Introduction

Your Way Inc, is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and vulnerable individuals involved in our programs and activities. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring a safe environment, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Policy Statement

Your Way Inc. is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for children and vulnerable individuals. We believe that everyone has the right to be protected from harm and that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved with the organization.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, partners, and anyone else working on behalf of Your Way Inc. It covers all programs, activities, and interactions involving children and vulnerable individuals.

This safeguarding policy ensures that Your Way Inc. is committed to the highest standards of protection for children and vulnerable individuals, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for all.

Objectives

• To protect children and vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• To ensure all staff and volunteers are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.
• To provide clear procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.
• To comply with all relevant legislation and best practices in safeguarding.

Definitions

• Child: Any person under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable Individual: Any person who, by reason of age, disability, or circumstance, is at increased risk of abuse or exploitation.
• Abuse: Any action or inaction that causes harm or potential harm to a child or vulnerable individual, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect.

Safeguarding Principles

1. Best Interests: The welfare of the child or vulnerable individual is the primary consideration.
2. Prevention: Proactive measures to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
3. Protection: Immediate action to protect individuals at risk.
4. Partnership: Working with families, communities, and other organizations to safeguard children and vulnerable individuals.
5. Accountability: Ensuring accountability through effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

Responsibilities

1. Board of Directors:

1. • Ensure the implementation and regular review of this policy.
   • Provide oversight and accountability for safeguarding practices.

2. Executive Director:

1. • Ensure the policy is communicated and enforced throughout the organization.
   • Appoint a designated Safeguarding Officer.

3. Safeguarding Officer:

1. • Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
   • Coordinate training and support for staff and volunteers.
   • Ensure proper reporting and follow-up of safeguarding incidents.

4. All Staff and Volunteers:

1. • Understand and comply with this policy.
   • Participate in safeguarding training.
   • Report any safeguarding concerns promptly.

Recruitment and Vetting

1. Background Checks:
   • Conduct thorough background checks on all prospective employees, volunteers, and partners, including criminal record checks.
2. References:
   • Obtain at least two professional references for all candidates.
3. Interviews:
   • Conduct face-to-face interviews to assess candidates’ suitability for working with children and vulnerable individuals.

Training and Awareness

1. Induction Training:
   • Provide comprehensive safeguarding training to all new staff and volunteers as part of their induction.
2. Ongoing Training:
   • Offer regular refresher training and updates on safeguarding policies and procedures.
3. Awareness Campaigns:
   • Promote safeguarding awareness through regular communications, posters, and workshops.

Reporting and Responding to Concerns

1. Recognizing Signs of Abuse:
   • Train staff and volunteers to recognize the signs of different types of abuse and neglect.
2. Reporting Procedures:
   • Any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable individual must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Officer or, in their absence, a senior manager.
   • Use the designated safeguarding incident report form to document concerns.
3. Responding to Concerns:
   • The Safeguarding Officer will conduct a preliminary assessment and take appropriate action, which may include reporting to external authorities such as child protection services or the police.
   • Ensure confidentiality and support for the individual reporting the concern and the affected child or vulnerable individual.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

1. Confidentiality:
   • Maintain confidentiality of all safeguarding concerns and records, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.
2. Data Protection:
   • Handle all safeguarding data in accordance with data protection laws and Your Way Inc.’s privacy policy.

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Regular Reviews:
   • Conduct regular reviews of safeguarding practices and this policy to ensure they remain effective and up to date.
2. Feedback Mechanisms:
   • Implement mechanisms for feedback from children, families, and staff to improve safeguarding practices.
3. Incident Analysis:
   • Analyze safeguarding incidents to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Support for Affected Individuals

1. Immediate Support:
   • Provide immediate support and protection for individuals affected by abuse or neglect.
2. Counselling and Referrals:
   • Offer counselling services and referrals to appropriate external agencies for additional support.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and organizational needs.