Stigmamente's Child Protection Policy CPP

 Child Protection Policy

Stigmamente

Center for Studies on Fragile Diversities, NCDs and Medical Humanities

Legal name: Stigmamente Arte Media e Psichiatria sullo Stigma e la Diversità

This policy takes effect following approval in the adoption record below. It applies to all staff, governing-body members, trainees, volunteers, contractors and partners acting for Stigmamente, in person and online.

1 Policy

A child is anyone under 18. We protect children from physical, emotional and sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, bullying, discrimination and digital harm. The child’s best interests, dignity and views guide decisions. Equal protection applies regardless of disability, health, gender, ethnicity, religion, language or migration status. Children must receive accessible information and may decline participation or withdraw without penalty.

This policy covers children involved in or affected by our educational, artistic and communication activities. GROUNDS direct participants are adults aged 18 or over; this policy does not authorise recruiting minors into that project.

2 People

The governing body appoints a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), a deputy and an independent reporting contact, and provides resources for their duties. The DSO coordinates prevention, referrals and secure case records. Activity leads supervise delivery and stop unsafe practices. No one may handle a concern in which they are implicated.

Before assigning duties involving children, verify identity, qualifications, relevant history and at least two suitable references; discuss safeguarding during selection. Complete proportionate background vetting, including criminal-record checks where lawful and required for the role and funding conditions. A self-declaration does not replace a mandatory check. Record clearance securely; no unsupervised child contact is permitted while required checks remain incomplete.

Code of conduct. Treat children respectfully; use observable settings and approved communication channels. Do not use violence, humiliation, discrimination, sexualised conduct, secret contact or exploitation. Sexual or romantic contact with anyone under 18 is prohibited. Avoid isolated meetings; individual contact, transport and overnight arrangements require prior approval and protective controls. Never pressure a child to disclose personal experiences or provide publicity material.

All personnel must acknowledge this policy and receive induction before child contact, annual refresher training and additional activity-specific briefings. The DSO and deputy receive training for their responsibilities. Keep training and signed acknowledgement records; brief and supervise visitors.

3 Procedures

Before each activity, the lead and DSO document risks, supervision, accessibility, online safety, transport and mitigation. Verify local emergency, police, social-service and child-protection contacts and reporting duties. Agree partner responsibilities in writing; do not proceed with uncontrolled high risks. Obtain guardian permission where required and the child’s informed agreement.

For interviews, films, images and narratives, separate activity participation from recording and publication permissions. Explain audience, channels and withdrawal limits. Do not publish material that exposes a child to identification, stigma or retaliation. Use moderated digital spaces and approved channels; private or secret messaging is prohibited.

Reporting. In immediate danger, contact emergency services or police first. Report any concern to the DSO promptly, the same day and within 24 hours at most; urgent action and shorter legal duties take priority. If the DSO is unavailable or implicated, use the deputy or independent contact. Children may report directly, without a caregiver, verbally or in writing. Good-faith reports are protected from retaliation.

Listen calmly, ask only necessary open questions, record facts and relevant exact words securely, and explain who must be informed. Do not promise secrecy, confront the alleged perpetrator, investigate independently or arrange mediation. The DSO assesses immediate safety, makes timely referrals under applicable law, arranges qualified support and records decisions and follow-up. Consult competent services before informing a caregiver if this may increase risk. Restrict an alleged perpetrator’s contact where necessary, with impartial handling.

Keep case records separate, secure and accessible only to authorised people. Collect and share only necessary information on a lawful basis, with an approved retention schedule. Public and project reports must not identify children or disclose case details.

4 Accountability

Publish the approved policy and reporting contacts online and explain them in accessible, child-friendly language. The DSO reports implementation to the governing body every six months, covering vetting, training, risks, concerns and corrective actions. Seek feedback safely from children and caregivers. Review the policy annually and after serious incidents or relevant changes; arrange external evaluation at least every three years. Record improvements and apply proportionate disciplinary, contractual or statutory action for breaches.