Child Protection
Policy

1. Objective

Dreams Peace Foundation (DPF) is unconditionally committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child who comes into contact with its programmes, staff, volunteers, or partners. DPF has a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

This policy establishes clear standards of behaviour and reporting obligations in compliance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals associated with DPF, including but not limited to:

• Full-time and part-time employees
• Volunteers and interns
• Consultants and contractors
• Programme partners and institutional collaborators
• Board members and office bearers

This policy applies to all settings where DPF operates, including schools, community centres, events, and online platforms where interactions with individuals below 18 years of age occur.

3. Zero-Tolerance Policy

DPF strictly prohibits the following, without exception:

• Any form of child sexual abuse or exploitation
• Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse of a child
• Harassment or misconduct directed at a child
• Negligent behaviour that places a child at risk
• Any use of children for personal gain, including photography or filming without proper consent

Any breach of this policy will result in immediate disciplinary action, including termination of association and mandatory reporting to law enforcement authorities.

4. Code of Conduct

All DPF representatives must adhere to the following standards when interacting with children:

• Avoid private or unsupervised one-on-one interactions with children at all times
• Maintain professional boundaries in all verbal and physical interactions
• Refrain from any form of inappropriate physical contact
• Use respectful and age-appropriate language at all times
• Obtain explicit written consent from a parent or legal guardian before photographing, filming, or publishing any image of a child
• Never share personal contact information (phone number, email, social media) with a minor
• Never invite a child to a private residence
• Report any observed or suspected misconduct immediately

5. Prevention Measures

DPF takes proactive steps to prevent child harm through:

• Mandatory background verification of all staff, volunteers, and interns prior to commencement of duties
• Mandatory child protection training for all personnel working with minors
• Safe and supervised programme design that minimises risk
• Regular monitoring of programme environments for compliance
• Designation of a Safeguarding Officer responsible for child protection oversight

6. Reporting Mechanism

How to Report

Any person who witnesses, suspects, or is informed of any child protection concern must report it immediately to the designated Safeguarding Officer. Reports may be made verbally or in writing.

• All concerns must be reported to the Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours of becoming aware
• The Safeguarding Officer will initiate an inquiry within 24–48 hours of receiving a report
• Where there is reasonable cause to believe an offence under the POCSO Act has been committed, the matter will be reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities immediately, as required by law
• Failure to report a known or reasonably suspected offence is itself an offence under the POCSO Act

7. Inquiry Process

Upon receipt of a complaint or concern:

• The Safeguarding Officer will conduct a prompt and fair inquiry
• The child's safety and wellbeing will be the primary consideration at every stage
• The accused will be suspended from all child-related duties pending the inquiry outcome
• Both the complainant and the accused will be afforded the opportunity to be heard
• External authorities will be involved where required by law

8. Confidentiality

All child protection cases will be handled with strict confidentiality. The identity of the child, the complainant, and the accused will be protected throughout the process. Information will only be disclosed on a strictly need-to-know basis or as required by law.

9. Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and updated to reflect changes in applicable law, organisational practice, or programme context.