Safeguarding Policy
Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, OR HARM
We are committed to creating safe environments for everyone we serve
Policy Overview
This Safeguarding Policy establishes Badicare Foundation's commitment to protect children and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. It applies to all staff, volunteers, board members, partners, and anyone representing our organization.
Our Safeguarding Principles
Primary Responsibility
The welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults is our paramount concern. We put their needs first in all our decisions and actions.
Right to Protection
All children and vulnerable adults have equal rights to protection from harm, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Voice and Participation
We listen to children and vulnerable adults, respect their views, and involve them in decisions that affect their lives, in accordance with their age and understanding.
Accountability
We take responsibility for creating and maintaining safe environments and will hold anyone accountable who fails to meet our safeguarding standards.
Definitions of Abuse
| Type of Abuse | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Causing physical harm or injury | Hitting, shaking, burning, inappropriate restraint |
| Sexual Abuse | Any sexual activity without consent | Rape, assault, grooming, exposure to pornography |
| Emotional Abuse | Causing psychological harm | Bullying, humiliation, threats, isolation |
| Neglect | Failure to meet basic needs | Lack of food, shelter, medical care, supervision |
| Exploitation | Using for personal gain | Child labor, trafficking, financial abuse |
| Online Abuse | Harm through digital means | Cyberbullying, grooming, sharing intimate images |
Note on Vulnerable Adults
This policy also covers adults who may be at risk due to age, disability, illness, or circumstances that make them vulnerable to abuse or exploitation.
Roles and Responsibilities
Board of Directors
- Ultimate accountability for safeguarding
- Approve and regularly review safeguarding policies
- Ensure adequate resources for implementation
- Receive and act on serious safeguarding reports
- Appoint Designated Safeguarding Lead
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns
- Ensure staff receive appropriate training
- Maintain safeguarding records and reports
- Liaise with statutory authorities
- Monitor policy implementation
All Staff & Volunteers
- Complete mandatory safeguarding training
- Follow all safeguarding procedures
- Report concerns immediately
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Model appropriate behavior at all times
Partners & Contractors
- Adhere to Badicare's safeguarding standards
- Implement own safeguarding policies
- Report any concerns to Badicare's DSL
- Allow safeguarding audits and monitoring
Safe Recruitment Practices
Application
Detailed application forms with safeguarding declarations
Vetting
Comprehensive background checks and reference verification
Interviews
Face-to-face interviews with safeguarding scenarios
Mandatory Requirements
For All Positions:
- Police clearance certificate
- Two professional references
- Safeguarding training completion
For Direct Contact Roles:
- Enhanced background checks
- Additional reference from previous childcare role
- Probationary period with supervision
Code of Conduct for Staff & Volunteers
You MUST:
- Treat everyone with respect and dignity
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Work in open environments where possible
- Obtain consent for photos and stories
- Report concerns immediately
- Respect privacy and confidentiality
You MUST NOT:
- Spend time alone with a child/vulnerable adult unnecessarily
- Exchange personal contact information
- Use physical punishment or humiliation
- Develop inappropriate relationships
- Take children to your home without authorization
- Keep concerns to yourself
Photography & Media Guidelines
- Always obtain written consent from parents/guardians
- Respect a child's right to refuse being photographed
- Use appropriate, respectful images that maintain dignity
- Never identify children at risk in publications
- Store images securely and delete when no longer needed
- Follow child protection guidelines in all media communications
Reporting Procedures
Immediate Actions if Abuse is Suspected
Ensure Safety
Protect the child/vulnerable adult from immediate harm
Listen & Reassure
Believe, listen, and reassure without judgment
Do Not Investigate
Do not question or investigate – report immediately
Reporting Flowchart
Step 1: Internal Report
Report immediately to your supervisor or Designated Safeguarding Lead
Step 2: Documentation
Complete Safeguarding Incident Report Form within 24 hours
Step 3: Assessment
DSL assesses risk and determines appropriate action
Step 4: External Reporting
Report to relevant authorities if required (Children's Department, Police)
Confidentiality in Reporting
- Share information on a "need-to-know" basis only
- Maintain confidentiality of all parties involved
- Keep accurate, secure records of all reports
- Protect the identity of whistleblowers
- Follow data protection laws and guidelines
Training & Awareness
| Role | Required Training | Frequency | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Staff | Basic Safeguarding Awareness | Annually | Internal |
| Direct Contact Staff | Advanced Child Protection | Every 2 years | Certified External |
| Designated Lead | Designated Officer Training | Every 2 years | Accredited |
| Volunteers | Volunteer Safeguarding | Before starting & annually | Internal |
| Board Members | Governance & Safeguarding | Every 2 years | External |
Monitoring & Review
Internal Monitoring
- Quarterly safeguarding committee meetings
- Annual safeguarding audit
- Regular spot checks on safeguarding practices
- Training compliance monitoring
- Incident trend analysis
- Staff and beneficiary feedback collection
External Review
- Biennial external safeguarding audit
- Compliance with Kenyan Child Protection laws
- Adherence to donor safeguarding requirements
- Benchmarking against sector standards
- Certification from accredited bodies
- Partner organization assessments
Contact Information
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Jane Muthoni
24/7 Emergency Hotline
Immediate Response
Confidential Reporting
Anonymous Reports Welcome
External Reporting Authorities (Kenya)
Children's Department
+254 20 222 8411
Gender-Based Violence Hotline
1195
Police Child Protection Unit
+254 722 416 553
NGO Coordination Board
+254 20 221 4789
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Badicare Foundation is committed to creating and maintaining safe environments where children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm. We will take all necessary steps to prevent abuse and respond appropriately to any concerns.
Prof. Lukas Njenga
Founder & Executive Director
Badicare Foundation
Related Policies & Resources
Download Complete Policy
Download the full Safeguarding Policy document for organizational implementation and training purposes.