Youth Employment Training Foundation

The Youth Employment Training Foundation (YEMPF) is committed to promoting the welfare and
protection of children and young people. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring a safe and
supportive environment for all minors participating in our programs. It provides a framework for the
behavior and responsibilities expected of staff, volunteers, and partners associated with YEMPF.

Contents
Definitions…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Policy Statement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Principles…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Recruitment and Selection…………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Training and Awareness…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Reporting Procedures ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Designated Child Protection Officer (CPO)……………………………………………………………………………………6
Risk Management …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Monitoring and Review……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
Responsibilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Board of Directors:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Executive Director:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Staff and Volunteers:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Prevention Programs…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Collaboration with External Agencies……………………………………………………………………………………………..7

Definitions
Child: Any individual under the age of 18.
Staff: Individuals employed by YEMPF, including full-time, part-time, and contract workers.
Volunteer: Individuals who offer their services without remuneration to support YEMPF’s activities.
Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.

Policy Statement
YEMPF is dedicated to:

Creating a safe environment for children and young people.
Implementing rigorous procedures to prevent and respond to child abuse.
Promoting awareness of child protection issues among staff and volunteers.
Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding
children.

Principles

Best Interests of the Child: All decisions and actions concerning children will prioritize their safety, well-
being, and development.

Zero Tolerance for Abuse: YEMPF has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and exploitation.

Equality and Non-Discrimination: All children, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, or socio-
economic status, have the right to protection from abuse.

Confidentiality: All matters regarding child protection will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Recruitment and Selection
YEMPF will:
❖ Conduct thorough background checks on all prospective staff and volunteers.
❖ Require references and verify employment history.
❖ Include child protection questions in interviews.
❖ Ensure all employees and volunteers sign a declaration of good conduct.

Training and Awareness
All staff and volunteers will receive:
❖ Induction training on child protection policies and procedures.
❖ Regular refresher courses and updates on child protection issues.
❖ Access to resources and support for dealing with child protection concerns.

Code of Conduct
Staff and volunteers must:
❖ Treat all children with respect and dignity.
❖ Always act in the best interests of the child.
❖ Avoid any behavior that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate.
❖ Not engage in physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
❖ Report any concerns or suspicions of abuse immediately.

Reporting Procedures
YEMPF has a clear process for reporting and responding to concerns about a child’s welfare:

❖ Recognize: Identify signs of abuse or concerns.
❖ Respond: Listen to the child, if they disclose abuse, without probing or leading questions.
❖ Report: Immediately inform the designated Child Protection Officer (CPO).
❖ Record: Document the concern and any actions taken.
❖ Refer: The CPO will refer the case to appropriate authorities if necessary.

Designated Child Protection Officer (CPO)
YEMPF has appointed Mr Filios Savvides as a CPO.
The CPO is responsible for:
❖ Receiving and responding to child protection concerns.
❖ Providing guidance and support to staff and volunteers.
❖ Ensuring compliance with YEMPF’s child protection policies.
❖ Liaising with external agencies as required.

Risk Management
YEMPF will:
❖ Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential risks to children.
❖ Implement strategies to mitigate identified risks.
❖ Monitor and review risk management practices regularly.
❖ Communication and Information Sharing
❖ Information about child protection will be communicated clearly to all stakeholders.
❖ Any sharing of information about a child’s welfare will be done on a need-to-know basis,
ensuring confidentiality.

Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Feedback from staff,
volunteers, and children will be considered in the review process.

Responsibilities
Board of Directors:
❖ Approve and oversee the implementation of the Child Protection Policy.
❖ Ensure adequate resources are allocated for child protection.
Executive Director:
❖ Ensure the policy is implemented and adhered to across the organization.
❖ Support the CPO in their role.
Staff and Volunteers:
❖ Comply with the Child Protection Policy.
❖ Participate in training and awareness programs.
❖ Report any concerns about a child’s welfare.

Prevention Programs
YEMPF develops and implements programs aimed at:
❖ Educating children about their rights and how to protect themselves.
❖ Training parents and caregivers on child protection issues.
❖ Engaging communities in promoting the safety and well-being of children.

Collaboration with External Agencies
YEMPF works in partnership with relevant agencies to:
❖ Ensure the protection of children.
❖ Access support and resources for dealing with child protection cases.
❖ Participate in networks and forums to stay updated on best practices in child protection.

This Child Protection Policy is effective as of 12.02.2021 and will be reviewed