When a Placement for Adoption Is in Crisis in the Post-Placement Phase, Bethany Christian

When a Placement for Adoption Is in Crisis in the Post-Placement Phase, Bethany Christian

Directional

POLICY

It is the policy of Bethany Christian Services Global (BCSG) that all staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and stakeholders safeguard and protect the children and families served by BCSG and international programs, in compliance with federal and international regulations, as well as ethical and accreditation standards.

RESPONSIBILITY

This policy applies to all staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and stakeholders while supporting, working, or traveling for/with BCSG. Should noncompliance occur, BCSG reserves the right to end the relationship(s)and take follow-up action with relevant authorities.Inappropriate behavior toward childrenis grounds for discipline, up to and including termination and legal action.

It is the responsibilityof the lead administratorof BCSG to ensure that all staff and board membersare aware of and agree to follow this policy while working for BCSG. All staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and stakeholders are responsible for reporting concerns regardless of the position/seniority of the person suspected of committing the abuse.

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR

Unlawful or inappropriate conduct by employees or othersthat violates the intent of the Child Protection Policy and jeopardizes BCSG’s reputation/position will not be permitted or tolerated. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to: any unlawful activity related to sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and physically/verbally abusive behavior.

BCSG will not knowingly employ anyone with a conviction for child abuse, pedophilia, or related offense. The organization will report any staff or stakeholder found to have substantiated abuse of a child;theMandated Reporting Policy should be consulted for reporting requirements. Additionally, criminal background checks will be conducted on employees as required by law.

Regarding conduct and behavior:

  1. BCSG staff must not take a child/children into a private place out of view of other adults. Staff should be accompanied by another adult on visits with children.
  2. Staff must not stay alone with one or more children who they are not related to, whether in a house, project premises, or elsewhere.
  3. When possible, the “two-adult” rule should be followed in which two or more adults are present at all times when children are involved.
  4. Staff must also be aware that they work with children who may use a relationship for unintended purposes. The adult is always responsible for maintaining an appropriate relationship, even if a child behaves inappropriately.In the event of a child’s inappropriate behavior, this should be reported to the supervisor to determine how best to handle and report the situation.
  5. Children will not be invited to leave nor taken away from their community, nor will families be offered incentives to relinquish their child/children.

PROTECTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

In the course of its work, BCSG retains personal information about children and families. This information has been provided with the understanding that it will be used to assist the individual/family. BCSG takes steps to ensure that it is not used inappropriately or abused.

  1. Appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the access and confidentiality of client information, including access based on job function and login/password.
  2. Business associate agreements are in place with contractors and other agencies working with BCSGregarding the protection of confidential information.
  3. Informed consent/permission of a parent/guardian is obtained before using photographs or information, recording information, or obtaining images. The intended use(s) of such materials is explained and it is used in a respectful and appropriate manner.
  4. Child photos and information are displayed on the BCS website are those of real children; therefore, limited information is provided to protect the child’s privacy.
  5. BCSG requests that photos are not copied or used in any way.
  6. BCSG will not disclose children’s personal or identifying information that could locate the children within their country on the website or in other communications. Under no circumstances will BCSG provide children’s addresses or contact information to sponsors or donors. Unauthorized visits/contact with children or families are prohibited.

REPORTING CONCERNS

In the event of a concern,theMandated ReportingPolicymust be followed. AnIncident Reportmust also be completed. An allegation of child abuse is a serious issue. It is essential that all parties maintain confidentiality. Sharing of information which could identify a child or an alleged perpetrator should be given on a “need to know” basis.

If an employee raises a legitimate concern about suspected child abuse which proves to be unfounded upon investigation, no action will be taken against the employee raising the concern(see Suspected Wrongful Misconduct Policy).Any employee who knowingly makes false or malicious accusations will face disciplinary and possible legalaction.

TRAINING

BCSG staff receive orientation to policies within30 days of starting their assignment. Ongoing and annual training provide information on policies essential to operations.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILDREN AND SUPPORTERS

BCSG expects sponsors, donors, and supporters to act in the best interests of children. Should situations occur that cause BCSGto doubt the intentions of a specific individual, the caseshould be referred to the VP of Donor Engagement who will handle these on a case-by-case basis and consult with the President/CEO of Bethany and Executive Director of BCSG. If a change in relationship is warranted, the VP of Donor Engagement will communicate with the individual advising him/her of the decision and the reason. All consultation and decisions will be maintained in appropriate records.

COA: ETH, CR, GOV, RPM, ASE

HIPAA Release and Access of Information

State Mandated Reporter laws, Privacy/Confidentiality of Information statutes

APPROVED: 06/13/2013 by Senior Executive Team

APPROVED: 07/17/2013 by National Board of Directors

Child Protection PoliciesPage 1 of 2

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