HELP a NEEDY SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL)

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Please note: This Child Protection Policy will focus on providing Shelter,
Sustenance Education, Medical Care and Emotional Support to Vulnerable
Children, Less Privilege, Teenage Mothers, Physically Challenged, Orphans,
Beggars and Elderly people within Sierra Leone and its environs. The Organization
shall adhere to internationally accepted best practices in the care for children and
adults. Furthermore, the Organization commits to guardianship of the natural
environment, to follow internationally accepted best practices in all development
projects.

INTRODUCTION
This policy is designed to serve the people of Sierra Leone by maintaining and
enhancing their well-being especially the Vulnerable People, Less Privileged or
Marginalized Groups. Through Humanitarian Intervention and Relief Service to
those affected by nature and man-made disasters and other unforeseen
circumstances.

Child Protection Statement: Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is committed

to create a just, free and equal Sierra Leone where every citizen will be treated
with dignity and given equal opportunities in service delivery. We also….. (are you
supporting or protecting be clear on this please.) support the rights and wellbeing
of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and
maintaining a secure environment for all participants.

POLICY COVERAGE:
This policy applies to all individuals working the with Help a Needy -Sierra Leone
(HaN-SL), including:
 Paid and volunteer staff
 Children, young people and Elderly people participating in the
organization
 Visitors including caregivers and family members, program partners,
etc

Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) expects that all those involved in the
organization will follow the policies and procedures outlined in this document. If
breaches of these policies and procedures occur they will be dealt with by our
Country Director (see page 3 for more information on this position) and the
manager of our auspice agency.

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse can take the form of Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse
or Neglect. Child abuse can have long term and significant effects on a child or
young person’s development. The Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is
committed to responding without delay to any suspicions of child abuse or neglect.
HELP a NEEDY -SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL)

TYPES OF ABUSE

PHYSICAL ABUSE
This abuse occurs when a person intentionally injures or threatens to injure a child
or young person. The injury may involve: slapping, kicking, punching, shaking,
burning, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, strangling or any other form of
behaviour causing physical injury. Physical abuse can also involve a situation
where a parent or caregiver is not adequately ensuring a child or young person’s
safety, leading to them being placed in situations of extreme physical danger.

SEXUAL ABUSE
Sexual abuse is when a person uses their power over a child or young person to
involve them in sexual activity. Sexual abuse covers a wide range of sexual
activities including both contact and non-contact situations. Contact situations can
involve fondling of the child or young person’s genitals, being forced to touch
somebody else’s genitals, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration by a
penis, finger or other object. Non-contact abuse can involve obscene calls or
remarks made in any written form. It involves exposure to pornography or being
photographed for pornography.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Emotional abuse involves a consistent attack on the child or young person’s self-
esteem to the extent that it is affecting the child or young person’s physical,
emotional, social and/or intellectual development. It can take the form of rejection,
put-downs, intimidation, threats, frightening or isolating the child or young person.

NEGLECT
This is a situation where a child or young person’s basic daily needs are not being
met and this is risking their health and development. It can involve a lack of food,
clothing, personal hygiene, shelter, medical treatment or appropriate supervision.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is aware of its legal and moral obligation to
protect the children and young people in its care. It recognises that it could be
legally liable for any abuse that may occur while a child or young person is in its
care. Therefore, we are committed in keeping those individuals employed by Help
a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL), whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, aware
of their legal obligations in relation to child protection.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN: During the working with Children a person

who is performing ‘child related work’ needs to apply for a police clearance.
Particularly irrelevant to Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) under the Act that
requires a check of all persons involved with “coaching or tuition services of any
kind for children”. All individuals over 18 years of age who are working in a paid
or voluntary capacity with Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) need to have a
police clearance and proof of non-criminal recodes.

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES ACT: In Help a Needy-Sierra Leone

(HaN-SL), Youth and Families are the legislation which covers the protection of
children, young people and Elderly people. Under the Help a Needy-Sierra Leone
(HaN-SL) law of a child is regarded as being a person under 18 years of age.

