Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy

Lotus Club Foundation – Anuradhapura Valid for the Period: 2025 – 2027

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Introduction

“Children are the future of the world, a country, and the ones who will lead the future.”
Children are vulnerable individuals who cannot make or implement decisions independently. It is the collective responsibility of society to protect them in every possible way.
International organizations like UNICEF lead global efforts to uphold children’s rights. Sri Lanka signed the UNICEF Charter in 1990 and its own Child Charter in 1992. The country has also implemented several international charters against child trafficking, abuse, and exploitation.
Special government bodies, police units, and child protection authorities now exist under the Ministry of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment.

Key Definitions

  • Child: Any individual under the age of 18 (UN definition).
  • Child Protection: Safeguarding children from all forms of abuse and identifying risks to ensure their well-being.
  • Physical Abuse: Use of physical force (e.g., hitting, shaking, burning) causing harm.
  • Sexual Abuse: Involvement of a child in sexual activity for the benefit of an adult.
  • Emotional Abuse: Verbal or other acts, including digital abuse, that harm self-esteem.
  • Neglect: Failure to provide essentials for a child’s well-being when capable.
  • Child Exploitation: Using children for profit, labor, or sexual purposes.
  • Child Labor: Employment of children in hazardous or education-interrupting work.

Lotus Club’s Policy Commitment

  • Lotus Club respects and adheres to all international child protection policies.
  • As a community-based organization, child welfare is both a responsibility and a duty.
  • We are committed to improving children’s health, education, and protection at all levels.
  • Recognizing that brain development is most rapid up to age six, we take all measures to safeguard children during this critical stage.
  • Lotus Club views children as a shared responsibility of society, not as personal property.
  • We support child protection initiatives at every administrative level: Provincial, District, Divisional, and Grama Niladhari.

Scope of the Policy

  • This policy applies to all fields of work within Lotus Club: National, Religious, Cultural & Arts, Environmental, Educational, Health, Agricultural, Economic, Sports, and Miscellaneous.
  • All roles including the Executive Director, Board Members, Managers, Staff, Members, and Small Financial Unit Members must follow this policy.
  • External stakeholders such as donors, suppliers, volunteers, and project collaborators must also adhere to it.
  • We recognize every child as a common responsibility, not confined to a single role or group.

Recruitment Procedure & Staff Conduct

  • All staff and newly appointed officers must comply with the Child Protection Policy.
  • A copy of the policy will be given during onboarding; violation may result in suspension.
  • No person with a history of child abuse can be hired. Police clearance may be required.
  • All staff must provide truthful information during investigations related to child protection.
  • Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone providing false or misleading information.

Sustainable Implementation

  • The Administrative Manager is primarily responsible for policy implementation.
  • The Executive Director, Board of Directors, and all staff are jointly accountable.
  • Discussion of child protection implementation is mandatory in:
    1. Board meetings
    2. Staff meetings
    3. Monthly SFU meetings
    4. General membership or special issue meetings       
  • At least once every six months, Lotus Club will hold:
    1. Awareness sessions
    2. Lectures or training for staff, members, and stakeholders
  • Any breach of policy must be reported to a senior officer and action taken within 7 days.
  • The Administrative Manager must stay updated on international child protection policies and integrate them into this policy.
  • As a civil society organization, Lotus Club will continuously conduct community awareness programs on child protection.