Mission Honduras International
Child Protection Statement
The welfare and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is a top priority for Mission Honduras International personnel. We adhere to a “zero tolerance” policy, and all alleged incidents will be reported.
The following are mandatory procedures at all Mission Honduras International sites.
All students, teachers, staff, and volunteers will attend a child protection program each year. The program must include:
Training to identify abuse
Procedures for reporting alleged incidents
Safety guidelines
Consequences for the non-reporting of incidents
Consequences for false statements
The training program must be reviewed and approved by the president of Mission Honduras International.
Employees and volunteers are prohibited from transporting students off-site unless participating in an approved Mission Honduras International activity.
Employees and volunteers are expected to meet students in an open and visible location. When meeting in a classroom or other isolated area, a person in authority (or a second adult) must be aware of the meeting.
All alleged incidents must be investigated. A written report of the investigation must be submitted to the president of Mission Honduras International. The investigation will be handled with confidentiality.
If the alleged incident involves a member of the leadership team, an independent investigator must conduct the investigation. The independent investigator will submit a report to the president of Mission Honduras International.
Anyone found guilty of violating this child protection policy will be terminated from Mission Honduras International. Criminal prosecution will be pursued as appropriate.
Failure of employees and volunteers to report any alleged incident may result in termination from Mission Honduras International along with legal action.
The “Voice of the Children” program will be utilized to teach the children how to convey their needs and concerns to management.
All staff and volunteers must sign a statement that they will adhere to the Mission Honduras International child protection policies and procedures.
Compliance with child protection safeguards will be monitored on a regular basis by an outside source.
As staff and volunteers, we have a moral obligation to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and exploitation. All involved persons will be made aware of the procedures should an allegation of abuse be reported. Intervention will begin in a timely manner without unnecessary delays. As an organization, we will follow best practice in relation to the recruitment of all staff and volunteers.
We take our duty to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously. We recognize our responsibility to promote safe practice. We will take all the necessary steps to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation.
Download our complete Policies for the Protection of Beneficiaries (Child Protection Policy) Policy_Protection_Beneficiaries_Final_Winter2011