Child Protection Policy

Every child we work with has the right to be safe, respected, and free from harm. This is not a compliance exercise — it is a core promise that Umeed makes to every child, family, and community we serve.

1. Our Commitment

Umeed is fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children who come into contact with our programmes, staff, volunteers, interns, and partner organisations. We believe that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount — above all other considerations.
• All children, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances, deserve protection from abuse and exploitation.
• Everyone associated with Umeed has a responsibility to safeguard children.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Umeed staff (paid and unpaid), interns, volunteers, board members, partner organisations, photographers, media representatives, and any other individual working with or on behalf of Umeed.

3. Types of Abuse We Recognise

Umeed recognises the following forms of child abuse and is committed to preventing all of them:

• Physical abuse — causing physical harm to a child.
• Emotional abuse — persistent emotional ill-treatment that impacts a child's development.
• Sexual abuse — involving a child in sexual activity they cannot consent to or comprehend.
• Neglect — failure to meet a child's basic physical, emotional, or developmental needs.
• Exploitation — using a child for labour, trafficking, or any commercial purpose.

4. Safe Conduct — What Is Expected

All persons associated with Umeed must:

• Treat all children with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Never be alone with a child in an unsupervised or private setting.
• Obtain written parental or guardian consent before photographing or filming any child.
• Never share images, personal details, or location information of children on social media without explicit organisational approval.
• Report any concerns about a child's safety immediately to the Safeguarding Focal Point.

5. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal and, where applicable, legal action:

• Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a child.
• Use of language or behaviour that demeans, intimidates, or discriminates against a child.
• Sharing or possessing child sexual abuse material.
• Giving gifts, money, or favours to a child outside of approved programme activities.
• Developing personal relationships with children outside the scope of the programme.

6. Reporting a Concern

If you witness or suspect any form of child abuse or a breach of this policy, report it immediately. You do not need proof — a reasonable concern is enough.

• Internal: Contact Umeed's Safeguarding Focal Point at info@umeedngo.org
• National helpline: Childline India — 1098 (toll-free, 24×7)
• Police: Dial 100 if a child is in immediate danger.

All reports will be treated confidentially and with sensitivity. Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith will not be tolerated.

7. Recruitment and Screening

Umeed conducts background checks and reference verification for all staff and long-term volunteers who work directly with children. All new members are inducted on this policy before engaging in any programme activity.

8. Photography and Media

Images of children must always be taken and used with dignity. We obtain written consent from parents or guardians before using any photograph for programme or promotional purposes. Children will never be portrayed in a manner that could cause embarrassment or harm.

9. Review

This policy is reviewed annually by Umeed's leadership team and updated to reflect changes in law, best practice, or operational context.

10. Governing Framework

This policy is informed by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012, the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and sector best practices.

Contact

Safeguarding concerns or questions:
Umeed — A Drop of Hope
Khanpur, New Delhi — 110062
info@umeedngo.org  |  +91 9650918653