The protection of children from all forms of abuse is of prime importance to CSI and is considered both a corporate and individual responsibility. Everyone who works for CSI must take all possible precautions to protect the children with whom they come into contact.
As is clearly identified in the Strategic Plan, our work is founded on the principle of upholding the rights-based framework provided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. While our mission statement was intended to speak about child soldiers who are in need because they are caught up in conflict, this policy addresses specific acts of maltreatment towards a child or children.
When working directly with children, and particularly when travelling overseas, all Board Members, staff, consultants and volunteers (referred to as CSI ‘representatives’) should comply with the following guidelines:
• Avoid being alone with children for any significant periods of time. Ideally two adults should be present for the supervision of all activities with children;
• CSI representatives should never hold, fondle, kiss, cuddle or touch minors in an inappropriate or culturally insensitive way;
• If it is necessary to spend time alone with a child permission should be obtained from either the parents or guardians.
• CSI representatives are required to make appropriate use of information technology (such as email, websites, internet) to ensure that they do not participate in the sexual exploitation of children by viewing internet pornography.
Any member of staff who discovers or suspects another staff member or representative of any form of abusive practice should refer the matter immediately and in confidence to a member of the Leadership Team or the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. For staff members, volunteers or other representatives of CSI, any breach will be addressed as part of the normal disciplinary procedures of this organisation.
The participation of children in CSI activities should also be undertaken with respect for the rights and needs of those children, providing protections against any potential exploitation that could occur, for example through their exposure to the media and under all circumstances ensuring the full consent of the child.
When warranted, CSI will report cases of abuse of children for investigation and possible prosecution. All members of the Board of Trustees, Regional Coordinators and National Coordinators shall be made aware of this policy and shall be covered by it.