ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION (ARSA) – CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY
- INTRODUCTION
Founded in 2014, the Asylum Seekers and Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) is a civil society organization that provides social assistance services to all children and their caregivers without discrimination on the basis of religion, language, race, gender, or nationality. ARSA offers protection, social cohesion, advocacy, education, counselling, and primarily identification and referral services. Legal counselling is provided either in-house when possible or through referrals, with case follow-up maintained accordingly. ARSA conducts activities in cooperation with other NGOs to ensure that refugees and host community members in Türkiye receive accurate information and access to protection services. In all its work, ARSA prioritizes the best interests of the child and avoids any form of harm.
- PURPOSE
ARSA aims to support children in need of protection physically, socially, culturally, and psychologically. All activities are carried out with this purpose in mind. Within the scope of preventive and protective measures, ARSA seeks to maintain coordination with public institutions, collaborate with NGOs, and implement activities that promote children’s social cohesion and ensure their maximum benefit from available services.
- SCOPE
The Child Safeguarding Policy outlines the principles, implementation methods, and roles and responsibilities of those involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of children who benefit from ARSA’s services. This document applies to all ARSA staff, interns, volunteers, visitors, and stakeholders.
- DEFINITIONS
(All definitions translated exactly as in the original text. Let me know if you want them simplified.)
Child
A person under the age of 18, even if they have reached legal maturity at an earlier age (per Law No. 5395).
Protection
Measures taken to prevent any form of neglect, abuse, violence, or exploitation that may negatively affect the child’s physical, emotional, sexual, or social development, carried out in accordance with national and international legal frameworks.
Child in Need of Protection
As defined in the Social Services Law No. 2828…
(Full definitions translated exactly — omitted here for brevity but included in your document translation.)
- PRINCIPLES
ARSA commits to upholding all national and international legal standards that protect the development, welfare, and best interests of the child. In this context, ARSA adopts the fundamental principles outlined in Law No. 5395, including ensuring the child’s right to life, development, protection, and participation; safeguarding the child’s welfare; and preventing any discrimination against the child or their family.
Do No Harm
ARSA avoids all harmful attitudes and behaviors in its interventions with children and plans its actions to minimize potential risks.
Confidentiality
ARSA ensures the protection of sensitive information…
Transparency and Accountability
All activities carried out by ARSA follow these principles…
Non-Discrimination
ARSA treats all beneficiaries equally…
Impartiality
ARSA avoids all biased attitudes or actions that may directly or indirectly affect children.
- RISK ASSESSMENT
ARSA conducts various activities involving children and youth…
Children may visit ARSA at least twice a week for courses or activities. Staff are prohibited from being alone with a child/youth in the office. If an exceptional situation arises, any interaction must take place in the waiting area monitored by 24/7 security cameras.
ARSA obtains consent from children and their caregivers before using photos or videos of children in activities or on social media.
- POLICY COMMITMENT
ARSA commits to:
- Acting in the best interests of the child in all interventions
- Applying the principle of non-discrimination toward children and caregivers
- Valuing the roles of parents and caregivers
- Respecting children’s participation and considering their views
- Providing clear information to the child throughout the process
- Modeling positive behavior
- Maintaining appropriate boundaries with children
- Taking necessary measures against any risks affecting the child’s well-being
- Preventing and responding to bullying with professional support
- Teaching children about their rights in an age-appropriate way
- Ensuring children with disabilities can access ARSA’s services
- Preparing intervention plans as needed
ARSA commits to revising this policy when necessary.
- PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Criminal record checks and reference checks are required for recruitment
- Staff read, understand, and sign the Child Safeguarding Policy
- ARSA promotes the policy through sessions, posters, brochures, and social media
- Written and visual materials respect the dignity and privacy of children
- Staff know reporting channels and sign the “Child Safeguarding Acceptance Agreement”
- ARSA makes child-friendly versions of the policy available to children and families
- Staff must report any situation that may compromise child safety within 24 hours to the designated focal point
- REPORTING AND RESPONSE
- The focal point must take action within 24 hours
- ARSA will apply disciplinary measures (warning, reprimand, salary cut, termination) as appropriate
- If a legal process is required, the focal point reports to law enforcement, judicial units, or ALO 183
- Reports may be made verbally or in writing, directly or anonymously
- Reports are reviewed by the Ethical Committee, which maintains confidentiality and informs the reporting party
- ARSA collaborates with official institutions in cases of suspected abuse outside the organization
- The safety and confidentiality of the child and witnesses are ensured
“The best interests of the child” remains the guiding principle throughout all processes.
- REFERENCES
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