Child Protection Policy
E-Romnja is committed to safeguarding the safety, dignity, rights, and well-being of all children and young people involved in its programs, services, and activities. Our Child Protection Policy establishes clear standards and procedures to prevent, identify, report, and respond to all forms of child abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment, and other safeguarding concerns.
The policy addresses physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, sexual harassment, forced marriage, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation and modern slavery. E-Romnja recognizes that girls and children from marginalized and vulnerable communities, including Roma communities, may face increased risks and is committed to ensuring that safeguarding measures are inclusive, rights-based, and sensitive to their specific circumstances.
Roles and Responsibilities
Child safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone at E-Romnja. Staff, volunteers, managers, leadership, board members, partners, and contractors are expected to understand and uphold the organization's safeguarding standards.
This includes maintaining professional boundaries, identifying and reporting concerns, conducting appropriate risk assessments, and ensuring that safeguarding considerations are integrated into all programs and activities involving children.
Recruitment and human resources procedures include safeguarding measures such as reference checks and criminal background checks for roles involving contact with children. Partners and contractors are also required to comply with E-Romnja's safeguarding standards and Code of Conduct.
Reporting and Accountability
E-Romnja takes all safeguarding concerns seriously. Reports are handled confidentially and investigated promptly and impartially, with appropriate disciplinary or legal action taken when necessary.
Individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation.
The organization regularly monitors and reviews its safeguarding practices, including following serious incidents, and uses lessons learned to strengthen policies, training, risk assessments, and program design. Children, families, and communities are provided with safe channels to raise concerns and provide feedback.
Child Protection Procedures
E-Romnja follows a clear procedure for responding to safeguarding concerns. This includes:
→ identifying and recognizing signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation;
→ taking immediate action when a child is at risk of harm;
→ reporting and documenting concerns confidentially;
→ conducting an initial risk assessment and, where necessary, referring cases to relevant authorities;
→ providing or facilitating access to appropriate psychosocial, legal, or medical support;
→ taking disciplinary action where required;
→ following up to ensure the child's continued safety and well-being; and
→ reviewing serious incidents to identify lessons and improve safeguarding practices.