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2013

C-Sema www.sematanzania.org

C-SEMA CHILD PROTECTION POLICY


This policy document is binding for all the C-Sema Staff, Clients, Volunteers, Consultants and Partners. Based on this policy, every person shall use a clear reporting and responding structures, as well as consistent crisis management plans as he/she works out own approach to bring child protection to life in Tanzania.

Table of Contents SECTION A 1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1.1 WHAT WE STAND FOR

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2.0 GENERAL FOUNDATION OF OUR CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 3.0 SCOPE OF OUR WORKING 4.0 PROLOGUE SECTION B 1.0 WHO IS A CHILD? HOW IS A CHILD ABUSED? 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY SECTION C 1.0 FOUR MAIN CATEGORIES OF ABUSES SECTION D 1.0 SEMA TANZANIA BEHAVIOUR CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION E 1.0 PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE SECTION F 1.0 EQUAL RIGHTS OF ALL CHILDREN TO PROTECTION SECTION G 1.0 COMMUNICATING THE CHILDREN SAFETY MESSAGE SECTION H 1.0 EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR CHILDRENS SAFETY

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WELCOME TO C-SEMAS CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

SECTION A: 1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION C-Sema derives its name from a Kiswahili term, Sema that literally means speaking. Civic driven Change brought about by Children is our foundation. This concept revolves around the belief that children are powerful agents of social and economic change. Empowering children to make this change and break the cycle of poverty means making them aware of what their rights and responsibilities are, and equipping them with the tools to put those rights into practice. 1.1 WHAT WE STAND FOR We are committed to creating and maintaining a caring and protective milieu for Children which promotes our base values; that is, of preventing and addressing child abuse and exploitation. We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation, be it within or without our organisation, and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or attempted abuse within our field of influence according to its nature. Our efforts ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise
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awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting and ease response. Our endeavours range from resource management development through training, mentoring, inspiring and counselling to measures such as suspension, dismissal, or legal action. 2.0 THE GENERAL FOUNDATION OF OUR CHILD PROTECTION POLICY C-Semas Child Protection Policy is built on; (i) Our Vision: Become a reputable organisation in Child Protection field nationally and internationally by 2020. (ii) Our Main Objective: To create and provide avenues for Children to SPEAK, be their VOICE LISTEN to them. (iii) Our Believe and Core Value: Make every child appreciate life and use available resources to change his/her environment for a better adult life. (iv) Our Mission: Mentor, Inspire and Early Life Counselling towards Economic, Spiritual and Moral Success in Adult Life. (v) The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): Tanzania has since ratified this instrument and customised it through the Law of the Child Act, 2009. (vi) The African Charter on the Rights & Welfare of the Child (ACRWC): Tanzania is also bound by this document. (vii) Stakeholders: Experience and input of stakeholders from various walks of life, associations and agencies including children who are important stakeholders and profoundly that great value must be placed upon their views.

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3.0 SCOPE OF OUR WORKING We work in the best interest of children and a child is our most important consideration. To us, every child has the right to develop to his or her full potential, to quality education, participation and non-discrimination. We also believe that everybody has the responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse, abandonment, exploitation, violence and discrimination. In this policy, specific attention is focused on internal mechanisms to prevent and respond to child abuse within our Organisation. 4.0 PROLOGUE This policy document is obligatory for all the Staff, Volunteers and associates of C-Sema. Based on this policy manuscript, every person or associate shall use a clear reporting and responding structures, as well as consistent crisis management plans as he/she works out own approach to bring child protection to life in Tanzania. Every child is potentially at risk of abuse and exploitation, if his/her rights are contravened causing physical, moral or emotional harm including beatings, insults, discrimination, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitative labour.1 Some girls or boys may be more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, due to various forms of discrimination and marginalisation relating to their socio-economic status, gender, disability, ethnicity, or living situation. Therefore it is crucial that every person connected with C-Sema understands child abuse, as well as his or her own role and responsibilities in protecting children. SECTION B: 1.0 WHO IS A CHILD? HOW IS A CHILD ABUSED? According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights & Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) a child is every human being below the age of 18 years unless national law recognises the age of majority earlier. Similarly, the Law of the Child Act, 2009 defines a child as a person below the age of eighteen years.2 Section 3 of the Law of the Child Act, 2009 defines Child Abuse as contravention of the rights of the child causing physical, moral or emotional harm including beatings, insults, discrimination, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitative labour. C-Sema therefore adopts Law of the Child Acts definition of Child and Child Abuse recognising further that child abuse and exploitation takes place in our country and in order to respond to child abuse, it is crucial that we as an organisation reach a common understanding (with the authorities) as to what child abuse is and in which circumstances our policies and procedures apply. C-Sema is committed to broader awarenessraising, prevention and advocacy work within families, communities and national authorities to promote the protection of childrens rights.

