Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction and Core Principles

Hatay Psychologists Association adopts an approach aimed at ensuring the highest level of protection and well-being for children. As an organization, we commit to protecting children from all forms of abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, and mistreatment. We act with a high level of responsibility in safeguarding children’s rights and share this responsibility with all our employees, volunteers, business partners, and suppliers. Our Association adheres strictly to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and national legal regulations. We fulfill our legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities in protecting children.

2. Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect

Hatay Psychologists Association provides a comprehensive definition of child abuse and neglect. These definitions guide efforts to prevent psychological, emotional, physical, and sexual harm to children:

1. Physical Abuse: Intentional harm to a child, use of violence, or causing physical trauma.
2. Sexual Abuse: Subjecting a child to any sexual act, using or exploiting a child for sexual purposes.
3. Emotional Abuse: Verbal or behavioral assaults that negatively affect a child’s psychological well-being and undermine their self-esteem.
4. Neglect: Failure to meet a child’s basic needs (nutrition, shelter, health, education), and neglect of emotional and physical care.
5. Exploitation: Using children for economic, sexual, or other purposes. Our Association shows the utmost sensitivity in identifying and preventing such abuse and neglect.
6. Principles and Core Approach to Child Protection

The core principles of our child protection policy are as follows:

1. Right to Be Heard: Children have the right to be consulted on all decisions affecting them. Their opinions should be considered, and they should be consulted in an age-appropriate manner.
2. Safety of Children: The physical, psychological, and emotional safety of children takes precedence above all. We take all necessary measures to protect children from any danger.
3. Zero Tolerance: A zero-tolerance policy is adopted toward any form of child abuse or mistreatment. All employees, volunteers, and partners affiliated with our Association are responsible for reporting any negative behavior toward children immediately.
4. Education and Awareness: All employees and volunteers receive regular training to ensure the effective implementation of this policy, and their level of awareness is continuously enhanced.
5. Measures for Child Protection and Safety

Our Association implements a range of comprehensive measures to protect children:

1. Rules for Interaction with Children: Professionals affiliated with our Association engage with children within a predetermined ethical framework. No environment should be created where a child feels unsafe.
2. Prevention of Harmful Behavior: Children will not be subjected to harmful behavior, either physically or emotionally. Acts such as violence or bullying will be strictly prevented.
3. Risk Assessment: All professionals interacting with children are expected to conduct regular risk assessments to ensure safety. These assessments aim to identify and prevent potential threats in advance.
4. Intervention in Serious Cases: Situations in which children are seriously harmed are immediately reported to the authorities. Effective interventions are made to ensure children’s safety and psychological recovery.
5. Expectations from Employees, Volunteers, and Other Stakeholders

All professionals, volunteers, and stakeholders involved with our Association are aware of their high level of responsibility in child protection. Accordingly, the following expectations are set:

1. Training: All employees and volunteers must receive at least one annual training on child protection. Trainings cover child rights, child abuse, safe environments, and intervention procedures.
2. Confidentiality: Children’s personal information, identities, and case details must remain confidential and only be shared with authorized individuals. Respect for privacy is essential.
3. Behavioral Guidelines: Everyone working within the Association must demonstrate respectful, tolerant, and supportive behavior toward children. Any harmful behavior toward children must be immediately observed and appropriately reported.
4. Reporting and Notification Procedures Related to Child Protection

Suspicions of child abuse or mistreatment must be reported immediately in accordance with the following procedures:

1. Reporting Methods: In any suspicious situation, a Child Protection Coordinator or designated authority should be contacted directly. These individuals will take the necessary steps related to the reported case.
2. Confidentiality and Safety: Children’s identities will be protected and reported cases will remain confidential. Measures will be taken to ensure the safety of whistleblowers from any threats.
3. Rapid Intervention: Every report is evaluated urgently, and intervention is provided until the child’s safety is secured.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation

Hatay Psychologists Association monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of its child protection policies. All processes related to child safety are regularly reviewed and improved when necessary. This ongoing monitoring ensures that child safety remains a top priority at all times.

8. Children's Rights and Participation

Hatay Psychologists Association fully respects children’s rights and encourages their participation. Children will be able to express themselves, share opinions, and be included in decision-making processes in a safe environment.

Hatay Psychologists Association is firmly committed to protecting children from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. As an Association, we apply the highest ethical and professional standards to ensure children's safety and continuously take steps toward improvement.