Skip to content
Child Protection Policy
Dare to Develop Academy Association (DTDA)
Reviewed: Annually
1. Policy Statement
Dare to Develop Academy Association (DTDA) is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people we engage with. We believe every child has the right to be protected from abuse, harm, neglect, and exploitation and to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
DTDA acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance, and complies with best practice and ethical standards.
2. Purpose and Scope
This policy applies to all staff, board members, volunteers, contractors, and partners acting on behalf of DTDA. It aims to:
- Protect children and young people who participate in DTDA programs.
- Provide staff and volunteers with principles and guidance to ensure child safety.
- Outline procedures for identifying and responding to concerns regarding child protection.
3. Legal Framework
This policy is based on international child protection standards, including:
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
- European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights
- National child protection laws and regulations in Bulgaria (and other countries where DTDA operates)
4. Definitions
- Child: Any individual under the age of 18.
- Abuse: A form of maltreatment including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.
- Safeguarding: Measures to protect children’s health, well-being, and human rights.
5. Guiding Principles
- Best Interests of the Child: The child’s welfare is the primary consideration.
- Zero Tolerance: DTDA will not tolerate abuse or exploitation in any form.
- Participation and Inclusion: Children have the right to express their views and participate in decisions affecting them.
- Accountability: All DTDA members are responsible for acting upon concerns.
6. Code of Conduct
All staff and volunteers must:
- Treat all children with dignity and respect.
- Create a safe and inclusive environment.
- Avoid any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- Never engage in inappropriate physical contact or sexual behavior with a child.
- Report any suspicion or allegation of abuse promptly.
7. Recruitment and Training
DTDA will:
- Conduct background checks on all staff and volunteers working with children.
- Provide child protection training during onboarding and refresh it regularly.
- Ensure staff understand their responsibilities under this policy.
8. Reporting Concerns
Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse must be reported immediately to the Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO)or equivalent authority. DTDA ensures:
- Confidentiality is respected, but never at the expense of a child’s safety.
- Reports are acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Cooperation with law enforcement and child protection agencies.
9. Responding to Allegations
DTDA will:
- Take all concerns seriously and investigate as appropriate.
- Suspend the accused person during investigation if needed.
- Take disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, for violations.
10. Monitoring and Review
DTDA will:
- Monitor implementation of the policy and its effectiveness.
- Review the policy annually or after any significant incident.
- Encourage feedback from children, staff, and partners to improve protection practices.
11. Contact Information
email: dtsa.ngo.bg@gmail.com
phone: +359894634900
This policy is to be distributed to all staff, partners, and volunteers and publicly available on DTDA’s website and at all program venues.
