Important note: Mkombozi's complete Child Protection Policy document is available for download in PDF format (2.5mb). The following extractions and synopsis are intended to provide important information while also illustrating Mkombozi's commitment to the issue of child safety and the careful approach it uses to define and enforce its standards of protection.

I. Introduction

Mkombozi captures the potential of Tanzanian children and young people. We work towards building a caring society for all where the dignity of vulnerable groups is upheld and respected. As an organisation working with children we have a moral and legal responsibility to protect children within our care. Staff and other representatives of Mkombozi need to be aware of the roles that they play and the responsibilities they have while interacting directly and indirectly with children.

Over recent years there has been increasing recognition of the global nature of child abuse, and growing acceptance of the potential risks to children of adults working in positions of trust. Greater attention therefore has been paid to how development agencies ensure that children they are in contact with are kept safe from harm. As a result Mkombozi is putting into place policies and procedures that are designed to protect children and keep them safe from harm.

There are real challenges in making an organisation 'child safe'. This document aims to set down procedures that offer practical guidance, tools and support to assist Mkombozi's staff and representatives to overcome obstacles that confront them in tacking child protection issues in their work.

Standards are used in many areas of life. They describe the basic level of performance or ability that is required for a product or service to be effective and to do the job it was designed to do. In this case we are defining what needs to be in place at Mkombozi to keep children safe. The principles that support these standards should always be adhered to so that children are protected.

General principles:

All children have equal rights to protection from abuse and exploitation.
All children should be encouraged to fulfil their potential and inequalities should be challenged.
Everybody has a responsibility to support the care and protection of children.
The child's views, taking appropriate account of age and understanding, should be taken into account where major decisions are to be made about his or her future.
Organisations working with children have a duty of care to children with whom they work and with whom their representatives work.

What is child protection?

A child is defined as someone aged from birth up to the age of 18 years. Ensuring that children are protected from harm means not only procedures for when things go wrong, but also caring and sensible practice in order to avoid trouble for children in the first place. Keeping children safe and protecting them from harm is an integral part of the policy and practice in all Mkombozi activities and programmes. They are not optional. The work of Mkombozi in all of its services, both residential, street and community based should be planned not just to minimise situations where the harm of children may occur, but also to provide a child-friendly environment.

Child abuse:

Mkombozi defines abuse as "the causing of physical pain of any degree, sexual relationships or verbal harassment or threats by a person in a position of trust or responsibility to a child or young person".

According to the World Health Organisation, "child abuse" or "maltreatment" constitutes "all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power."

Categories of harm:

The circumstances of any one child or young person will not always fit neatly within set categories. Nonetheless the categories form the basis of child protection standards and procedures and are as follows:

Physical injury is defined as actual or attempted physical injury to a child, where there is knowledge or reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented.

Sexual harm includes incest, rape, indecent assault, and indecent photographing of children. It also includes encouraging children into prostitution, or to witness intercourse or pornographic materials. Particular consideration should be given to internet child pornography and to 'grooming' children for harmful intentions. The exploitative element can be difficult to define, particularly when sexual activity takes place between children and young people. Relevant issues include:

Descriptions of the range of sexual activity.
Levels of consent.
Inequalities in age, gender, developmental stage, physical size or strength.
The betrayal of trust and responsibility.
Power relations including gender.
Actual or threatened coercion.
The child's perception of threat.

This definition includes children and young people who sexually harm other children and young people.

Emotional harm is defined as failure to provide for the child's basic emotional needs such as to have a severe effect on the behaviour and development of the child. A child may be thought to be emotionally harmed when his or her emotional development is impaired by a lack of affection and loving care.

Physical neglect is defined as occurring when a child's essential needs are not met and this is likely to cause impairment to physical health and development. Such needs include food, clothing, cleanliness, shelter and warmth. Physical neglect also includes failure to secure appropriate medical treatment or failure to ensure that a child follows a course of medical treatment.

Bullying / peer harm is defined as children inappropriately applying pressure on peers, either physical or emotional, causing distress to the recipient of pressure. This can be in the form of taunts, threats or physical assault.

