Child Protection Policy and Statement

1. Policy Statement

Global Vascular Companionship is dedicated to ensuring the safety, welfare, and protection of children who may come into contact with our organization during our activities. We uphold a zero-tolerance stance against any form of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children. This commitment is integral to our mission of promoting global vascular health equity and fostering positive outcomes for communities worldwide. As part of our broader commitment to human rights and anti-discrimination, we recognize the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and well-being in all our endeavours.

2. Purpose

The Child Protection Policy of Global Vascular Companionship aims to articulate our firm commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of children who may come into contact with our organization during our activities. This policy provides clear directives and procedures for preventing, identifying, and addressing concerns related to child protection.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all stakeholders affiliated with Global Vascular Companionship, including employees, volunteers, mentors, mentees, contractors, and partners. It encompasses all engagements and interactions conducted under our auspices, whether virtual or in-person, involving individuals under the age of 18.

4. Principles

Global Vascular Companionship adheres to the following principles in all endeavors concerning children:

Zero Tolerance: We unequivocally oppose any form of harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation against children.

Child-Centric Approach: Our decisions and actions prioritize the welfare and best interests of children.

Prevention: We proactively implement measures to avert potential child protection concerns.

Confidentiality: All child protection concerns are handled with utmost discretion, respecting the privacy of the child and involved parties.

Reporting and Response: We maintain clear protocols for promptly and effectively reporting and addressing child protection concerns.

Accountability: We hold all individuals associated with our organization accountable for upholding this policy and safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.

5. Responsibilities

Board of Directors: The Board oversees the policy’s implementation and allocates resources to support its enforcement.

CEO/Executive Director: The CEO ensures compliance with the policy and provides leadership in child protection matters.

Child Protection Officer: Designated to oversee policy implementation, respond to child protection concerns, and liaise with relevant authorities. At the time of writing of this policy The CEO is also the acting Child protection Officer until this position is filled.

Staff and Volunteers: All personnel must acquaint themselves with the policy, adhere to its guidelines, and report any child protection concerns encountered.

Training: We provide training and resources to enhance awareness of child protection issues and equip stakeholders with necessary skills.

6. Reporting and Response

Reporting Procedure: Any individual aware of or suspecting a child protection concern must promptly report it to the designated Child Protection Officer, CEO or Chief Medical officer.

Response Procedure: Upon receiving a report, the Child Protection Officer follows established procedures for assessment, investigation, and response in accordance with legal requirements.

Confidentiality: Reports and investigations are handled confidentially, with information disclosed on a need-to-know basis and in compliance with privacy laws.

7. Monitoring and Review

This Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis or as frequently as advised by the board of GVC. The next review is in 2025. Monitoring compliance and seeking stakeholder feedback inform ongoing improvements to the policy.

8. Working with Children Card

All consultant surgeons and field operators engaged in Global Vascular Companionship overseas missions must possess a valid Working with Children Card or equivalent certification or in their respective countries. When such certificate is not present in the country of the mentor – a letter of good standing from the hospital that the surgeons practice involves working with children. This requirement ensures an additional layer of protection for children and underscores our commitment to safeguarding their well-being.

9. Field Operations and Children

While children are not generally the primary patient population in Global Vascular Companionship missions, we acknowledge the possibility that a child may present with vascular disease requiring medical attention. In such cases, additional precautions must be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.

Precautions and Protocols:

Legal Guardian Presence: Surgeons must ensure that the legal guardian of the child is present during all interactions involving medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. If the legal guardian is unavailable, all efforts should be made to involve a designated chaperone approved by the legal guardian. All encounters with the child by the GVC consultant must be in the presence of a local medical staff such as nurse or doctor. GVC consultant must not under any circumstances be alone with a child without supervision.

Informed Consent: In cases where surgical intervention is deemed necessary for the child, surgeons must obtain informed consent from the legal guardian or designated power of attorney. This consent should be documented in accordance with established medical and legal standards.

Child-Centered Care: All interactions with the child, whether medical or non-medical, should prioritize the best interests and well-being of the child. Sensitivity to the child’s age, developmental stage, and emotional needs is paramount in providing quality care.
Reporting and Consultation:

Should there be any ambiguity or concern regarding child protection protocols or adherence to established procedures, the Chief Medical Officer of Global Vascular Companionship should be notified. In their unavailability, the CEO or another designated Board member must be informed, and advice should be sought to address the issue promptly and effectively.

10. Interaction with Children Outside Medical Settings

Global Vascular Companionship recognizes that interactions with children may occur outside of formal medical settings, such as encounters with beggar children or those in community settings. In such situations, it is imperative that all policies and procedures related to child protection are upheld with utmost diligence.

Guidelines for Interaction:

Exercise Caution: Personnel should exercise caution when approached by children in non-medical settings, especially in unfamiliar environments or communities where exploitation risks may be higher.

Avoidance of Doubt: Extra care must be taken to ensure that interactions with children do not even create a perception of doubt or risk. Personnel should refrain from engaging in activities that could potentially compromise the safety or well-being of children.

Referral to Local Authorities: If confronted with situations where children appear to be in distress or at risk, personnel should promptly report the incident to local authorities or child protection agencies, following established reporting procedures.

Training and Awareness:

All consultant surgeons heading out for field missions are required to undergo a training and awareness session on appropriate conduct and responses when interacting with children outside medical settings. This training emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and upholding ethical standards in all interactions involving children.

Reporting and Accountability:

Any concerns or incidents involving interactions with children outside medical settings should be reported to the designated Child Protection Officer or relevant authority within Global Vascular Companionship. Accountability measures ensure that incidents are addressed promptly, and corrective actions are taken to prevent recurrence.