Introduction
The present document is annexed to ASUCS’s Code of Conduct. The document represents ASUCS’s policy, principles, and procedures for safeguarding children and protecting measures taken by staff members of ASUCS in their professional roles.
ASUCS strongly believes in the rights of all children, including their right to protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Children should be able to reach their full potential and be healthy and happy. This belief is in line with the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention, 2007).
Children who interact with ASUCS staff, volunteers, interns, external collaborators, and associates will have their rights upheld as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). ASUCS’s work aligns with the EU Strategy for the Rights of the Child. It promotes actions that support children’s participation in political and democratic life and economic and social inclusion. Additionally, ASUCS advocates for children’s rights to health and education, ensuring equal opportunities for all children. The organization works to prevent violence against children and to protect them from harm. It also aims to promote a justice system that addresses children’s needs, fosters safe digital experiences for all children and supports children globally.
ASUCS is deeply committed to preventing child abuse. We recognize that child abuse and inappropriate contact with children are significant issues worldwide that require proactive management. This policy demonstrates our dedication to taking proactive measures to safeguard and protect children in ASUCS’s programs, facilities, and networks.
ASUCS is committed to making decisions and taking actions guided by the principle of the ‘best interest of the child’.
The document contains six distinct sections that cover the following topics:
1. Definitions used in the policy and within ASUCS’s work.
2. Values and principles that all staff members must respect and promote.
3. Screening and hiring practices at ASUCS.
4. Principles of conduct and procedures for staff working with or in contact with children.
5. Reporting procedures for any concerns staff members may have or suspect regarding child abuse.
6. Collaboration with external organizations, networks, and agencies.
ASUCS’s Child Protection Policy is produced by the Child Protection Officer and approved by the Board of Directors. The document is evaluated against EU standards and practical experience and updated at least once a year.
1. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of the present policy, the following definitions apply:
Best Interest of the Child (BIC)
The concept of a child’s best interests is threefold: it encompasses a right, a principle, and a procedural rule. This concept is based on assessing all elements concerning a child’s or children’s interests in a specific situation, whether in the public or private sphere. It must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering their personal context, situation, and needs. As a result, the concept of the child’s best interests is flexible and adaptable. Its primary aim is to ensure the full and effective enjoyment of all the rights recognised in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and to support the child’s holistic development. Successfully applying the concept of a child’s best interests necessitates a rights-based approach that engages all stakeholders. This approach is essential for safeguarding the child’s physical, psychological, moral, and spiritual integrity and promoting human dignity.
Child
Every individual under eighteen years of age is considered a child. In this policy, the terms ‘child/children’ and ‘minors’ are used interchangeably.
Child Protection
Preventing and responding to violence, exploitation, and abuse of children in all contexts.
Child Participation
Child participation means that children, both individually and in groups, have the right, resources, space, and opportunity to freely express their views, be heard, and contribute to decision-making on matters that affect them. Their opinions should be taken seriously, considering their age and maturity. To ensure meaningful and genuine participation, children and young people should be provided with relevant information and adequate support for self-advocacy that is appropriate for their age and circumstances.
Child Safeguarding
Child safeguarding is specifically focused on preventative actions to protect all children from deliberate or unintentional acts that lead to the risk of or actual harm.
Staff Members
The term refers to paid staff, volunteers, interns, and external collaborators. ASUCS is committed to protecting children from all forms of maltreatment and inappropriate behaviour. Child maltreatment encompasses the abuse and neglect of children under 18 years of age. This includes various types of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence, and exploitation, all of which can result in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, survival, development, or dignity. Such maltreatment often occurs within relationships characterized by responsibility, trust, or power, whether in person or through information technology.
Types of abuse and maltreatment include:
• Physical Child Abuse
Injury deliberately inflicted upon a child by any person. This includes broken bones, burns, bruises, and other intentionally inflicted physical harm.
• Child Emotional Abuse
Occurs when a child is repeatedly made to feel worthless, unloved, alone, or afraid. Examples include ignoring or rejecting a child, isolating them, threats, criticism, unrealistic expectations, constant blame, and humiliation.
• Child Sexual Abuse
The involvement of a child in sexual activity that they do not fully understand or cannot legally or developmentally consent to or that violates social norms. It may involve adults or other children in positions of power.