It is important for all workers to understand how concerns about a child or young person's safety can come to light; for example:

A child or young person alleges that harm has taken place or that they feel unsafe.
A third party or anonymous allegation is received.
A child or young person's appearance, behaviour, play, drawing, or statements cause suspicion of harm or neglect.
A child or young person reports an incident(s) of alleged harm which occurred some time ago.
A report is made regarding the serious misconduct of a worker towards a child or young person.

Action will be taken on all complaints and any suspected, observed and / or reported incidents of a child protection nature by implementing the following procedures and standards.

II. Standards for Child Protection

Detailed discussion of each of the following is provided in the complete policy document.

Standard 1: A written policy on keeping children safe

The aim of Mkombozi's Behaviour Code of Conduct (see below) is to protect children from abuse. By setting standards for appropriate behaviour it also protects people who come into contact with children from unfounded accusations of improper conduct. It clarifies unacceptable forms of behaviour that will result in a formal enquiry and which could lead to disciplinary measures being taken, or criminal proceedings instituted. Additionally, the Code of Conduct gives guidance on expected standards of behaviour of adults towards children.

This Code of Conduct applies to Mkombozi staff and anyone acting as a representative of, or on behalf of, Mkombozi who may come into direct contact with, or be responsible for, bringing children into contact with adults. Please interpret the Code in a spirit of transparency and common sense, with the best interests of the child as the primary consideration.

MKOMBOZI BEHAVIOUR CODE OF CONDUCT:

1. Regarding "risk" situations

ALWAYS treat all children and young people with respect.
ALWAYS provide an example of good conduct which you wish others to follow.
NEVER condone or participate in behaviour that is illegal or unsafe.
NEVER jump to conclusions about others without checking facts.
NEVER exaggerate or trivialise child harm issues.
NEVER believe 'it could never happen to me'.
NEVER take a chance when common sense, policy and practice suggest another more prudent approach.
NEVER ignore the child protection guidelines and procedures operating within Mkombozi.
NEVER act secretively, even with the best of intentions.
AVOID being alone with a single child where others cannot witness your behaviour. For example when meeting children in the office, keep the door open, in a car try to travel with more than person, do not invite a child to spend time overnight in your home. If you invite a child into your home please be aware that you will be responsible for any consequences that occur.
AVOID favouritism or spending excessive amounts of time with one child.
AVOID placing yourself in a compromising or vulnerable position.
AVOID doing something that could be misinterpreted by a third party.
TRY TO ensure that whenever possible there is more than one adult present during activities with children, or at least that you are within the sight or hearing of others.
TRY TO meet with a child in a central, public location whenever possible.
TRY TO respect a child and young person's right to personal privacy.
TRY TO immediately note, in a designated Mkombozi Child Protection Log Book, the circumstances of any situation which occurs which may be subject to misinterpretation by a third party.

2. Regarding sexual behaviour

NEVER develop physical/sexual relationships with a child.
NEVER behave physically in a manner that is inappropriate or sexually provocative. Try to be culturally sensitive in your choice of clothing so that it is not misinterpreted as 'provocative'.
NEVER engage in or allow sexually provocative games with children to take place.
NEVER do things of a personal nature that a child could do for him/herself, including dressing, bathing, and grooming.

3. Regarding physical behaviour

NEVER hit or otherwise physically assault or physically abuse a child.
ALWAYS be sensitive in reading the child's signals and comfortableness with your physical contact, such as holding hands.
ALWAYS ask permission from children before taking photographs of them. Respect their decision to say 'no' to photos. Only take photographs that are based on the child's best interest and which do not demean them. NB Staff members must make it clear to visitors that this Mkombozi's policy and that it is courteous to also share copies of the photos with the children.

