Child Safeguarding Policy OPEN DIALOGUE FOUNDATION – POLAND
1. Introduction and Purpose
The Open Dialogue Foundation is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all children and young people who participate in its activities.
Our primary goal is to protect children from all forms of violence, neglect, exploitation, and abuse, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, applicable national legislation, and international child safeguarding standards as set out in the document “Keeping Children Safe: International Child Safeguarding Standards.”
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, collaborators, and partners of the Open Dialogue Foundation who come into contact with children as part of the organization’s activities.
3. Child Protection Principles
- All children have an equal right to protection from harm.
- Everyone working with or for the Foundation has a duty to support child protection.
- The Foundation has a duty of care towards all children it works with, comes into contact with, or who are affected in any way by its activities.
- All child safeguarding actions are guided by the best interests of the child, which shall be paramount.
- The Foundation does not tolerate any form of physical, psychological, or sexual violence against children.
- Children must be treated with care and respect, regardless of gender, age, origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic.
4. Principles for Activities Involving Children
The Foundation ensures that the following principles are applied in all activities carried out within projects involving children:
- Informed Consent – Children and their guardians shall be informed about the project’s purpose and the nature of its activities so that the child can make an informed decision about participation.
- Voluntary Participation – Participation in the Foundation’s activities is entirely voluntary, and children may withdraw at any time without providing a reason.
- “Do No Harm” Principle – The Foundation’s actions must not cause any harm to participants, including physical, psychological, emotional harm, or invasion of privacy.
- Background Checks – All persons who have direct contact with children must provide a valid criminal record certificate.
- Data Protection – The Foundation complies with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection, storage, and use of children’s personal data.
5. Conduct and Responsibilities
- Avoid situations in which an employee or volunteer is alone with a child in a closed space.
- Obtain the consent of legal guardians before documenting activities involving children (e.g., photographs, videos).
- Observe confidentiality and data protection rules concerning children’s personal information.
- Ensure regular training for all staff and volunteers working with children on safeguarding and appropriate behaviour.
6. Reporting Violations
Any suspicion or information regarding harm to a child must be reported immediately to the Foundation’s designated Child Safeguarding Coordinator.
The Foundation guarantees full protection from any form of retaliation for individuals reporting concerns in good faith.
7. Monitoring and Review
This Child Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed and updated regularly — at least once every two years or more frequently if legal regulations or international guidelines change.
8. Organization Contact Details
Open Dialogue Foundation
ul. Pirenejska 2C
01-493 Warsaw
Poland
9. Approval and Signature
This Child Safeguarding Policy has been approved by the Foundation’s Management Board and enters into force on the date of signature.
Date: 15 October 2025
Place: Warsaw
Name: Martin Mycielski
Position: Vice President of the Management Board
Signature:
