Child Safeguarding Policy
Giridham Art & Culture Foundation
Last Updated: 23/02/2026
Giridham Art & Culture Foundation (“Foundation”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is fully committed to protecting every child connected to our work. We believe every child deserves safety, dignity, and respect at all times.
Therefore, this Child Safeguarding Policy explains how we prevent, identify, and respond to any risk of harm to children involved in our programs and activities.
1. Policy Statement
We follow a strict zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse or exploitation.
Through this policy, we aim to:
Protect children from all forms of harm
Create safe and inclusive environments
Promote children’s rights and well-being
Hold staff and volunteers accountable
2. Definition of a Child
For this policy, a child is any person below 18 years of age. This definition follows Indian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
3. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to everyone associated with the Foundation. This includes:
Trustees and Board Members
Employees and Trainers
Volunteers and Interns
Partner Organizations
Consultants and Vendors
Event Coordinators
Donors interacting with children
In addition, the policy covers all child-related programs such as:
Cultural workshops
Art and craft training
Tribal welfare programs
Educational initiatives
Skill development camps
Outreach activities
4. Forms of Child Abuse (Prohibited Conduct)
We strictly prohibit the following behaviors:
Physical Abuse
Any act that causes physical harm, including hitting or pushing.
Emotional Abuse
Bullying, threats, humiliation, or verbal harassment.
Sexual Abuse
Any sexual contact, harassment, or exploitation.
Neglect
Failure to provide proper care, supervision, or safety.
Exploitation
Using children for labor, publicity misuse, or financial benefit.
5. Code of Conduct Around Children
All representatives must interact with children responsibly and respectfully.
Expected Conduct
Treat children with dignity and respect
Use polite and appropriate language
Conduct activities in open spaces
Obtain guardian consent before participation
Maintain professional boundaries
Strictly Prohibited
Physical punishment
Inappropriate touching
Private meetings without consent
Sharing personal contact details
Taking photos without permission
Transporting children alone without approval
6. Photography & Media Protection
We take children’s privacy seriously.
Therefore:
We obtain written guardian consent first
We use images only for official purposes
We protect identities in sensitive cases
We never use images in misleading ways
7. Recruitment & Background Verification
To strengthen safeguarding:
We verify identity documents
We conduct reference checks when needed
We do not engage individuals with child-related criminal history
8. Reporting Mechanism
If anyone notices a safeguarding concern, they must report it immediately.
Reports can be made to:
Program Coordinator
Safeguarding Officer
Trustee or Management Committee
Reports may be verbal or written.
9. Mandatory Reporting to Authorities
Where the law requires, we report cases to:
Local Police Authorities
Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
District Child Protection Unit (DCPU)
We follow the POCSO Act, 2012 and the Juvenile Justice Act in all such matters.
10. Response & Investigation
When we receive a complaint, we act promptly.
We:
Ensure the child’s immediate safety
Suspend the accused if required
Start an internal inquiry
Inform authorities where necessary
Maintain strict confidentiality
11. Confidentiality & Data Protection
We handle all safeguarding information carefully.
We:
Keep reports confidential
Share details only with authorized persons
Store records securely
We also protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
12. Training & Awareness
We build awareness through:
Staff safeguarding orientation
Volunteer training sessions
Safe program design workshops
Regular policy reviews
13. Risk Assessment
Before conducting programs, we assess risks such as:
Venue safety
Travel arrangements
Supervision levels
Emergency contacts
14. Partner Organization Compliance
All partner institutions must follow this policy or maintain equivalent safeguarding standards.
15. Policy Violations
If anyone violates this policy, we may take action, including:
Suspension
Termination
Legal proceedings
Police complaints (if applicable)
16. Policy Review
We review and update this policy periodically to reflect legal and operational changes.
17. Safeguarding Contact
Giridham Art & Culture Foundation
Unit No. 259, New Ashriwaad Industrial Estate No. 5,
Ram Mandir Cross Lane, Goregaon (West),
Mumbai – 400104
📞 +91 9969456938
📞 +91 8904011789
📞 +91 9591666047