HELP a NEEDY- SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL)

A CHILD SAFE ORGANISATION
Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is committed in protecting children, young
people and Elderly people in its care and will promote itself as a child safety
organisation in any materials published whether in hard copy or on electronic
media, using the following Child Protection Statement:
Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is committed to the safety and wellbeing
of all it children, young people and elderly people accessing our service. We
support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a
child-safe environment is maintained at all times. We also support the rights
and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active
participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all
participants.

CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER

As a further sign of our commitment Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) has a
designated Child Protection Officer. The child protection officer is supported in
this role by the Head of Operation of Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL).

THE CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE HELP a NEEDY- SIERRA

LEONE (HaN-SL).
The Chid Protection Officer must:
Have knowledge on training as appropriate and take proactive steps to be
kept informed of developments in the field of child abuse prevention.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
Under the law, an organisation could be held liable for negligence if abuse
occurred and it had not taken the appropriate steps to prevent it. Areas in which
this may be applicable are the selection and retention of paid or voluntary staff and
procedures for the supervision of children, young people and elderly people. For
example, an organisation puts itself at risk if it hires a person that is recommended
by a colleague without thoroughly checking the individual (e.g. working with
Children, Police Clearance, reference and academic qualifications). If it turned out
that the employee had a record of violence or child abuse, which could have been
identified by undertaking a Working with Children through the police clearance
and then preceded to abuse children in the organisation, then the organisation could
be considered legally negligent in their selection process. This may involve the
organisation being sued.

ALL STAFF OF HELP a NEEDY-SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL) MUST:

Be the first contact point for anyone working with Help a Needy- Sierra
Leone ((HaN-SL) who has a concern about a child, young person and
elderly person.
Confidentially document minor concerns about a child, young person or
elderly person that could build into an overall concerning picture. Make sure
any records are kept strictly confidential and include date and signature.
Report any concerns to police, Head of Operations or support a fellow staff
member/volunteer who is making a report.
Ensure that all those working with Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL),
are aware of all policies and procedures connected with the organization
Child Protection Policy.
Monitor any concerning emails, messages or images on the Internet or via
other technology that arise in the course of the organization.
 Proactively promote any projects that is welcoming a, secure and supportive
environment so children, young people and elderly people will feel
comfortable in expressing any difficulties or concerns they may have.
Oversee the annual review and changes to the policies and procedures
connected with the Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Child Protection
Policy.
Arrange training needed in relation to child protection or protective
behaviours for staff, volunteers, children, young people or elderly people
benefiting from Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL).
Coordinate and follow up anything that may be required after a report of
abuse to the police or the Head of Operations.
Liaise with the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Help a Needy Sierra
Leone (HaN-SL) who is responsible for handling any media enquires that
arise.

REPORTING PROCEDURES:
Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) has the following guiding principles in
relation to responding to concerns about a child, young people or elderly people
safety and welfare issues and will recognises any allegation of abuse involves:
The right of the child, young people or elderly people to be listened to,
protected and supported
The right of the child, young people or elderly people and their families to
have their concerns acted on.
The right of the alleged perpetrator to a fair process
Everyone’s right to privacy
The responsibility of Help a Needy of Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) to ensure all
concerns are dealt with promptly and in a respectful manner.

PROCEDURES FOR ALL STAFF (PAID OR VOLUNTARY):

APPOINTING A CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER

The Child protection Officer will simply be in charge of monitoring the welfare of
children, young people or elderly people within the organization and it is important
to ensure that the responsibilities listed above are incorporated into the role.

HELP a NEEDY- SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL)

If a child, young person or elderly person is displaying signs indicating they
are being abused or may have been abused. This includes when a child,
young person elderly person has disclosed any information that they have
 been abused/neglected or that they know of another child, young person or
elderly person who has.
Of any behaviour by staff (paid or voluntary), parents, visitors to the
organization or between children/young people and their peers that is
concerning e.g. someone seeking to be alone with a particular child or group
of children.
At all times the confidentiality and privacy of beneficiaries benefiting from
the organization must be respected.
It is the responsibility of any staff member, paid or voluntary who has raised
a concern about a child or young person’s welfare to ensure their concerns
have been acted upon.

PROCEDURES FOR CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER.