• Child Pornography
Any visual material depicting a child engaged in real or simulated sexually explicit conduct or any depiction of a child’s sexual organs for primarily sexual purposes.
• Grooming
When someone builds emotional trust with a child to exploit or abuse them, this can happen online or face-to-face and may involve strangers or trusted individuals.
• Bullying
Unwanted, aggressive behaviour among children involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time.
• Neglect or Negligent Treatment
The failure to meet a child’s physical and psychological needs, provide medical care or services or protect them from harm despite having the means and knowledge to do so.
• Child Exploitation
Includes use of children in domestic work, armed conflict, criminal activities (e.g. drug trafficking), sexual exploitation, pornography, or any hazardous work.
• Online Sexual Violence
Use of digital technologies to facilitate, cause, or threaten violence against children that results in, or risks, physical, psychological, or emotional harm. Includes exploitation based on vulnerability or identity.
2. PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
ASUCS is committed to the following values and principles, which must be respected and promoted by all its staff members, volunteers, interns, and collaborators:
• ASUCS values and treats every person without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of age, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic, or social origin, sexual orientation, property, disability, birth or other status.
• ASUCS maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of inappropriate behaviour, violence, or abuse, including those directed at children.
• ASUCS recognises every child’s right to be protected from harm and abuse stemming from inappropriate behaviour as defined in Section 1 of this policy. ASUCS takes all necessary actions to prevent harm and respond effectively to incidents.
• The child’s best interest is always prioritised in the implementation of ASUCS’s activities, services, and operations.
• ASUCS promotes and defends children’s right to be heard, participate, and share their views in matters that affect them. The organisation integrates this participatory approach into all relevant activities.
• ASUCS ensures that child safeguarding is embedded across the project lifecycle — from design and risk assessment to implementation — and that all approaches reflect child-centred and trauma-informed principles.
• ASUCS provides clear and detailed guidance and support to all its staff members, especially those who work closely or regularly with children and young people.
3. SCREENING AND HIRING PRACTICES
ASUCS establishes and sustains appropriate hiring and selection practices to ensure the safety and protection of children. These practices include completed applications, reference checks, criminal background checks, and documented personnel files, and incorporate explicit reference to child protection in the organisation’s Code of Conduct.
3.1. Applications
• All prospective staff members, volunteers, and interns are required to complete an application form that includes questions about past employment, volunteer experience, and education.
• All application forms include a statement affirming ASUCS’s zero-tolerance standard for any inappropriate behaviour, violence, or abuse, including those directed at children.
• Any individual who may come into direct or indirect contact with children during their responsibilities must provide a valid certificate of clean criminal record, as required by Cypriot law.
3.2. Reference Checks
ASUCS reserves the right to perform the following reference check procedures for any applicant:
• Contacting professional references listed by the applicant (including supervisors or colleagues).
• Contacting previous employers or agencies to confirm the applicant’s eligibility for rehire and their suitability for working with children.
• Verifying written references through telephone or other communication channels.
• Conducting general online research (e.g. Google, professional platforms) to check for red flags, particularly those related to child safety or criminal history.
3.3. Interviews
• Prospective staff must be interviewed by at least two members of ASUCS’s team. A ‘Realistic Job Preview’ or a task-based interview may be used as part of the process.
• All interviews are documented using standardised interview forms, approved by ASUCS management. This ensures that interviews are fair, consistent, and relevant to safeguarding concerns.
4. PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT & PROCEDURES OF STAFF IN CONTACT/WORKING WITH CHILDREN
The following principles apply to ASUCS staff, interns, volunteers, and collaborators when coming into contact or working with children:
4.1. Compliance with ASUCS’s Code of Conduct & Child Protection Policy
• Before engaging in any professional duties, all staff members must sign and date ASUCS’s Code of Conduct, to which this Child Protection Policy is annexed.
• Any updates or changes to the Code of Conduct or policy will be shared annually. Staff members are expected to review and re-sign the latest version.
• A signed copy of the Code of Conduct is kept in the staff member’s personnel file and forms part of their contractual documentation.
• External collaborators who are expected to come into contact with children or young people must also review and sign the Code of Conduct and this policy.
