Child Safety Standard Policy1.Purpose and ScopeThis Child Safety Standard Policy is established to ensure the protection and well-being of children in compliance with Indian laws, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and third parties interacting with children under the organization's purview.2.Legal FrameworkThe policy adheres to the following laws:
•Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 – Governs the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children.
•POCSO Act, 2012 – Provides protection from sexual offenses and mandates reporting of abuse.
•The Right to Education Act, 2009 – Ensures child-friendly environments in educational institutions.
•Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 – Prohibits employment of children in hazardous occupations
.•Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 75, 354, 370, 376, 509 – Addresses offenses against children.3.DEFINTIONS
•Child: Any individual under 18 years of age.
•Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual harm, neglect, or exploitation of a child.•Mandated Reporter: Any individual obligated by law to report child abuse or neglect.4.CODE OF CONDUCTAll individuals working with children must:
•Treat children with dignity, respect, and care.
•Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
•Obtain parental or guardian consent for interactions beyond regular activities.•Report any suspected abuse immediately to the Child Protection Officer (CPO) or legal authorities.
•Avoid any form of corporal punishment, harassment, or inappropriate physical contact.5.REPORTING MECHANISM
•Any suspicion or incident of child abuse must be reported to the Child Protection Officer (CPO) or directly to the authorities (1098 – Child Helpline, Local Police, or Child Welfare Committee).
•Confidentiality of the child and the reporter shall be maintained.6.SAFETY MEASURES•Background verification of employees and volunteers interacting with children.•Installation of CCTV cameras in common areas (excluding private spaces).•Awareness and training programs for staff, children, and parents on child rights and safety.
•Implementation of an internal grievance redressal mechanism.7.DISCIPLINARY ACTION•Any individual found violating child safety norms will face disciplinary action, including termination and legal proceedings under applicable laws.
•The organization shall fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in case of legal investigations.8.MONITORING AND REVIEW
•The policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with evolving legal requirements and best practices.
•A Child Protection Committee shall be established to oversee the implementation and effectiveness of this policy.9.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND COMPLIANCEAll employees, volunteers, and third parties must acknowledge and comply with this policy as a mandatory condition of engagement with the organization.10.QUERIES AND REPORTINGIn case any employee come across a case in respect to child abuse they shall connect the with the respective individual having the following details:Contact : 92052 73999E-mail : info@nemaclub.com