Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

These are the standards we are working to put fully in place, and this policy is being reviewed.

Purpose and Scope

This policy sets out how Zoy Alyas Welfare Foundation intends to protect children. It would apply to leaders, staff, volunteers, visitors and partners taking part in ZAWF activities.

Our Commitment

Every child has God-given dignity and the right to be safe. A child’s welfare comes first in every decision. Humanitarian assistance must never be conditional on participation in religious activities.

Adult and Child Boundaries

• Treat every child with respect, without favoritism or humiliation.
• Never use physical punishment or inappropriate language or contact.
• Avoid being alone with a child out of the sight of others.
• Do not contact children privately through phone or social media.

Supervision and Safe Activities

Activities should be suitable for their age and supervised by responsible adults, in safe places, with parents or guardians informed.

Recruitment and Conduct

People working with children should be checked for suitability, as far as lawful and practical, and should agree in writing to a code of conduct.

Photography and Consent

Photographs of children should be taken and published only with informed guardian consent, and with respect for the child’s wishes. Images must be dignified. Consent may be withdrawn.

Personal Information and Storytelling

We should not publish a child’s full name, address, school or other identifying details. Stories must be truthful and must never present children as objects of pity.

Raising a Concern

Anyone worried about a child’s safety should report it promptly to the safeguarding contact. If a child is in immediate danger, contact the relevant emergency services or authorities.

Responding to Concerns

Every concern should be taken seriously, recorded accurately and acted upon promptly. The child’s safety comes first, and matters should be referred to the appropriate authorities as the law requires. A person named in a concern should be kept away from children while it is addressed.

Confidentiality

Information should be shared only with those who need to know in order to protect the child or meet legal duties.

Training and Review

Leaders and volunteers should receive safeguarding training, and this policy should be reviewed regularly by the governing body.