Safeguarding
CHECK-IN / PSEAH
Child Safeguarding and PSEAH Policy
Preventing and responding to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, with special attention to children and vulnerable people.
10 sections found
1. Context
CHECK-IN is committed to a safe environment for everyone involved in its activities, with particular attention to children and vulnerable groups. This policy defines principles and procedures to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination and other rights violations.
2. Legal and policy framework
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
- Relevant Portuguese and European law.
- CHECK-IN internal code of conduct.
3. Definitions
- Child: any person under 18.
- Sexual exploitation: abuse of power, authority or vulnerability for sexual purposes.
- Sexual abuse: a sexual act without consent, including abuse of children.
- Sexual harassment: unwanted sexual advances or comments.
- Discrimination: unfair treatment based on gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or another protected characteristic.
- PSEAH: prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
4. Scope
- Employees, volunteers, consultants and interns.
- Partners, service providers and suppliers.
- Project participants and beneficiaries of CHECK-IN activities.
5. Core principles
- Zero tolerance of abuse or exploitation.
- Respect for human dignity.
- Active prevention through training and awareness.
- Shared responsibility.
- Transparent reporting and response.
- Survivor support and referral to specialist services.
6. Preventive measures
- Background and reference checks in recruitment.
- Required child-safeguarding and PSEAH training.
- Signed code of conduct for staff.
- Monitoring activities involving children.
- Informed guardian consent.
7. Reporting and response
Report a safeguarding concern to projects@checkin.org.pt with “PSEAH” as the subject, either identified or requesting confidentiality. Immediate danger should be reported to the competent emergency authorities.
- Confidential handling without retaliation.
- Initial assessment and response within 48 hours.
- Referral to competent authorities where necessary.
- Access limited to strictly necessary information.
8. Survivor support
- Empathetic and safe response.
- Referral to psychological, medical and legal support.
- Wellbeing follow-up.
- The person’s participation in decisions about their case.
9. Community and partnerships
- Community awareness.
- Partner inclusion in safeguarding practices.
- Regular training for staff and partners.
10. Review
The policy is reviewed every two years or after a relevant incident, with input from staff, partners and beneficiaries.
The Portuguese version is the primary legal version. The English version is provided to make the information easier to understand.
Version history
Auditable record of each revision of this document, showing what changed compared with the previous version.
| Version | Date | Status | What changed | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-06 | 6 June 2025 | Initial version | First publication of the safeguarding and PSEAH policy, with principles, preventive measures and reporting procedures.
| Board of Directors |