relationship to Child:Address:
I agree that Save the Children can use my real name or the name of my child.
Date:
Place:

Enclosure 1

Code of Conduct on Child Protection

Do’s

It is important for staff and others to:

  • Thoroughly know the Child Protection Policy of OSCAR Foundation.
  • Respect the rights and dignity of every child.
  • Maintain confidentiality about the identity of every child.
  • Protect the right to privacy of every child.
  • Ensure openness in the communication process.
  • Respect children’s views and voices.
  • Encourage children’s participation in decisions that affect their lives.
  • Educate every child about his/her rights and/or issues of violation.
  • Report cases of violation to the Child Protection and Grievance Redressal Committee.
  • Comply with existing laws and regulations of India, promoting and protecting the rights of children.
  • Appoint a female accompaniment with a female child for tours and trips.

Don’t

It is important for staff and others not to:

  • discriminate against any child on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, sexual orientation, or other status
  • take inappropriate photographs and/or videos of children
  • upload any written, audio/visual recording/documentation on any social media platforms
  • engage any child in any form of sexual activity and/or child pornography
  • meet any child privately
  • sleep with any child in a private room
  • touch, hug, or caress any child inappropriately
  • use any child for personal work and/or employ for domestic work
  • use corporal punishment on any child
  • verbally abuse any child and/or use inappropriate words and/or gestures
  • stigmatize and/or humiliate any child

Date : June 10, 2024

Mr Ashok Rathod
Place: Mumbai (OSCAR Foundation)

References

Resource – Bal Raksha Bharat (2023). Child Protection Implementation Guidelines International Programs. [online] Available at: CHILD RIGHTS IN INDIA
The genesis of Child Rights was a document drafted by Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children, in 1923. The ‘Declaration of the Rights of the Child’ serves as a precursor to the globally ratified United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The Committee – 2024-2025

  • Chairperson – Dr. Shilpi Sharma
  • Safeguarding Officer – Supriya Amit Kuvlekar
  • Female Members – Manju Satyapal Karotiya, Shreeya Vaidya
  • Male Members – Govinda Rathod, Manohar Rauthod, Rupesh Jadhav
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