4. Regarding psychosocial behaviour

NEVER use language that will mentally or emotionally harm a child.
NEVER suggest inappropriate behaviour or relations of any kind.
NEVER act in any way that intends to embarrass, shame, humiliate or degrade a child.
NEVER encourage any inappropriate attention seeking behaviour, such as tantrums by a child.
NEVER show discrimination of race, culture, age, gender, disability, religion, sexuality, or political persuasion.
ALWAYS be aware of the power balance between an adult and child, and avoid taking any advantage this may provide.
ALWAYS encourage children and young people to feel comfortable to point out attitudes or behaviours that they do not like.
ALWAYS remember that special caution is required in moments when you are discussing sensitive issues with children or young people.

5. Regarding peer abuse

NEVER allow children to engage in sexually provocative games with each other.
NEVER allow children to share a bed to avoid sexual abuse.
ALWAYS be aware of the potential for peer abuse.
ALWAYS endeavour to protect younger and especially vulnerable children.
ALWAYS avoid placing children in high-risk peer situations (e.g. unsupervised mixing of older and younger children).

6. Regarding physical environment

ALWAYS address specific physical safety issues relative to the local physical environment of Mkombozi.

Standard 2: Putting the policy into practice

Clear procedures and guidance helps to make sure that there is a prompt response to concerns about a child's safety or welfare. All staff / volunteers / contractors MUST report all concerns immediately to the Child Protection Officer who in turn may seek guidance from local social services/police/management. This ensures that all personnel take responsibility for reporting rather than assuming that someone else will take things forward. It also ensures that concerns are raised with the person best qualified within Mkombozi to respond.

STEPS FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE:

1. Concern about suspected, witnessed, reported or potential abuse of a child/children by: member or members of staff; visitors to Mkombozi; another child/children at Mkombozi residential centre.

2. Discuss your concerns with the Child Protection Officer at Mkombozi, preferably on the same working day or within 24 hours of the incident. If the Child Protection Officer is absent, or if your concerns involve the Child Protection Officer him/herself however, discuss your concerns with Mkombozi's Human Resources / Administration Manager.

3. Action is taken by the Child Protection Officer / Human Resources Manager to ensure the child is safe as a priority and then to investigate the matter. This may require consultation with more senior management and is guided by the Child Protection Policy and procedures. Further guidance in this respect:

All decisions must be guided by the best interests of the child. In situations where difficult decisions need to be made the reporting and reaction protocols must remain child-focused at all times, above and beyond the demands of bureaucracy.
If your concerns involve immediate harm to a child, act without delay, as inaction may place the child in further danger.
If you know any information about the maltreatment of a child, it is your responsibility to tell someone.
In certain instances there will be the obligation for Mkombozi and its staff and others to report concerns to the appropriate external bodies, such as the police or social welfare department. This will usually occur as a consequence of the reporting procedure. However, if urgent action is required in order to protect children then it may be prior to the reporting procedure.
The responsibility for investigating allegations of child abuse rests with the Police and Social Welfare Department. Mkombozi's Child Protection Officer may seek legal advice, the advice of the Social Welfare department or Police in deciding whether a formal referral to the authorities is necessary. If it is decided that external reporting should not take place then there must be a clear rationale for that decision which should be recorded. The decision not to report in such circumstances should be unanimously approved by the Board of Management and the Child Protection Officer.
If a decision is made to place the child in an alternative place of safety the decision must be based upon the child's best interests rather than those of convenience.
A written report with a description of the incident (s), the findings of the investigation and the decisions and actions taken needs to be prepared by the Child Protection Officer and submitted to the Services Coordinators and Director as soon as the incident has been invesitigated.

4. Involvement of authorities (i.e. local police and/or Social Welfare Department).

Standard 3: Preventing harm to children

These are the processes that exist within Mkombozi to minimise the possibility of children being abused by those in positions of trust.

