Child Protection Policy

Gully Classes Foundation (referred to as "we/us") is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of children. This Child Protection Policy (CPP) outlines the expectations and guidelines for the conduct of individuals associated with Gully Classes Foundation to safeguard the children participating in its programs.

Objective and Definition of Child Abuse:

The policy aims to identify behaviors and actions that constitute child abuse, including physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligent treatment, or any form of exploitation. Child abuse is defined as any action or behavior resulting in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, survival, development, or dignity within the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust, or power (Source: A report of the consultation on child abuse prevention, WHO, Geneva, 29-31 March 1999).

Applicability:

This CPP is applicable to all individuals employed by Gully Classes Foundation, including part-time and full-time employees (Staff, Fellows, Interns), as well as any other person contractually bound to the Child Protection Policy. The policy will also be communicated to and explained for all school Headmasters/Lead teachers. Government schools under our purview will adhere to their respective state-level Child Protection Policies. Low-income private schools associated with us will be encouraged to adopt this policy if they don't have a similar one in place.

Expected Conduct:

Expected Behavior and Actions:

Treat every child with empathy and respect, irrespective of their characteristics.
Listen to children and respect their views.
Ensure that physical contact with a child is respectful, culturally appropriate, and essential to the purpose of interaction.
Foster an atmosphere that promotes children's development through actions and words.
Obtain permission from children before taking their photos or videos.
Keep all personal information about children or their parents/guardians confidential and secure.
Attend all relevant training sessions and workshops on CPP and child-related laws.

Prohibited Behavior and Actions:

Do not engage in language or behavior towards children that is inappropriate, harassing, abusive, or discriminatory.
Do not use corporal punishment on children.
Do not place a child in a harmful environment or engage in any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Do not share inappropriate content with or show it to children.
Do not develop or support physical or sexual relationships with children.
Do not use or encourage the use of intoxicating substances while interacting with children.
Do not engage in any exploitative or abusive relationships or arrangements with children.

Preventive Measures:

Gully Classes Foundation implements the following preventive measures:

Onboarding Staff and Fellows: Screening applicants, conducting child protection awareness training, and enforcing child safety guidelines for excursions, picnics, and educational tours.
Self-Declaration: All Fellows and Staff must self-declare previous cases of criminal offenses and child mistreatment during the application process.
Visitor Accompaniment: Ensure that visitors to a school are accompanied by a Staff Member or Fellow.
Research and Data Collection: Ensure that research on children or data collection does not harm or traumatize children.
Partnerships for Education: Partner with organizations to conduct age-appropriate sessions on personal safety and collaborate with child abuse prevention and child rights organizations.

Redressal Mechanisms:

Gully Classes Foundation has established a comprehensive redressal mechanism, including:

City Child Protection Officer (CCPO): Nodal person in each city to ensure CPP compliance.
City Child Protection Committee (CCPC): A committee supporting the CCPO in redressal decisions and policy implementation.
National Child Protection Officer (NCCPO): Oversees the policy at the national level, conducts reviews, and strengthens child protection measures.

For detailed information on the redressal mechanism, please refer to the guidelines provided in Annexure 3.

Reporting and Redressal of Violations:

The CPP addresses three scenarios of policy violations and provides guidelines for reporting and redressal in each case:

Where the alleged victim is any child (associated or non-associated) and the alleged offender is a Staff or Fellow.
Where the alleged victim is a Gully Classes Foundation student, and the alleged offender is not a Staff or Fellow.
Where the alleged victim can be any child, and the alleged offender is anyone, particularly in cases of sexual abuse.

For additional information and guidelines on the Complaint Redressal Mechanism, please refer to the relevant document.

Date: [Current Date] Website: https://www.gcfindia.in/ Email: info@gcfindia.in