Core Elements of a Child Sexual Abuse
and Exploitation Policy
Effective Date:
1. Policy Statement and Commitment
- Zero tolerance* for child sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Commitment to uphold children's rights and dignity.
- Alignment with national laws (e.g., POCSO Act in India) and international conventions (e.g., UNCRC).
2. Scope and Applicability
- Applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners.
- Covers all organizational activities involving children, both direct and indirect.
3. Preventive Measures
- Recruitment screening: Background checks and reference verification.
- Training and awareness: Mandatory child protection training for all personnel.
- Code of conduct: Clear behavioral guidelines around interactions with children.
- Safe programming: Risk assessments for child-related activities.
- Users under the age of 18 are not permitted to create a profile on the app.
4. Reporting Mechanisms
- Multiple, accessible channels for reporting abuse (e.g., hotline, email, in-person).
- Confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers.
- Clear procedures for handling allegations.
5. Response and Investigation
- Immediate safety measures for the child.
- Internal investigation protocols aligned with legal obligations.
- Cooperation with law enforcement and child protection authorities.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Regular audits and reviews of child protection practices.
- Feedback mechanisms involving children and communities.
7. Partnerships and Accountability
- Due diligence on partners and vendors.
- Inclusion of child protection clauses in contracts and MOUs.