Statement of Commitment
Laraware Welfare Foundation ("LWF") believes every child has the right to grow up safe, healthy, and protected from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Safeguarding children is a fundamental responsibility of everyone who works with or for LWF, and it takes priority over all other considerations.
This policy is framed in accordance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act), the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and international child rights standards including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Scope
This policy applies to all trustees, directors, employees, volunteers, interns, contractors, visitors, and partner organisations who interact with children through LWF programmes.
A "child" for the purposes of this policy is any person under 18 years of age.
Our Core Commitments
- The safety and wellbeing of children is paramount in every decision we make.
- We listen to children and take their concerns seriously.
- We do not tolerate any form of abuse, exploitation, or neglect of children.
- We will report any concern about a child's safety to the appropriate authorities.
- We continuously train and support our team on child safeguarding.
Prohibited Conduct
The following conduct is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination and referral to law enforcement:
- Any form of physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse of a child
- Using children for commercial sexual exploitation or pornography
- Being alone with a child beneficiary without another adult present ("two-adult rule")
- Taking photographs or videos of children without written consent from their parent/guardian
- Sharing images or personal information of child beneficiaries on social media or elsewhere without consent
- Offering gifts, money, or favours to children or their families in exchange for access
Safe Recruitment
All persons who will regularly work with children through LWF must:
- Complete LWF's child safeguarding induction before beginning work
- Provide a police verification certificate (or equivalent reference check)
- Sign and adhere to this Child Safeguarding Policy and the Code of Conduct
Photography and Communications
- Written consent from a parent or guardian is required before photographing or filming a child.
- Images of children must be used in a manner that respects their dignity — not in ways that could identify vulnerable circumstances or be exploited.
- Children must not be identified by full name alongside images in any public communication.
Reporting a Concern
Anyone who witnesses, suspects, or is told about abuse or a safeguarding concern must report it immediately — do not delay, investigate independently, or promise confidentiality. Reports should go to:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Vineet Kumar — safeguarding@larawarefoundation.com / +91-9936622020
- If the concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, report directly to the Board of Directors.
- Concerns involving a crime against a child must also be reported to the police or Child Welfare Committee (CWC) immediately.
Responding to a Disclosure
If a child discloses abuse to you:
- Stay calm and listen without interrupting
- Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling you
- Do not promise to keep it secret
- Do not conduct your own investigation or interview the child in detail
- Record what was said as accurately as possible and report immediately
Confidentiality
Safeguarding concerns will be shared only with those who need to know in order to protect the child. Where sharing information is necessary to protect a child, confidentiality obligations will not prevent disclosure.
Training
All staff and volunteers will complete child safeguarding awareness training at induction and refresher training at least once every two years.
Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and updated to reflect changes in law and best practice.