Recruiting staff, volunteers, and consultants and assessing their suitability to work with children

The Child Protection Officer must be informed by the HR Manager when a position becomes vacant so that they are able to input child protection advice from an early stage.
The HR Manager, Programmatic Coordinator and Executive Director collaborate to develop a candidate specification, which is included in the job adverts. This ensures that we recruit the best person for the job (above and beyond child protection issues) by assessing applicants according to pre-determined specific essential and desirable skills.
Advertisements for job vacancies make it clear that Mkombozi has a child protection policy in place.
Adverts for vacancies refer applicants to the Child Protection policy on Mkombozi's website and requests them to read it prior to applying for a position. The purpose of this up-front, transparent approach even prior to interview is to deter abusers from applying to Mkombozi in the first place.
All job applicants and volunteers must provide a minimum of 2 references (not family, more than 2 years relationship with candidate). The HR Manager must check that the two referees are genuine as well as asking them to provide a reference for the applicant. Invitation to interview will only be made subject to satisfactory reference checks.

Note: Mkombozi reserves the right to terminate employment contracts should subsequent information reveal issues of concern in relation to child protection about an applicant / employee.

Mkombozi endeavours to make sure that children are adequately supervised and protected at all times, especially when Mkombozi staff work alone with children and young people at the residential centre

Mkombozi is unable to directly control the environment in which children on the streets or in their communities live. Rather we try to influence policy makers, public servants and communities to prioritise child protection using our communication and training services. However when children are in care at the residential centre we try to ensure the following minimum standards of supervision:

Although sometimes it may be necessary and helpful for a worker to speak with a child alone a worker should where possible not be left to work alone in charge of a group. There may be exceptions to this e.g. educators teaching in class or a social worker accompanying children on a home visit.
An appropriate number of adults have to be available in case of a child becoming ill or there being an accident, and to cope with the behavioural and emotional needs of all the children and young people in the group.
Services Coordinators are responsible for the appropriate allocation of staff.

Checks are made to assess the suitability of families where children are placed with them as foster carers or in recruiting mentors following Mkombozi's mentoring flow chart.

Guidelines for the appropriate use of information technology to ensure children are not endangered, exploited or abused

These guidelines strive to build a "child safe environment" that respects children's physical and mental integrity, privacy and dignity. These guidelines should protect children from those who may use information about them to cause them harm and promote a culture that portrays children accurately, emphasising their role as actors in their own development and that of their peers and communities whilst also acknowledging their vulnerability.

Mkombozi tries to acquire the permission / informed consent of the child to use their images for publicity, fundraising and awareness as much as possible.
We let children and young people give their own accounts as much as possible rather than others speaking on their behalf.
We offer an accurate and balanced portrayal of children and young people, with emphasis on their dignity and with as much reference as possible to their social, cultural and economic environment.
We strive to offer a balanced portrayal even in cases of 'victim hood'.
We present an accurate representation of children and avoid manipulation or sensationalising text and images.
We avoid degrading, victimising or shaming language and images; making inaccurate generalisations; discrimination of any kind and taking pictures out of context.
Children must be appropriately clothed in images and not in sexually provocative poses.
We do not reveal in communications any personal and physical information to identify the location of a child and that could put them at risk.
Mkombozi's website has a page detailing our child protection policy and procedures.
All computers at Mkombozi are "fire walled" to prevent children and staff accessing pornographic material.
Volunteers who mentor children online through our e-mentoring project are screened by icouldbe.org and bound by their child protection policy.

Standard 4: Guidelines on behaviour towards children

It is the responsibility of every Mkombozi employee, volunteer and visitor to prevent the harm of children. These guidelines describe appropriate behaviour towards children.

Standard 5: Guidance on behaviour of children towards other children

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at Mkombozi. If bullying does occur, all children and young people should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING organisation. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the CPO. Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim, and includes:

Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures).
Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
Homophobic: because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality.
Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.
Cyber: Internet misuse; mobile threats by text messaging and calls; misuse of associated technology (i.e. camera and video facilities).

Standard 6: Equal rights of all children to protection

Abuse happens to male and female children of all ages, races, religions and genders. Some children, such as those with physical and / or mental disability are particularly vulnerable. Prejudice and discrimination may prevent some children getting the help that they need. Mkombozi commits to taking all the necessary steps to ensure that all children are protected and receive the support they need.

