SASF Child Protection Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that every child who comes into contact with SAS Foundation is protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence. This policy reinforces our commitment to the safety, dignity, and holistic well-being of every child we serve through our education, health, environment, and community development initiatives.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All SAS Foundation trustees, employees, interns, and volunteers
• Partners, vendors, donors, and any person or organization working on behalf of or associated with SAS Foundation
• All programs and projects where children (under 18 years of age) are directly or indirectly engaged

3. Policy Statement

SAS Foundation believes that:

• Every child has the right to a safe, secure, and enabling environment
• The best interests of the child shall always be the primary consideration
• Child protection is everyone’s responsibility
• Zero tolerance must be shown towards any form of child abuse or exploitation

4. Definitions

• Child: Any person below the age of 18 years
• Child Abuse: Any act of physical, emotional, sexual harm or exploitation, including neglect
• Safeguarding: Measures taken to protect the health, well-being, and human rights of children, enabling them to live free from abuse and harm

5. Code of Conduct

All SAS Foundation personnel and affiliates shall:

• Treat children with respect and dignity at all times
• Listen to children and take their views seriously
• Avoid physical punishment, emotional humiliation, or coercion
• Not engage in any sexual activity or inappropriate behavior with children
• Avoid being alone with a child in a closed or secluded area
• Seek informed consent from parents/guardians before involving children in interviews, photography, or social media
• Report any suspicion or evidence of child abuse immediately

6. Recruitment & Training

• All staff, interns, and volunteers working with or around children must undergo background checks, including reference verification
• Mandatory orientation on the Child Protection Policy shall be provided
• Regular refresher training will be conducted to reinforce child protection practices

7. Reporting and Response Mechanism

• SAS Foundation will establish a confidential and accessible reporting mechanism
• Reports of suspected child abuse will be taken seriously and investigated promptly
• The designated Child Protection Officer (CPO) shall coordinate all matters of concern
• If a criminal offence is suspected, it will be reported to the appropriate authorities (e.g., Child Welfare Committee, Police)
• Retaliation against whistleblowers or complainants will not be tolerated

8. Media & Communication Guidelines

• Children’s dignity and privacy must be respected in all media (photo, video, print, social media)
• Children’s real names, locations, or identifying details shall not be disclosed without informed consent
• Written consent must be obtained from a parent or guardian before using images or personal stories of children

9. Monitoring & Review

• Compliance with this policy will be monitored regularly
• Annual audits and reviews will be conducted
• The policy shall be reviewed every two years or earlier, if required by law or operational change

10. Legal Framework

This policy is aligned with:

• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
• The Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act, 2015
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)