Child Protection Policy

Child protection policy for the FONELISCO Children’s Home Tanzania.

The FONELISCO Children’s Home exists to care for the most vulnerable members of Tanzanian society especially orphaned and street children and as such endeavors to provide a safe environment for the children in its care. The following guidelines are therefore necessary in order to protect the children from being at risk of abuse.

 

• All children should be treated equally according to their needs and provided with a basic level of care to include clothing, food, accommodation and where possible and appropriate education.
• All children’s workers in Tanzania should be aware of the discipline policy at FONELISCO which does not include beating as a punishment.
• Workers should not encourage or permit children of any age into their own personal living space on site/offsite at any time unless as an organized outing..
• Children’s personal space and privacy must be respected, individual children should not be left alone with a career out of view of other members of the family.
• Where children are seeking specific advice counseling should be undertaken according to gender. E.g. Lady speaking with a girl. This should take place within view of the rest of the family eg.Under the shelter.
• Where a career has a serious issue to discuss with a child at least two adults should be present and notes made of the content of the meeting.
• If an allegation is made against another child or adult then the procedure for reporting allegations should be followed.
• Visiting people to site should not be allowed in the children’s dormitories unless accompanied by a Fonelisco Team member and should abide by the guidelines outlined above as well as the other policies in force on site.
• Video and photographs should not be taken of the children without prior permission.

 

Procedure for dealing with allegations.

• If an allegation is made against another child or adult this information should be passed to the named FONELISCO child protection officer.
• The FONELISCO child protection officer will speak independently with both the child and adult involved (ensuring leading questions are not asked) and will inform the Director of the situation.
• A course of action will then be agreed. If necessary the matter will be referred to the center Manager.
• If either of the child protection officers are involved in the allegation then the matter should be referred to the Director.