4.2. Data Protection Mechanisms
ASUCS adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU 2016/679) in its handling of children’s personal data:
• Written Informed Consent: Any data collection involving children requires the prior written informed consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian. Data may only be used for the specific purpose stated at the time of collection.
• Declaration of Confidentiality: Staff handling children’s data are required to sign a confidentiality agreement for each case or project.
• Disclosure Restrictions: Information identifying children is protected under Cypriot, EU, and international law. Disclosure, including using photographs or personal details, requires explicit consent from the legal guardian and, when possible, the child.
• Data is stored on ASUCS’s secure internal server, accessible only to authorised personnel. This data is password-protected and subject to cybersecurity protocols.
4.3. Training on Child Protection
Child safeguarding is integrated into ASUCS’s internal learning procedures. All staff and collaborators working directly or indirectly with children must participate in regular training that includes:
• The rights of the child (UNCRC, Lanzarote Convention, and Cypriot legal frameworks)
• Understanding sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation, and neglect
• Trauma-informed care and child participation
• Best practices for communication with children
• How to recognise and respond to suspected abuse
• Documentation and internal reporting procedures
Training sessions draw on ASUCS’s own materials as well as modules developed through its relevant European projects. Participation in training is mandatory at onboarding and repeated throughout the employment period.
5.REPORTING PROCEDURES
All ASUCS staff members, interns, volunteers, and external collaborators must report any concerns, suspicions, or knowledge of child abuse or policy breaches. This includes abuse committed by individuals within ASUCS or from external parties.
• Reporting Obligations
• Staff must report any suspicions of abuse or inappropriate behaviour, whether directly observed or reported to them by others.
• Reports may relate to:
• Breaches of the Code of Conduct or this Child Protection Policy
• Discrepancies between stated procedures and actual practices
• Observed or disclosed incidents involving children
Training provided by ASUCS includes clear instruction on the protocols to follow when there is concern about child safety or welfare.
• Reporting Procedure
1. Document the concern using the official Child Protection Reporting Form.
2. Submit the form directly to the Child Protection Officer (CPO):
Email: contact@asucs.ro
3. The CPO will review and assess the report and determine the next steps:
• Escalate to ASUCS’s Human Resources Department
• Refer to national authorities such as the Social Welfare Services or Cyprus Police
4. All decisions and actions are documented and handled confidentially.
• Confidentiality and Protection of the Reporting Person
• All reports are treated with strict confidentiality following GDPR and internal policy.
• ASUCS guarantees whistleblower protection: No one will suffer negative consequences for reporting in good faith, even if the claim turns out to be unsubstantiated.
• Deliberate false accusations are subject to disciplinary or legal action under Cypriot law.
• Disciplinary Consequences
• Any staff member found in breach of the Code of Conduct or Child Protection Policy will be subject to investigation.
• Disciplinary action may include:
• Formal warning
• Suspension or termination of employment or contract
Referral to Cypriot legal authorities when appropriate
6.COOPERATION WITH EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS, NETWORKS AND AGENCIES
When coming into contact with external entities such as organisations, networks and/or agencies, ASUCS will proceed as follows:
• For each new collaboration with external organisations, networks, or agencies, ASUCS will assess the partner’s record and approach to child protection as part of its standard due diligence procedure.
• ASUCS reserves the right to conduct reference checks and review a potential partner’s history related to child safeguarding and their internal policies concerning children’s rights.
• ASUCS maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any inappropriate communication, action, or omission that risks or harms a child. Partners must be informed of and agree to uphold this standard.
• A clear child protection clause shall be included in all partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, or contracts. This clause reaffirms the partner’s obligation to prevent and address any form of abuse or exploitation of children.
• ASUCS will terminate collaboration with any partner that is found to be in breach of its own or ASUCS’s child protection standards, particularly in the event of substantiated allegations or legal findings related to child abuse or exploitation.
Policy Approval
This policy has been developed by the designated Child Protection Officer of ASUCS and approved by the Board of Directors. It is reviewed annually, or sooner if required by law or following an incident. It is binding for all ASUCS operations and personnel.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this CHILD PROTECTION POLICY, please contact us:
• By email: contact@asucs.ro
• By phone: +40 721 598 321
The present document is annexed to ASUCS’s Code of Conduct. The document represents ASUCS’s policy, principles, and procedures for safeguarding children and protecting measures taken by staff members of ASUCS in their professional roles.