Once notified of a concern, the Child protection Officer will then proceed to
manage the case confidentially.
Steps should be taken to immediately ensure the child, young person or
elderly person emotional and physical safety. If appropriate the child or
young person’s parents or caregivers will be notified.
If necessary, prior to formally reporting the incident, the Child protection
Officer may consult the Head of Operations.
When a decision is being made to report to the police for investigation, the
Child protection Officer, if feasible, will do so in consultation with the Head
of Operation in that particular area. Any notification must happen promptly
and the child or young person’s safety/welfare should be the top priority.
The Child Protection Officer will keep confidential written documentation of
any concerns raised including steps taken in follow up. All documentation
should be dated and signed.
Any support required by the child, young person, their family or staff of
Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is to be arranged by the Child
Protection Officer.
If the alleged perpetrator of the abuse is a staff member (paid or voluntary)
of Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL), the Child Protection Officer must
initially remove this person from contact with the children and young
people. This may include “standing down” the person until investigations
are complete. Consultation with the Head of Operations of the Help a
Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) needs to occur prior to the “standing
down” or as soon as possible afterwards.
Throughout the whole process the Child Protection Officer must keep the
Head of Operations of the Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) informed
of any developments in the situation.
 The Child Protection Officer must ensure their concerns about a child or
young person’s welfare are being acted upon, this may mean in some
circumstances reporting again to the police.

PROCEDURES FOR HEAD OF OPERATIONS OF HELP a NEEDY

SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL)
Support the Child Protection Officer as required.
Is the responsible for the formal follow up of a staff member being “stood
down”.
Will respond to any media and external enquires to the situation.

HELP a NEEDY- SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL)

INDICATORS OF ABUSE:
It should be noted that at Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) we consider that
any child or young person who discloses any abuse or neglect should be believed.

RISK MANAGEMENT:
All projects and activities at Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) are required to
undergo regular child protection risk analysis. This will be carried out by the Head
of Operations and the Program Coordinator of Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-
SL). The risks are evaluated and strategies developed to minimise the likelihood of
harm occurring.

RECRUITMENT, SCREENING, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is committed to ensuring that all staff and
volunteers undergo comprehensive screening to create a safe environment for the
children and young people accessing its services.

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES
In all advertisements and material promoting positions, the organisation’s
commitment to child protection and screening mechanisms should be made
clear
Written position descriptions must be developed for all positions, which
include key selection criteria and promote Help a Needy-Sierra Leone
(HaN-SL) commitment to child protection.
Applicants should be encouraged to self-assess their suitability for the
position and be provided with further information about the organisation and
position.
TIPS FOR COORDINATORS

DISCLOSURE
If a child or young person discloses abuse, the person should:
Say they believe them
Praise them for having shared the information
Reassure them the abuse is not their fault.
Inform them you will be talking to the authorities to get help for them.
Listen carefully to what they say but do not directly question the child or
young person as this will not help with future investigations by police.
Be very aware how distressing disclosing the information could be for the
child or young person and be supportive.

INTERVIEW AND BACKGROUND CHECK PROCEDURES

STAFF: Applicants meeting key selection criteria will be selected for
interview. Panel interviews should be conducted with behavioural and
situational based questions. The organisation’s commitment to child
protection should be reiterated.

VOLUNTEERS: Face to face interviews must be conducted on prospective

volunteers to understand volunteer motivations and to inform prospective
volunteers about the volunteer role, program operations, screening
mechanisms and compulsory training.
Two forms of identity must be checked at volunteer and staff interviews,
including one with a photograph.
Working with Children Checks must be conducted on all staff and
volunteers – receipt should be sighted before volunteers commence and
volunteers must only work under direct supervision until check arrives.

PROCEDURES FOR INDUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF

STAFF
Adherence to Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Child Protection Policy
is required by all staff as part of the Contract of Employment. New staff
must be given a copy of the Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Child
Protection Policy and asked to sign a clause acknowledging they have read,
understood and agreed to abide by the policy.
During the probationary period of 3 months all new staff will be oriented in
relation to:
understanding, recognising and responding to abuse and neglect;
 understanding the Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Homework Club
Child Protection Policy; and
other important aspects of their role related to protecting the wellbeing of
children and young people
Staff should participate in education and training programs to improve their
knowledge of child protection and best practice in responding to allegations
of abuse and neglect.
Staff should be supported and supervised as positive role models to children
and young people. Any concerns in relations to their suitability to work with
children and young people should be addressed in the Performance
Management process.

INDUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEERS

As part of the induction process, Help a Needy -Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) will
discuss the Code of Conduct to volunteers and ensure that volunteer
understands their responsibilities and boundaries of their role. The Code of
Conduct includes a clause acknowledging the volunteer has read, understood
and agreed to abide by the Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Child
Protection Policy.
Volunteers should be trained about the Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-
SL) Child Protection Policy, including learning about understanding,
recognising and responding to abuse and neglect.
Volunteers should have the opportunity to participate in additional
workshops and training to improve the protection of children and young
people.
Volunteers should be supported and supervised as positive role models to
children and young people. Any concerns in relation to their suitability to
work with children and young people should be addressed by the Help a
Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Programmed coordinator, involving the
Child protection Officer, in private discussion with the relevant volunteer.
Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) will evaluate the volunteer program
regularly.

INTERNET SAFETY
Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) recognises that the internet, mobile phones
and other forms of information technology can be used as an avenue for child
abuse. At the same time information technology can have a wonderfully positive,
informative and creative part to play in a child or young person’s education. Help
a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) works to teach children and young people of safe
and respectful ways to work with information technology. Any indication of
inappropriate activity either against a child, young person or elderly person or
initiated by them, in any form of media must be reported to the Child Protection
Officer immediately.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL

Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) recognises that the use of alcohol and drugs
by staff and volunteers can impact on:
The safety and well-being of the beneficiary benefiting from the
organization.
The integrity and professionalism of the organization.

TIPS FOR COORDINATORS

PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOURS
Protective Behaviour programs empower children and young people to be assertive
and understand their rights. Such programs have been shown to assist children and
young people to be less vulnerable to abuse.

HELP a NEEDY SIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL)

the degree to which staff and volunteers behave as appropriate role models:
As such staff and volunteers should not attend the program under the influence of
alcohol or any recreational drugs. Individuals taking prescription drugs that may
affect their ability to carry out their duties in a responsible and professional manner
should discuss this with the Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Coordinator.
Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) acknowledges that the use, supply and
possession of recreational drugs, and the use of alcohol for people under the age of
18 is against the law. Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) also recognises that
the use of recreational drugs and and/or alcohol can have negative impacts on a
young person’s physical health, and their social and emotional wellbeing. The
program does not allow the possession, supply or use of drugs or alcohol to anyone
on the premises or during the running of the homework club. This includes the
possession of drug paraphernalia.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) seeks to clarify acceptable behaviour in
order to enhance the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people
benefiting from the organization, and to protect staff, volunteers and the
organisation. The code of conduct must be explained and discussed with all new
staff and volunteers, who need to read and sign the code before commencing.

REVIEW AND MONITORING

The policies and procedures outlined in this document are to be formally reviewed
at least annually in November. Feedback on the policy will be sought from: staff
and volunteers; children and young people attending; and from anyone else
involved within the organization.
The review will assess:
whether all parts of this policy and related procedures are being successfully
adhered to and whether any alterations are necessary
which staff member will be the Child Protection Officer for the coming year
any training needs for the coming year
changes or updates in information and/or law related to Child Protection

INDICATORS OF CHILD ABUSE

When looking at indicators of abuse, adults need to be aware that if any of the
below do exist it does not automatically mean abuse is happening. This is where
professional judgment is vital. It is expected that if anyone has doubts or concerns
no matter how small about a child or young person, that these will be discussed as
soon as possible with the Child Protection Officer.