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Section 3 of the Law of the Child Act, 2009 Section 4 (1) of the Law of the Child Act, 2009

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It is often the case that an abuser is a person close to the child and whom the child trusts. Through this policy we want to positively influence the practices of families within C-Sema programmes and the community to open up and speak about abuses. We further recognises the importance of childrens participation, through School Outreach Programmes we would empower girls and boys to speak up against all forms of abuse, acting as agents of self-protection and the protection of their peers. 2.0 PURPOSE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY For the purpose of this document Child Protection means keeping children safe and protecting them from harm as an integral part of the policy and practice in all C-Semas activities and programmes. It is not optional. The work of C-Sema in all of its services, both in office, and in communities should be planned not just to minimise situations where the harm of children may occur, but also to provide a child-friendly environment. Further we would ensure that all our working to protect children concur with the provisions of Law of the Child Act, 2009, specifically, Part III (CARE AND PROTECTION OF A CHILD). 2.1 This policy aims at: Preventing cases of child abuse and reducing the number of incidents (child-to-child, adult to-child) in facilities and programmes in each member association, making children aware of their rights and their active role in child protection; Informing children, co-workers, board members, family and community members, volunteers and partners (sponsors, donors, journalists, governmental authorities, etc.) about the child protection policy and related procedures (awareness, prevention, reporting, responding); Encouraging co-workers directly involved with children to apply the skills needed to contribute to each childs development and protection, ensuring that all co-workers have the working conditions needed to contribute to each childs; Development and protection, fostering open and honest discussions on child abuse in national meetings and workshops; In all programmes and facilities amongst all stakeholders (children, young adults and their families, child and youth care co-workers, management staff, board members, programmes staff, teachers, maintenance and security staff , etc.) putting in place fair, secure and transparent reporting channels in all types of programmes;

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Guarantee the right of stakeholders (children, parents, staff) to be heard, forming an active network of protection so that all children and adults in our organisation are safe and protected; Within and across all member associations, co-workers strive together for the protection of children. Empowering children to speak up against abuse challenging and changing behaviours.

SECTION C: 1.0 FOUR MAIN CATEGORIES OF ABUSE: 1.1Physical Abuse: It is the actual or potential physical harm caused by an action or lack of action, which is reasonably within the control of the parent or person in a position of responsibility, power, or trust. Physical abuse may involve hitting, spanking, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning and suffocating. It can also mean causing physical harm to a child by fabricating the symptoms of, or deliberately causing, ill health to a child. It is immaterial whether the incidents may be single or repeated. 1.2 Sexual Abuse: It is evidenced by an activity between a child and an adult or another child who, by age or development, is in a relationship of responsibility, trust or power; the activity being intended to gratify or satisfy the needs of the other person. Child sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact and penetrative or non-penetrative acts. This may also include involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic material, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. 1.3 Neglect and Negligent Treatment: It is the inattention or omission on the part of the caregiver to provide for the development of the child in: health, education, emotional development, nutrition, shelter and safe living conditions, in the context of resources reasonably available to the family or caretakers and which causes, or has a high probability of causing, harm to the childs health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. This includes the failure to properly supervise and protect children from harm as much as is feasible.