ASUCS strongly believes in the rights of all children, including their right to protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Children should be able to reach their full potential and be healthy and happy. This belief is in line with the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention, 2007).
Children who interact with ASUCS staff, volunteers, interns, external collaborators, and associates will have their rights upheld as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). ASUCS’s work aligns with the EU Strategy for the Rights of the Child. It promotes actions that support children’s participation in political and democratic life and economic and social inclusion. Additionally, ASUCS advocates for children’s rights to health and education, ensuring equal opportunities for all children. The organization works to prevent violence against children and to protect them from harm. It also aims to promote a justice system that addresses children’s needs, fosters safe digital experiences for all children and supports children globally.
ASUCS is deeply committed to preventing child abuse. We recognize that child abuse and inappropriate contact with children are significant issues worldwide that require proactive management. This policy demonstrates our dedication to taking proactive measures to safeguard and protect children in ASUCS’s programs, facilities, and networks.
ASUCS is committed to making decisions and taking actions guided by the principle of the ‘best interest of the child’.
The document contains six distinct sections that cover the following topics:
1. Definitions used in the policy and within ASUCS’s work.
2. Values and principles that all staff members must respect and promote.
3. Screening and hiring practices at ASUCS.
4. Principles of conduct and procedures for staff working with or in contact with children.
5. Reporting procedures for any concerns staff members may have or suspect regarding child abuse.
6. Collaboration with external organizations, networks, and agencies.
ASUCS’s Child Protection Policy is produced by the Child Protection Officer and approved by the Board of Directors. The document is evaluated against EU standards and practical experience and updated at least once a year.
1. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of the present policy, the following definitions apply:
Best Interest of the Child (BIC)
The concept of a child’s best interests is threefold: it encompasses a right, a principle, and a procedural rule. This concept is based on assessing all elements concerning a child’s or children’s interests in a specific situation, whether in the public or private sphere. It must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering their personal context, situation, and needs. As a result, the concept of the child’s best interests is flexible and adaptable. Its primary aim is to ensure the full and effective enjoyment of all the rights recognised in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and to support the child’s holistic development. Successfully applying the concept of a child’s best interests necessitates a rights-based approach that engages all stakeholders. This approach is essential for safeguarding the child’s physical, psychological, moral, and spiritual integrity and promoting human dignity.
Child
Every individual under eighteen years of age is considered a child. In this policy, the terms ‘child/children’ and ‘minors’ are used interchangeably.
Child Protection
Preventing and responding to violence, exploitation, and abuse of children in all contexts.
Child Participation
Child participation means that children, both individually and in groups, have the right, resources, space, and opportunity to freely express their views, be heard, and contribute to decision-making on matters that affect them. Their opinions should be taken seriously, considering their age and maturity. To ensure meaningful and genuine participation, children and young people should be provided with relevant information and adequate support for self-advocacy that is appropriate for their age and circumstances.
Child Safeguarding
Child safeguarding is specifically focused on preventative actions to protect all children from deliberate or unintentional acts that lead to the risk of or actual harm.
Staff Members
The term refers to paid staff, volunteers, interns, and external collaborators. ASUCS is committed to protecting children from all forms of maltreatment and inappropriate behaviour. Child maltreatment encompasses the abuse and neglect of children under 18 years of age. This includes various types of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence, and exploitation, all of which can result in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, survival, development, or dignity. Such maltreatment often occurs within relationships characterized by responsibility, trust, or power, whether in person or through information technology.
Types of abuse and maltreatment include:
• Physical Child Abuse
Injury deliberately inflicted upon a child by any person. This includes broken bones, burns, bruises, and other intentionally inflicted physical harm.
• Child Emotional Abuse
Occurs when a child is repeatedly made to feel worthless, unloved, alone, or afraid. Examples include ignoring or rejecting a child, isolating them, threats, criticism, unrealistic expectations, constant blame, and humiliation.
• Child Sexual Abuse
The involvement of a child in sexual activity that they do not fully understand or cannot legally or developmentally consent to or that violates social norms. It may involve adults or other children in positions of power.
