CHILD PROTECTION and SAFEGUARDING POLICY
1. Purpose
This Policy outlines the unwavering commitment of Τεχνοδρομώ-ART-ACTING
Organisation to the protection and safeguarding of children from all forms of abuse,
exploitation, neglect, and harm. The Organisation recognises its ethical and legal
responsibility to create and maintain an environment in which all children—regardless
of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, or background—feel safe, respected, and
empowered.
In alignment with European Union legislation, international child protection
standards, and national legal frameworks, this Policy sets out clear principles,
procedures, and accountability mechanisms to ensure the safety and well-being of
children who participate in or come into contact with the organisation’s activities,
projects, or representatives.
Τεχνοδρομώ-ART-ACTING is committed to fostering a culture of transparency,
vigilance, and zero tolerance towards any behaviour that may compromise a child’s
physical or emotional safety. All staff, collaborators, volunteers, and project partners
are required to adhere to this policy and actively contribute to maintaining a child-
safe environment throughout the design, implementation, and evaluation of all
organisational programmes and activities.
2. Legal Framework
This Policy is firmly grounded on and fully aligned with key international, regional, and
national legal frameworks and human rights instruments that safeguard the rights and
well-being of children. Specifically, it reflects the principles and obligations set forth in
the following:
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which
articulates the universal rights of all children to protection, development,
participation, and survival, and serves as the foundational international treaty
for child rights.
• The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, particularly Article
24, which affirms that children have the right to such protection and care as is
necessary for their well-being and that their best interests must be a primary
consideration in all actions concerning them.
• The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against
Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention), which obliges
States to criminalise all forms of sexual offences against children and to adopt
specific measures to prevent abuse and ensure victim support.
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, with
particular attention to the processing and protection of children’s personal
data in all organisational activities and communications.
• Relevant national child protection legislation and regulatory frameworks in
each country where Τεχνοδρομώ–ART-ACTING operates, ensuring compliance
with local laws and alignment with broader international standards.
By aligning with these instruments, the organisation reinforces its commitment to
upholding the highest standards of child safeguarding and ensuring that all children
engaged in our programmes and activities are treated with dignity, respect, and care.
3. Scope
This Child Safeguarding Policy applies to all individuals who represent, engage with,
or act on behalf of Τεχνοδρομώ–ART-ACTING, regardless of their role, contract type,
or duration of involvement. Specifically, the Policy covers:
• All staff members, including permanent, temporary, and part-time employees
• Volunteers, interns, and other individuals in training or support roles
• Board Members, trustees, advisors, and consultants
• Project partners, external contractors, sub-grantees, and any other third
parties or affiliates working on behalf of or in collaboration with the
organisation
All individuals falling within the scope of this policy are expected to uphold the highest
standards of ethical conduct, actively contribute to a safe and respectful environment
for children, and comply fully with the safeguarding principles, procedures, and
reporting mechanisms outlined herein.
4. Definitions
This Policy includes the following terms:
• Child – any individual under the age of 18, as defined by the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This definition applies regardless of
gender, nationality, or legal status, and recognises that children require special care,
support, and protection due to their developmental needs and vulnerability.
• Child Abuse – refers to any form of maltreatment that causes actual or potential
harm to a child’s health, development, or dignity. It can be carried out by adults or by
other children and includes:
• Physical abuse – Causing physical harm through actions such as hitting,
shaking, burning, or otherwise inflicting injury.
• Emotional abuse – Persistent emotional ill-treatment that affects a child’s
emotional development, including bullying, intimidation, rejection, or
humiliation.
• Sexual abuse – Involving a child in sexual activities (whether or not the child is
aware of what is happening), including grooming, inappropriate touching, and
exploitation through images or videos.
• Neglect – The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical, emotional,
medical, or educational needs, likely to result in serious impairment.
• Exploitation – Using a child for profit, labour, or personal advantage, including
trafficking or involving them in criminal activity.
• Safeguarding is the broad term that encompasses all actions taken to promote the
welfare of children and protect them from harm. This includes:
• Preventing the impairment of children’s health or development.
• Protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Ensuring that children grow up with safe and effective care.
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and applies to all individuals and
organisations that work with or come into contact with children.
• Child Protection refers to the specific actions and interventions undertaken to
protect children who are suffering, or are at risk of suffering, significant harm.
5. Guiding Principles
This Policy follows and complies with the following principles:
• Best Interests of the Child: All actions concerning children must prioritise
their best interests.
• Zero Tolerance: ART-ACTING does not tolerate abuse or exploitation in any
form.
• Participation: Children are encouraged to express their views freely.
• Non-Discrimination: All children have equal rights to protection
6. Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
All staff must at all times during the implementation of projects and activities:
• Treat all children with respect
• Avoid physical punishment or degrading treatment
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible
• Use appropriate language and behaviour
• Immediately report concerns or suspicions
7. Safe Recruitment
All prospective staff and volunteers must:
• Undergo background and reference checks
• Provide a recent criminal record check
• Receive training on child protection
8. Reporting and Response
Reporting Mechanism
The Organisation is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for
all children. Clear procedures are in place to ensure that any concerns regarding the
safety or wellbeing of a child can be reported quickly and effectively.
• Any individual – including staff, volunteers, children, or parents – may raise a
safeguarding concern by reporting it directly to the Child Protection Officer
(CPO).
• Reports may be made in person, in writing, via email ( info@texnodromo.gr ),
or through a designated reporting form or channel.
• Reports can be made anonymously, and confidentiality will be respected at
all times, in line with our safeguarding and data protection policies.
• All concerns, regardless of the source, must be taken seriously and acted
upon. The CPO will ensure that concerns are acknowledged and addressed
within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the urgency and severity of the
situation.
Response Control
When a safeguarding concern is reported, the organisation will take immediate and
appropriate steps to protect the child and manage the situation responsibly and
transparently.
• Immediate protective action will be taken to ensure the child is safe from
further harm. This may include removing the alleged perpetrator from contact
with the child or referring the case to external authorities.
• An internal investigation will be conducted by the designated safeguarding
personnel to assess the nature of the concern and determine the appropriate
course of action.
• Where necessary, the Organisation will cooperate fully with external
agencies, including social services, law enforcement, and child protection
authorities, to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.
• The child will be offered appropriate support services, which may include
access to medical care, psychological counselling, and emotional support to aid
recovery and resilience.
All actions taken will be documented, monitored, and reviewed in line with
safeguarding best practices and legal requirements.
9. Data Protection and Privacy
• Personal data of children are collected and stored in compliance with GDPR
• Consent must be obtained from parents/guardians before using images or
personal data
• Children’s data are only shared when necessary and with adequate safeguards.
10. Training and Awareness
• All staff and volunteers undergo mandatory training on:
o Child protection principles
o Identifying and responding to abuse
o Confidentiality and data protection
11. Monitoring and Review
Τεχνοδρομώ–ART-ACTING Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy was established on
the 12th of March 2025 and it is subject to annual review.
12. Child Protection Officer
Name: Konstantina Vardaramatou
Email: info@texnodromo.gr
Phone: +30 210 2282740
Address: 44 Serifou Street, Athens, Greece