Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

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Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Review Date: Annual
Approved By: [Board / Director Name]

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1. Policy Statement

Pocket Change BDA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and protective learning environment for all children and young people participating in our programs, workshops, games, online sessions, ambassador initiatives, and community activities.

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We believe:

• Every child has the right to safety and dignity.

• Child protection is a legal and moral responsibility.

• Safeguarding concerns must be addressed immediately and appropriately.

• The welfare of the child is paramount.

This policy applies to:

• Staff

• Volunteers

• Facilitators

• Contractors

• Ambassadors

• Partner institutions

• Any adult interacting with children through Pocket Change BDA programs

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2. Legal Compliance

This policy is implemented in accordance with the Children Act 1998 (Bermuda), including but not limited to:

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• Section 2 – Definition of a child (under 18)

• Section 3 – Meaning of significant harm

• Section 5 – Purposes of the Act

• Section 6 – Welfare principle (paramount consideration)

• Section 7 – Avoidance of delay

• Section 11 – Disclosure of information

• Section 19 – Offence of abuse, mistreatment, neglect

• Section 20 – Mandatory reporting of child abuse

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All safeguarding decisions shall be interpreted consistently with the Children Act 1998.

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3. Guiding Principles

Pocket Change BDA operates under the following safeguarding principles:

1. The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration.

2. All children must be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and emotional injury.

3. Safeguarding concerns must be reported forthwith.

4. No internal policy overrides statutory reporting obligations.

5. Confidentiality must be maintained while prioritizing child safety.

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4. Definition of Harm

Pocket Change BDA recognizes harm to include:

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Psychological harm

• Financial exploitation

• Neglect

• Exposure to domestic violence

• Chronic supervision failure

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Risk of harm is treated with the same seriousness as actual harm.

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5. Mandatory Reporting

All staff, volunteers, and facilitators must report any information or suspicion that a child:

• Is suffering harm

• Has suffered harm

• Is at risk of significant harm

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Reports must be made forthwith to the Director of Child and Family Services, in accordance with Section 20 of the Children Act 1998.

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Internal reporting to management does not replace the legal duty to report.

Good faith reporting is protected under the Act. False or malicious reporting is prohibited.

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6. Code of Conduct

All adults representing Pocket Change BDA must:

• Treat children with respect and dignity

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Avoid isolated one-on-one unsupervised situations

• Avoid private digital messaging with minors

• Never use humiliating, degrading, or shaming language

• Never use physical punishment

• Never engage in inappropriate physical contact

• Never request or encourage personal financial disclosures from minors beyond educational exercises

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7. Safe Learning Environment Standards

Pocket Change BDA shall ensure:

• Open, visible classroom spaces

• Age-appropriate financial education

• Two-adult supervision where practicable

• Parental awareness of programming

• Secure handling of any personal information

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Children will never be pressured to disclose family income, debt, or private financial circumstances.

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8. Online Safety

For digital programs:

• Sessions must be hosted on approved platforms

• No private social media communication with minors

• Recordings only with proper consent

• Chat functions monitored

• Safeguarding concerns during online sessions reported immediately

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9. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information shall be:

• Shared only on a need-to-know basis

• Secured appropriately

• Disclosed to authorities when legally required

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Confidentiality does not override statutory reporting duties under the Children Act 1998.

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10. Safeguarding Lead

Pocket Change BDA shall designate a Safeguarding Lead responsible for:

• Receiving internal safeguarding concerns

• Ensuring statutory reporting occurs

• Maintaining secure records

• Liaising with Child and Family Services

• Conducting annual policy review

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11. Anti-Bullying & Emotional Protection

Pocket Change BDA maintains zero tolerance for:

• Financial shaming

• Socioeconomic discrimination

• Peer bullying

• Emotional intimidation

• Exclusion or ridicule

All programs must foster respect, inclusion, and psychological safety.

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12. Recruitment & Vetting

Pocket Change BDA will:

• Conduct appropriate background checks where required

• Verify references

• Require acknowledgment of this policy

• Provide safeguarding orientation training

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13. Whistleblower Protection

No person who reports a safeguarding concern in good faith shall face retaliation.

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14. Policy Review

This policy shall be:

• Reviewed annually

• Updated to reflect legislative amendments

• Provided to partner schools and institutions

• Available to parents upon request

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15. Statement of Commitment

Pocket Change BDA is committed to building financial confidence in children while ensuring their safety, dignity, and legal protection at all times.

Safeguarding is foundational to our mission.

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