Child Protection Policy 

Mother Centres Int. Network for Empowerment

 – Referred as MINE

MINE is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children in its care. 

MINE Network recognises the responsibility to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. For the purposes of this policy and associated procedures a child is recognised as someone under the age of 18 years. The MINE Network members, their staff and volunteers will work together to embrace difference and diversity and respect the rights of children and young people. 

This policy outlines MINE and its members’ commitment to protecting children. The guidelines are based on the following principles: 

  • The welfare of children is the primary concern. 
  • All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse. 
  • Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. 
  • Children have the right to express views on all matters which affect them, should they wish to do so. 
  • MINE and its members shall work in partnership together with children and parents/carers to promote the welfare, health and development of children.

MINE and its members commit, that their staff and volunteers will: 

  • Promote the health and welfare of children.
  • Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of children. 
  • Promote and implement appropriate procedures to safeguard the well-being of children and protect them from abuse. 
  • Support and encourage its members and volunteers to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect children from abuse and to reduce risk to themselves. 
  • Require MINE board, its members and volunteers to adopt and abide by this Child Protection Policy and these procedures. 
  • Respond to any allegations of misconduct or abuse of children in line with this Policy and these procedures as well as implementing, where appropriate, the relevant disciplinary and appeals procedures. 
  • Observe guidelines issued by national/local Child Protection Committees for the protection of children. 
  • Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Policy and these procedures. 

MINE and its members commit, that their staff and volunteers will not:

  • Sexually harass, assault or abuse another person
  • Physically harass, assault or abuse another person
  • Emotionally abuse another person, such as engaging in behaviour intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade
  • Condone, or participate in behaviour which is abusive, discriminatory, illegal, or unsafe
  • Develop, encourage or fail to take action of relationships with children or other vulnerable people which could in any way be deemed sexual, exploitative or abusive
  • Act in ways that may be violent, inappropriate or sexually provocative
  • Agree with a child to keep a secret which has implications for their safety or the safety of other young
  • people.

Review this Policy and these Procedures will be regularly reviewed: 

  • In accordance with changes in legislation and guidance on the protection of children or following any changes within MINE
  • Following any issues or concerns raised about the protection of children within MINE
  • In all other circumstances, at least every three years.

Stuttgart, 01. July 2022.

Andrea Laux, Chair 

Mother Centers Int. Network for Empowerment