• Child Pornography
Any visual material depicting a child engaged in real or simulated sexually explicit conduct or any depiction of a child’s sexual organs for primarily sexual purposes.
• Grooming
When someone builds emotional trust with a child to exploit or abuse them, this can happen online or face-to-face and may involve strangers or trusted individuals.
• Bullying
Unwanted, aggressive behaviour among children involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time.
• Neglect or Negligent Treatment
The failure to meet a child’s physical and psychological needs, provide medical care or services or protect them from harm despite having the means and knowledge to do so.
• Child Exploitation
Includes use of children in domestic work, armed conflict, criminal activities (e.g. drug trafficking), sexual exploitation, pornography, or any hazardous work.
• Online Sexual Violence
Use of digital technologies to facilitate, cause, or threaten violence against children that results in, or risks, physical, psychological, or emotional harm. Includes exploitation based on vulnerability or identity.
2. PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
ASUCS is committed to the following values and principles, which must be respected and promoted by all its staff members, volunteers, interns, and collaborators:
• ASUCS values and treats every person without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of age, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic, or social origin, sexual orientation, property, disability, birth or other status.
• ASUCS maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of inappropriate behaviour, violence, or abuse, including those directed at children.
• ASUCS recognises every child’s right to be protected from harm and abuse stemming from inappropriate behaviour as defined in Section 1 of this policy. ASUCS takes all necessary actions to prevent harm and respond effectively to incidents.
• The child’s best interest is always prioritised in the implementation of ASUCS’s activities, services, and operations.
• ASUCS promotes and defends children’s right to be heard, participate, and share their views in matters that affect them. The organisation integrates this participatory approach into all relevant activities.
• ASUCS ensures that child safeguarding is embedded across the project lifecycle — from design and risk assessment to implementation — and that all approaches reflect child-centred and trauma-informed principles.
• ASUCS provides clear and detailed guidance and support to all its staff members, especially those who work closely or regularly with children and young people.
3. SCREENING AND HIRING PRACTICES
ASUCS establishes and sustains appropriate hiring and selection practices to ensure the safety and protection of children. These practices include completed applications, reference checks, criminal background checks, and documented personnel files, and incorporate explicit reference to child protection in the organisation’s Code of Conduct.
3.1. Applications
• All prospective staff members, volunteers, and interns are required to complete an application form that includes questions about past employment, volunteer experience, and education.
• All application forms include a statement affirming ASUCS’s zero-tolerance standard for any inappropriate behaviour, violence, or abuse, including those directed at children.
• Any individual who may come into direct or indirect contact with children during their responsibilities must provide a valid certificate of clean criminal record, as required by Cypriot law.
3.2. Reference Checks
ASUCS reserves the right to perform the following reference check procedures for any applicant:
• Contacting professional references listed by the applicant (including supervisors or colleagues).
• Contacting previous employers or agencies to confirm the applicant’s eligibility for rehire and their suitability for working with children.
• Verifying written references through telephone or other communication channels.
• Conducting general online research (e.g. Google, professional platforms) to check for red flags, particularly those related to child safety or criminal history.
3.3. Interviews
• Prospective staff must be interviewed by at least two members of ASUCS’s team. A ‘Realistic Job Preview’ or a task-based interview may be used as part of the process.
• All interviews are documented using standardised interview forms, approved by ASUCS management. This ensures that interviews are fair, consistent, and relevant to safeguarding concerns.
4. PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT & PROCEDURES OF STAFF IN CONTACT/WORKING WITH CHILDREN
The following principles apply to ASUCS staff, interns, volunteers, and collaborators when coming into contact or working with children:
4.1. Compliance with ASUCS’s Code of Conduct & Child Protection Policy
• Before engaging in any professional duties, all staff members must sign and date ASUCS’s Code of Conduct, to which this Child Protection Policy is annexed.
• Any updates or changes to the Code of Conduct or policy will be shared annually. Staff members are expected to review and re-sign the latest version.
• A signed copy of the Code of Conduct is kept in the staff member’s personnel file and forms part of their contractual documentation.
• External collaborators who are expected to come into contact with children or young people must also review and sign the Code of Conduct and this policy.
