Our Platform is a space where children under 18 participate in activities to share their views. It is important that children feel safe and respected.
Participation is a children’s right. It can be rewarding for them to learn new skills, develop their confidence and have a role in shaping their future in a safe environment.
Some of the topics discussed, or comments made by adults and other children could make a child feel uneasy. They may also notice that another child is feeling uncomfortable.
That’s why we have a safeguarding framework to make sure that everyone on the Platform feels safe and treated with respect. To support the Platform’s activities, we also have Child Protection Officers and Child Empowerment Officers to address any safeguarding concerns.
Our promise is to create a secure and enjoyable space during all our activities (online and in‑person). We plan for safety from the start, use age‑appropriate content and safe ways to speak, include everyone, do not allow mean words or behaviors, require respect, and act quickly if something feels wrong.
We follow nine requirements for safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation:
- Transparent and informative: We share all necessary information, so that everyone understands the participation processes and their rights.
- Voluntary: Participation is always by choice, making sure no one feels forced to take part.
- Respectful: Everyone is treated with respect, and their opinions are valued.
- Relevant: Activities and discussions are important and meaningful to children.
- Child-friendly environments and working methods: We create fun and always safe spaces and use methods that are appropriate and interesting for children.
- Inclusive: We make sure all children, regardless of their background or abilities, can fully participate.
- Supported by training: We make sure our staff can support children’s participation safely.
- Safe and sensitive to risks: We identify and reduce any potential risks to keep everyone safe.
- Accountable: We regularly review and improve our safeguarding measures to make sure they work.
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To make sure children are safe, we do the following:
- Plan for safety: Everyone helps keep things safe; we share information on handling concerns.
- Train everyone: We teach everyone on the Platform how to stay safe and follow the rules.
- Fun and ALWAYS safe activities: Plan with safety in mind; include age‑appropriate content and safe ways to communicate online.
- We make sure our activities are accessible to all children, including those with disabilities.
- We encourage respectful and open communication among everyone to promote a culture of understanding and respect.
- Check and fix: Act fast when concerns are reported; solve problems quickly and improve practices.
- Decide safely: Obtain permission from children and parents or guardians before any activity.
- We provide easy ways for children and adults to report any concerns or problems. You can report in person or by email to cppsafeguarding@icf.com.
By following these steps, we create a safe and supportive environment where children can participate without fear.
We protect every child under 18, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, race, religion, or identity. No one is left out or left behind.
Our safeguarding framework requires the Platform to:
- Make sure every child feels secure and can speak freely without fear.
- Train and support staff to consistently protect children.
- Collaborate to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
- Commit to high safety standards to inspire others to enhance their safety efforts.