Child protection procedures, guidance and training help staff to recognise the particular risks faced by some children and the extra difficulties they face getting help, because of their age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, social background or culture.

Standard 7: Communicating the "keep children safe" message

Mkombozi ensures that everyone in the organisation knows how to keep children safe by:

Displaying the Code of Conduct and emergency telephone numbers (including that of the Child Protection Officer) prominently in Swahili on the walls of the residential centre and at the offices. This acts as a constant reminder and point of easy reference in times of doubt and emergency.
Ensuring that all staff have Emergency numbers in their phone address books and they are posted on the wall next to each office phone.
Ensuring that Mkombozi's child protection policy and procedures are available on a dedicated 'Child Protection page' on Mkombozi's website.
Mkombozi representatives promoting the Code and highlighting expected behaviour towards children and young people in all situations where Mkombozi is responsible for bringing children into contact with adults. This ensures that children's best interests remain safeguarded even beyond the scope of the immediate project environment.
Translating into Swahili the Code of Conduct, the Flow Chart for Reporting Abuse and The Children and Young People's Charter and giving a copy to each child or young person who is at the residential centre.
Once a year the Child Protection Officer facilitates a survey of children on the street and at the residential centre to find out their views on how the CPP is working. Their recommendations for improvement are fed into the CPP by the Board of Management.

Standard 8: Education and training for keeping children safe

Everyone in contact with children has a role to play in their protection. They can only carry out this role effectively and confidently if they have the right attitude towards children, are sufficiently aware of child protection issues and have the necessary knowledge and skills to keep children safe. Learning opportunities are necessary for staff to develop and maintain the necessary attitudes, skills and knowledge to keep children safe.

Mkombozi offers the learning opportunities for staff to develop and maintain the necessary skills and understanding to keep children safe. This ensures that all personnel and children themselves understand the importance of child protection, how to implement policies and procedures and how to work to the same high standards. This training also helps children know best to protect themselves and make use of the policies and procedures in place.

Standard 9: Access to advice and support

Child abuse is distressing and can be difficult to deal with. Mkombozi has a duty to ensure advice and support is available to help people play their part in protecting children. Children need someone to turn to when they are being abused. Often they do not know where to go for help.

Standard 10: Implementing and monitoring the standards

To keep children safe, policies, procedures and plans have to be implemented across all parts of Mkombozi. Checks are needed to ensure that this is happening consistently. The views of those involved inside and outside Mkombozi can help to improve the effectiveness of any measures taken.

III. Appendix: Definitions and Acronyms

Child: A is "child" is defined as anyone under the age of 18, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Child abuse: According to the World Health Organisation, "Child abuse" or "maltreatment" constitutes "all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power."

Child protection: A broad term to describe philosophies, policies, standards, guidelines and procedures to protect children from both intentional and unintentional harm. In the current context, it applies particularly to the duty of organisations - and individuals associated with those organisations - towards children in their care.

Direct contact with children: Being in the physical presence of a child or children in the context of the organisation's work, whether contact is occasional or regular, short or long term.

Indirect contact with children: (1) Having access to information on children in the context of the organisation's work, such as children's names, locations (addresses of individuals or projects), photographs and case studies. (2) Providing funding for organisations that work 'directly' with children. Albeit indirectly, this nonetheless has an impact on children, and therefore confers upon the donor organisation responsibility for child protection issues. [N.B. this list of examples is not exhaustive].

Policy: "A statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children from harm and makes clear to all what is required in relation to the protection of children. It helps to create a safe and positive environment for children and to show that the organisation is taking its duty and responsibility of care seriously."

CYP: Children and young people

CPO: Child Protection Officer

CPP: Child Protection Procedures

HR: Human Resources

Mkombozi considers children to be vulnerable when...

they live in poverty;
they are abused/neglected;
they are abused within the home and/or their mothers are victims of domestic violence;
conflict and fighting are more common than love and care;
the adults who care for them misuse the family money;
the children do not get the opportunity to go to school;
home is worse for the child than life on the streets.