SOME INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE:

Bruises, burns, sprains, dislocations, bites, cuts, welts.
Symptoms indicating poisoning.
Fractured bones
Internal injuries
Shaking injuries
Evidence of strangulation
Refuses to talk about injuries or implausible reasons given for injuries
Wary or distrustful of adults
Expresses little or no emotion when hurt
Is scared of returning home or of their parents being contacted.
Withdraws from physical contact
Is aggressive towards others or alternately can be very passive or complaint
Wears winter clothing that covers their arms and legs in warmer weather.
Self-destructive behaviour
Regular “running away” incidences
Is fearful when other children cry or shout

SOME INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE:

Itchiness, soreness, discharge or unexplained bleeding
Injury to genital or rectal area
Discomfort in urinating or defecating
 Frequent urinary tract infections
Sexually transmitted diseases
Pregnancy in adolescence where the identity of the father is vague or secret
Bruising and other injuries to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen and thighs
Torn, stained or bloodied underwear
Difficulty walking or sitting
Anxiety related illnesses like anorexia or bulimia
Shows persistent and age-inappropriate sexual activity
Very attentive to adults of a particular sex or fearful of a particular sex
Display an unusual interest in the genitals of others
Acting out sexual behaviour with adults, dolls or other children.
Open displays of sexuality e.g. repeated public masturbation
Precocious knowledge of sexual matters.
Complains of stomach or headaches
Regressive behaviour e.g. bedwetting, separation anxiety
Acting out behaviour such as aggression, lying, stealing, running away, drug
or alcohol abuse, suicide attempts.
Difficulty sleeping and nightmares
Excessive bathing

SOME INDICATORS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE:

Delayed development in one or more areas
Speech disorders
High anxiety
Low self-esteem
Very aggressive or passive
Difficulties in relating to adults or peers
Inappropriate behaviour for their age e.g. overly adult such as parenting
other children to overly Infantile e.g. thumb-sucking.
Fear in new situations
Excessive running away or drug/alcohol abuse.
Compulsive stealing

SOME INDICATORS OF NEGLECT:

Regularly tired and/ or hungry as a result may steal food or fall asleep in
class
Poor hygiene
Low self-esteem
Left unsupervised for long lengths of time or abandoned by
parents/caregivers.
 Regularly wears clothing that is not suitable for the weather
Medical needs that have not been attended to.
Frequently away from school or arriving very late
Drug or alcohol abuse
Poor social relations or indiscriminate with affection
Hangs around at school or other programs outside their regular hours.

HELP a NEEDYSIERRA LEONE (HaN-SL) INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF CONDUCT
Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) everyone has the right to be safe, to be
treated with respect, and to feel comfortable in the learning environment, including
online. These guidelines outline how to use the internet and behave online when
you are at Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL)

USING THE COMPUTERS IN GENERAL

I agree to be responsible and follow the rules set out below whilst using the
computers:
I will not do anything that may cause damage to computers or to the
information stored on computers
If I bring in a USB key or CD, I will give it to the coordinator first so it can
be checked
I must not install any software unless the coordinator or a tutor tells me to do
so
I must not copy or change any software or settings on the computers unless I
am asked to do so by the coordinator or a tutor
I understand that I must not copy work and hand it in as my own. I will not
copy or download anything that belongs to someone else without their
permission
I will only print if given permission by the coordinator or a tutor

USING THE INTERNET AND EMAIL

The internet and e-mail should only be used when the coordinator or a tutor has
given me permission to do so. The purpose of using email during the Help a
Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) is to make contact with others to support learning
and related projects or other school activities. As such I agree to be responsible and
follow the rules set out below whilst using the internet or email:
I will not give out any personal details, or the details of any other person on
the internet, for
Example:
Name
 home address or school address
telephone number
password
photographs of myself or anyone else other than when given permission by
the coordinator
I will not arrange to meet anyone I have been in contact with via the internet
and I will inform the coordinator immediately should anyone contact me and
suggest I do so
I will not use the internet or email to bully or cause upset to others, or make
disrespectful remarks about the program, its staff, volunteers or other
students
I will not use chat rooms, news groups or instant messaging
I will not play or download games unless given permission to do so by the
coordinator
I will not deliberately search for inappropriate materials
If I see anything or receive any messages I do not like, I will tell the
coordinator or a tutor Immediately
I will only open or send email and/or attachments when I am being
supervised by the coordinator or a tutor
I am aware that information on a web site may be inaccurate or biased and
will try to verify the information using other sources, if possible, before
using it
I will respect copyright and trademarks and will not copy text or pictures
from the Internet and hand it in as my own work
I will be held responsible for my actions, my parents will be informed if I do
not follow these rules and there may be serious consequences which may
include no access to the network, and in extreme cases, exclusion (either for
a fixed term or permanently) from the Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-SL)

