The issue of child protection is very important to us. We do everything in our power to protect children and other vulnerable individuals in our projects as best as possible.
All relevant aspects are set out in our Child Protection Policy. It outlines how we aim to protect children in the best possible way and which measures must be taken in cases of suspected abuse. In all our projects, both a woman and a man have been appointed as contact persons for child protection. They are responsible for reviewing suspected cases and, if necessary, taking further action. At the same time, they are responsible for safeguarding the affected individuals as well as respecting the personal rights of those suspected.
All local staff members receive training on child protection once a year. During the training, the Child Protection Policy is reviewed in detail, and all participants are required to sign to confirm that they have completed the training, understood the child protection guidelines, and will adhere to them. Misconduct is grounds for dismissal. When new staff members are hired, reading and signing the Child Protection Policy is part of the onboarding process.
Visitors to our projects, as well as volunteer staff, are also required to read the Child Protection Policy and provide written confirmation that they will strictly adhere to it. The same naturally applies to the entire Board of Austrian Doctors and the two full-time employees.
Through additional Child Protection workshops, as well as awareness workshops conducted by our Rainworkers, we help spread knowledge about sexual health and child protection to families and communities in the surrounding areas in Kenya. We believe that there can never be enough education and awareness on this topic. In addition, we employ social workers in our projects in Kenya who ensure the well-being of children through regular home visits with the families.
Our Child Protection Policy and other additional documents on Child Protection can be downloaded below.