4.2. Data Protection Mechanisms
ASUCS adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU 2016/679) in its handling of children’s personal data:
• Written Informed Consent: Any data collection involving children requires the prior written informed consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian. Data may only be used for the specific purpose stated at the time of collection.
• Declaration of Confidentiality: Staff handling children’s data are required to sign a confidentiality agreement for each case or project.
• Disclosure Restrictions: Information identifying children is protected under Cypriot, EU, and international law. Disclosure, including using photographs or personal details, requires explicit consent from the legal guardian and, when possible, the child.
• Data is stored on ASUCS’s secure internal server, accessible only to authorised personnel. This data is password-protected and subject to cybersecurity protocols.
4.3. Training on Child Protection
Child safeguarding is integrated into ASUCS’s internal learning procedures. All staff and collaborators working directly or indirectly with children must participate in regular training that includes:
• The rights of the child (UNCRC, Lanzarote Convention, and Cypriot legal frameworks)
• Understanding sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation, and neglect
• Trauma-informed care and child participation
• Best practices for communication with children
• How to recognise and respond to suspected abuse
• Documentation and internal reporting procedures
Training sessions draw on ASUCS’s own materials as well as modules developed through its relevant European projects. Participation in training is mandatory at onboarding and repeated throughout the employment period.
5.REPORTING PROCEDURES
All ASUCS staff members, interns, volunteers, and external collaborators must report any concerns, suspicions, or knowledge of child abuse or policy breaches. This includes abuse committed by individuals within ASUCS or from external parties.
• Reporting Obligations
• Staff must report any suspicions of abuse or inappropriate behaviour, whether directly observed or reported to them by others.
• Reports may relate to:
• Breaches of the Code of Conduct or this Child Protection Policy
• Discrepancies between stated procedures and actual practices
• Observed or disclosed incidents involving children
Training provided by ASUCS includes clear instruction on the protocols to follow when there is concern about child safety or welfare.
• Reporting Procedure
1. Document the concern using the official Child Protection Reporting Form.
2. Submit the form directly to the Child Protection Officer (CPO):
Email: contact@asucs.ro
3. The CPO will review and assess the report and determine the next steps:
• Escalate to ASUCS’s Human Resources Department
• Refer to national authorities such as the Social Welfare Services or Cyprus Police
4. All decisions and actions are documented and handled confidentially.
• Confidentiality and Protection of the Reporting Person
• All reports are treated with strict confidentiality following GDPR and internal policy.
• ASUCS guarantees whistleblower protection: No one will suffer negative consequences for reporting in good faith, even if the claim turns out to be unsubstantiated.
• Deliberate false accusations are subject to disciplinary or legal action under Cypriot law.
• Disciplinary Consequences
• Any staff member found in breach of the Code of Conduct or Child Protection Policy will be subject to investigation.
• Disciplinary action may include:
• Formal warning
• Suspension or termination of employment or contract
Referral to Cypriot legal authorities when appropriate
6.COOPERATION WITH EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS, NETWORKS AND AGENCIES
When coming into contact with external entities such as organisations, networks and/or agencies, ASUCS will proceed as follows:
• For each new collaboration with external organisations, networks, or agencies, ASUCS will assess the partner’s record and approach to child protection as part of its standard due diligence procedure.
• ASUCS reserves the right to conduct reference checks and review a potential partner’s history related to child safeguarding and their internal policies concerning children’s rights.
• ASUCS maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any inappropriate communication, action, or omission that risks or harms a child. Partners must be informed of and agree to uphold this standard.
• A clear child protection clause shall be included in all partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, or contracts. This clause reaffirms the partner’s obligation to prevent and address any form of abuse or exploitation of children.
• ASUCS will terminate collaboration with any partner that is found to be in breach of its own or ASUCS’s child protection standards, particularly in the event of substantiated allegations or legal findings related to child abuse or exploitation.
Policy Approval
This policy has been developed by the designated Child Protection Officer of ASUCS and approved by the Board of Directors. It is reviewed annually, or sooner if required by law or following an incident. It is binding for all ASUCS operations and personnel.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this CHILD PROTECTION POLICY, please contact us:
• By email: contact@asucs.ro
• By phone: +40 721 598 321