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1.4 Emotional Abuse: Is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child that adversely affects his or her self-perception and development. It may involve conveying to the child that he or she is worthless, unloved, and inadequate, or there only to meet the needs of another person; or imposing inappropriate expectations upon him/her acts include restricting movement, threatening, scaring, discriminating, scape-goating, corrupting, ridiculing, degrading, bullying, humiliating (e.g. asking potentially embarrassing questions, demanding potentially embarrassing action) or other non-physical forms of hostile or rejecting treatment. Important Notes Child-to-Child Abuse allegations or concerns regarding the abuse of a child by another child need to be responded to with particular sensitivity; nevertheless, they have to be dealt with through the child protection procedures. All work with young people who have committed abuse requires an effective approach which ensures the protection of people affected, while at the same time supporting the young person in challenging and changing his/her behaviour. Any such approach requires: The recognition that a child who has abused another child differs significantly from adults who have committed similar offences, as the child is not fully aware of why he or she has committed abuse and what the consequences are keeping in mind that the best interest of the child is the primary consideration in all decisions made - for both the victim and the abuser. Violation of Childrens Privacy; the protection of a childs privacy refers to private data of the child as well as pictures, texts, films etc. about children which are produced for publicity purposes: any information about a childs history, medical condition and family background has to be stored carefully in the Sema Tanzanias administration. These data are to be handled confidentially and with discretion. SECTION D: 1.0 C-SEMA BEHAVIOUR CODE OF CONDUCT: 1.1 Regarding "safety" 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.

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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 & procedures operating within C-Sema. 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 one 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 C-Sema Child Protection Log Book, the circumstances of any situation which occurs which may be subject to misinterpretation by a third party. 1.2 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.

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NEVER do things of a personal nature that a child could do for him/herself, including dressing, bathing, and grooming. 2. 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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.

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ALWAYS avoid placing children in high-risk peer situations (e.g. unsupervised mixing of older and younger children). 1.5 Regarding Physical Environment ALWAYS address specific physical safety issues relative to the local physical environment of C-Sema. SECTION E: 1.0 PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE: (i) Concern about suspected, witnessed, reported or potential abuse of a child/children by: member or members of staff; visitors to C-Sema; etc. (ii) Discuss your concerns with the Child Protection Officer at C-Sema, 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 C-Sema's Administrative Officer/CEO. (iii) Action is taken by the Child Protection Officer / Administrative Office/CEO 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 C-Sema 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.
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The responsibility for investigating allegations of child abuse rests with the Police and Social Welfare Department. C-Sema'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 C-Semas Executive Board 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 investigated. (iv) Involvement of authorities (i.e. local police and/or Social Welfare Department).

SECTION F: 1.0 EQUAL RIGHTS OF ALL CHILDREN TO PROTECTION Abuse happens to male and female children of all ages, races, religions and gender. 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. C-Sema 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. SECTION G: 1.0 COMMUNICATING THE "CHILDREN SAFETY" MESSAGE C-Sema 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

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at the offices. This acts as a constant reminder and point of easy reference in times of doubt and emergency. Ensuring that all staff has Emergency numbers in their phone address books and they are posted on the wall next to each office phone. Ensuring that C-Sema's child protection policy and procedures are available on a dedicated 'Child Protection page' on www.sematanzania.org Ensuring that Semas representatives promote the Code and highlighting expected behaviour towards children and young people in all situations where we are 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. Have both English and Swahili versions of the Code of Conducts copies, the Flow Chart for Reporting Abuse and The Law of the Child Act, 2009.

SECTION H: 1.0 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. C-Sema 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. 1.2 ACCESS TO ADVICE AND SUPPORT Child abuse is distressing and can be difficult to deal with. C-Sema 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.

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1.3 IMPLEMENTING AND MONITORING THE STANDARDS To keep children safe, policies, procedures and plans have to be implemented across all parts of our Organisational departments. Checks and Balances are needed to ensure that this is happening consistently. The views of those involved inside and outside C-Sema can help to improve the effectiveness of any measures taken.

C-Sema P.O. Box 77933 Dar es salaam www.sematanzania.org info@sematanzania.org

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