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Child Protection Policy

Last updated: September 24, 2024

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At Out of The Walls NYC, the safety and well-being of all children involved in our programs, events, and services is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically without the risk of harm. This policy outlines the steps we take to protect children and the responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and community members.

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1. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this Child Protection Policy is to:

  • Safeguard all children who participate in the programs and activities of Out of The Walls NYC.

  • Provide clear guidelines for staff, volunteers, and community members to prevent, recognize, and respond to potential child abuse or neglect.

  • Ensure that all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in protecting children and reporting concerns.

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2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, volunteers, and representatives of Out of The Walls NYC.

  • All programs, services, events, and activities involving children under the age of 18.

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3. Child Protection Principles

  • Best Interests of the Child: All decisions and actions concerning a child must prioritize the best interests of the child.

  • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: Out of The Walls NYC has zero tolerance for any form of abuse or neglect toward children. Any suspicion of abuse will be acted upon immediately in accordance with this policy and applicable laws.

  • Safe Environments: All programs and activities will be conducted in a manner that promotes the safety and security of children. This includes providing proper supervision and ensuring that activities are conducted in safe spaces.

  • Confidentiality: All information regarding child protection concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Only those who need to know in order to protect the child and conduct a proper investigation will be informed.

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4. Recruitment and Screening of Staff and Volunteers

To ensure the safety of children, Out of The Walls NYC will implement the following recruitment and screening procedures for staff and volunteers who will be working with children:

  • Background Checks: All prospective staff members and volunteers who will have direct contact with children are required to undergo a criminal background check and other appropriate vetting processes, including checks for any history of child abuse or neglect.

  • Interview Process: During interviews, candidates will be asked about their experience and approach to working with children.

  • Reference Checks: At least two references will be contacted for all potential staff and volunteers who will be working with children.

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5. Code of Conduct for Working with Children

All staff and volunteers must adhere to the following guidelines when working with children:

  • Treat all children with respect, regardless of their background, gender, race, religion, or ability.

  • Never be alone with a child in a secluded area. Always ensure that another adult is present or that activities occur in an open, visible space.

  • Avoid physical contact with a child unless it is necessary and appropriate (e.g., for medical care or in the context of a supervised activity).

  • Do not engage in any inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to:

    • Physical punishment

    • Verbal abuse, including threats or degrading language

    • Sexual advances or any form of sexual contact with a child

    • Sharing inappropriate materials, including pornography

    • Encouraging or allowing inappropriate behavior from children

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6. Recognizing and Reporting Abuse

Out of The Walls NYC recognizes the importance of being alert to signs of abuse, which may include:

  • Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or fractures.

  • Emotional Abuse: Excessive withdrawal, fear, or changes in behavior that suggest emotional trauma.

  • Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate knowledge of sexual behavior, discomfort with physical contact, or unexplained genital injuries.

  • Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or lack of proper supervision.

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Reporting Procedures

  • If a staff member, volunteer, or community member suspects that a child is being abused or neglected, they must report it immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer (or similar role within the organization).

  • Out of The Walls NYC will promptly investigate all reports of abuse in collaboration with law enforcement or child protective services, as required by law.

  • In cases where immediate action is needed to protect a child, the staff member or volunteer should contact local authorities (e.g., the police or child protective services) directly.

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7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All child protection concerns, reports, and investigations will be handled confidentially. Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know in order to safeguard the child or conduct a proper investigation. Personal data of the child and their family will be protected in compliance with privacy laws.

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8. Training and Awareness

Out of The Walls NYC is committed to ensuring that all staff and volunteers are trained in child protection procedures. This includes:

  • Initial Training: All new staff and volunteers who work with children will receive mandatory child protection training.

  • Ongoing Training: Periodic refresher courses will be provided to ensure staff and volunteers remain up to date on best practices for safeguarding children.

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9. Supervision and Monitoring

To ensure compliance with this policy, Out of The Walls NYC will implement the following supervision measures:

  • Regular Observations: Supervisors will periodically observe staff and volunteers working with children to ensure adherence to the Child Protection Policy.

  • Feedback Mechanisms: Children, parents, and community members will have a safe and confidential way to provide feedback on their experiences with the organization’s programs and staff.

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10. Policy Review

This Child Protection Policy will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective in safeguarding children. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and relevant stakeholders.

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11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Child Protection Policy, please contact:

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Out of The Walls NYC
P.S. 273 The Wortman School (Auditorium)
1018 Warwick Street
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Phone: 1-347-687-9295
Email: info@outofthewallsnyc.com

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