USING MOBILE PHONES

Mobile phones have become a very common way of keeping in contact,
particularly with friends. If I use a mobile phone during Homework Club, I will
not:
make a call(s) or send a message(s) or photograph(s) to bully or cause upset
to other pupils, staff or parents
use a mobile phone during the Homework Program, unless authorised by a
teacher, and understand if I do so, it may be permanently removed
I will be held responsible for my actions, my parents will be informed if I do
not follow these rules and there may be serious consequences, which may
include not being allowed to bring my mobile phone to the Homework
 Program, and in extreme cases, exclusion (either for a fixed term or
permanently) from the program

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

I ___________________________, in undertaking to work/volunteer for the
Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL), hereby agree to:
Support the wellbeing and participation in accordance with the aims/goals
identified by the student and/or coordinator
Attend the Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) at the designated times I
am required. Volunteers need to commit to at least once a week for two
terms.
Notify the coordinator as early as possible if unable to attend
To work in a supervised or public area and to notify the coordinator if there
is a need to leave the area unattended
Attend ongoing training and meetings
Assist with documentation of student progress, as directed by coordinator
Work co-operatively with coordinator including seeking guidance and being
receptive to support and advice
Develop positive relationships with students and behave as an appropriate
role model by showing respect for students, volunteers, staff and all other
people, and by engaging in friendly, positive, polite and helpful interaction
Understand and value diversity amongst students, staff and volunteers
Respect the rights of the students and their families to confidentiality, unless
there are concerns regarding a student’s wellbeing
Report any concerns about a child or young person’s wellbeing to the
coordinator and to ensure these concerns are acted upon
Read, understand and abide by the Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-SL)
Child Protection Policy.
Establish healthy boundaries and only promise what is realistic
Exercise a duty of care at all times, using common sense and exercising
reasonable caution in working with students and not placing students at risk
of foreseeable harm
Not attend the program whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Inform the Program Coordinator:
If any difficulties are experienced during an activity
Of any accident or injury that occurs during an activity (to tutor or a student)
Of any information provided by the student that may relate to mandatory
reporting issues (such as abuse, domestic violence, self-harm, suicidal
thoughts or intentions, homelessness, Etc.)
Of any intention to leave an activity
 Discuss areas of concern with the Program Coordinator for resolution. If the
matter remains unresolved, refer the matter to the Manager of Help a Needy-
Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) Community Centre. If the matter continues
unresolved, all parties should follow the Grievance Procedure
Avoid any inappropriate contact or conduct with students, including:
Touching students inappropriately (such as stroking, hugging, kissing or
caressing)
Grabbing, pushing, smacking, punching or otherwise hitting
Showing favouritism or developing special relationships with students (such
as excluding Students from a group, giving inappropriate gifts to students or
unreasonably and overtly Favouring a student)
Using any internet, computer, mobile phone, PDA or other audio-visual
equipment with Students to access inappropriate content (such as
pornography, sexually explicit pictures or Messages, violent or unsuitable
video games or movies)
Not discuss the program with / devolve any program information to third
parties (including media).
All queries should be passed on to the Help a Needy- Sierra Leone (HaN-
SL) Coordinator or the Manager of Help a Needy Sierra Leone (HaN-
SL)Community Centre
Be familiar with the Help a Needy-Sierra Leone (HaN-SL) rules and
policies and to work in accordance with its regulations, policies, legislative
and administrative requirements

I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NOT MY ROLE TO:

Discipline any beneficiary or manage their behaviour
Meet with or contact (including by phone, email, Facebook, etc.) any
students outside of program activities
Monitor the student’s home life or parents’ responsibilities/duties to the
student
Give personal advice, especially on matters of health, finance, relationships
or legal situations
Be involved in investigating or following up complaints relating to a student
Displace family and extended family relationships
Have access to the student’s care or personal records or become involved
in the financial affairs of the student and his/her family.
Signed by the five (5) top officials:

CEO Signature: ………………………

(Name)

Chairman Signature: ………………………

(Name)

Secretary Gen. Signature:

………………………
(Name)

Treasurer Signature:
………………………
(Name)