Child Safety Policy

1. Our Commitment

At the Hustero Foundation, we believe that every child has the right to grow up in a safe, protected, and nurturing environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

This policy outlines the standards of behavior expected from our staff, volunteers, partners, and visitors to ensure the well-being of all children we serve.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

• All Hustero Foundation employees and board members.
• Volunteers and interns working on our projects.
• Contractors, consultants, and external partners engaged in our activities.
• Visitors to our program sites.

3. Code of Conduct

All individuals associated with the Hustero Foundation must adhere to the following guidelines when interacting with children:

• Respect and Dignity: Treat all children with respect, regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability.
• No Physical Contact: Avoid inappropriate physical contact. Physical contact should be limited to what is culturally appropriate and necessary for the child’s safety or well-being.
• Two-Adult Rule: Whenever possible, avoid being alone with a single child in an isolated area. Ensure another adult is present or within sight.
• Appropriate Language: Use language that is encouraging and age-appropriate. Abusive, sexualized, or discriminatory language is strictly prohibited.

4. Media and Photography

We are committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of children in our communications.

• Consent: We will never photograph or film a child without the informed, written consent of their parent or legal guardian.
• Dignity: Images will depict children in a dignified manner, not as victims.
• Anonymity: We will not publish a child’s full name or specific location alongside their image on public platforms unless specifically authorized for a safe and necessary purpose.

5. Reporting Procedures

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If any staff member, volunteer, or community member suspects that a child is at risk or has witnessed a breach of this policy, they must report it immediately.

How to Report:

• Immediate Danger: If a child is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or emergency services first.
• Internal Reporting: Report concerns to our designated Child Safety Officer at safety@hustero.org.
• Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the child and the whistleblower.

6. Hiring and Screening

To prevent harm before it occurs, the Hustero Foundation implements strict screening procedures for all staff and volunteers who work directly with children, including:

• Criminal background checks (where available and legally permissible).
• Reference checks focusing on suitability to work with minors.
• Mandatory training on child safeguarding policies.