Child Protection Policy

Parivartan Sanstha

Sumthana, Post: Gangahipparga
Tehsil: Ahmedpur, District: Latur
Pin – 413515, Maharashtra, India
Developed in September 2020
 

Preamble

Parivartan Sanstha (Parivartan) affirms that children are persons with rights. Through this policy, Parivartan expresses its determination and commitment to prevent any type of abuse of children and ensure a safe, happy, serene and protected environment for every child to grow and develop to realise their full potential.

The policy covers all persons and organizations becoming binding for all those associated with Parivartan, in protecting, promoting and securing the rights of all children at all times, at all levels and in whatever capacity one operates. Parivartan has a ZERO TOLERANCE towards any forms of child abuse.

By adopting this Child Protection Policy, Parivartan intends to streamline all interventions and make all areas of operation child sensitive and safe for all children.

Scope

Parivartan engages only with Partner NGOs / Consultants who are committed to protecting children in line with the intentions and provisions of this policy. Parivartan provides all the support and guidance that any Partner NGOs may need in the implementation of this policy.

In accordance with Parivartan Child Protection Policy, Partner NGOs have the primary responsibility of having adequate reporting and responding mechanisms in place in line with the provisions of the legal framework governing child abuse.

This policy applies to all individuals/organisations associated with Parivartan in any way, hereinafter referred to as Parivartan Associates:

• Parivartan Foundation Staff and Consultants – Individuals with an employment or consultancy contract with Parivartan.
• Parivartan Volunteers – Individuals who contribute voluntarily without financial benefit.
• Parivartan Staff – Any paid or unpaid individual supporting Parivartan programs, including visitors, interns, donors, partner organisations, and government bodies.
• Parivartan Visitors – Media persons, researchers, journalists, celebrities, and others who come into contact with children.
• Parivartan Vendors, Contractors and Suppliers – All entities contracted to provide goods or services.
• Parivartan Program Participants – Students, teachers, doctors, nurses, coaches, scholars, and collaborators.

Policy Statement

Parivartan affirms its belief in the rights of all children as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.

• Parivartan is committed to actively preventing child abuse.
• Parivartan strives to nurture a culture where all children are safe and protected.
• Parivartan ensures individuals who abuse children are not involved in its operations.
• Parivartan takes stringent measures against any Associate committing child abuse.

Who is a Child?

A child means a person who has not completed eighteen years of age, as per Section 2(k) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, amended in 2006 and 2015, in conformity with UNCRC, 1989.

Why a Child Protection Policy?

Parivartan believes every child is born with inherent dignity and the right to respect. Safeguarding children entrusted to our care is our duty and priority. This policy reflects our commitment to child welfare, protection, and empowerment while ensuring compliance with Indian laws.

Child Abuse

Any harm caused to a child intentionally or unintentionally constitutes child abuse, including emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual abuse.

According to the World Health Organization, child abuse includes all forms of physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, or negligent treatment resulting in harm to a child’s health, development, or dignity.

Types of Abuse

Child to Child Abuse

Abuse by one child against another must be handled sensitively while ensuring protection and rehabilitation, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional ill-treatment causing severe adverse effects on emotional development, including verbal abuse, humiliation, threats, or psychological maltreatment.

Neglect

Failure to provide essential needs such as food, shelter, education, medical care, supervision, or emotional support. Neglect may be physical, educational, emotional, or psychological.

Physical Abuse

Inflicting physical injury such as hitting, slapping, shaking, or inappropriate physical punishment, even if unintentional.

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual activity involving a child, including non-contact abuse such as exposure, voyeurism, or exploitation.

Verbal Abuse

Use of words that harm a child’s dignity or cause emotional distress.

Guiding Principles

• The safety and security of the child is paramount.
• Actions taken shall be in the best interest of the child.
• All investigations shall be confidential.
• All Associates have a duty of care towards children.

Implementation

Awareness and Acknowledgement

Parivartan will raise awareness of child abuse risks and promote an open culture where concerns are expressed freely and treated seriously.

Level of Contact

All staff and volunteers will be assessed based on their level of interaction with children and guided on safe conduct.

Prevention

Parivartan will create safe environments and ensure regular training and orientation on child protection.

Reporting

All concerns must be reported immediately. Failure to report abuse will result in disciplinary action.

Responding

All allegations will be handled seriously, transparently, and in cooperation with legal authorities.

Child protection is everyone’s responsibility and driven by duty of care.

Child Protection Policy of Parivartan Sanstha