1 Purpose and principles
This policy protects children, patients and people whose circumstances may limit their ability to protect their interests, across programmes, communication, visits and data handling. Safety, dignity and the child’s best interests take priority. Abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment and degrading punishment are prohibited. Disability or illness does not, without a basis, diminish a person’s legal capacity. (1)
2 Recruitment and access
Risks in direct-contact tasks are assessed. Staff and volunteer eligibility, experience and references are checked lawfully and proportionately. They sign conduct and confidentiality commitments and receive training before contact. Visits and accompaniment require prior approval. Unjustified isolated contact, secret personal communications or taking a child outside the programme without lawful permission are prohibited.
3 Consent and participation
The guardian’s or representative’s status and powers are verified where needed. Children’s wishes are heard according to their age and understanding. Consent to activities, photography and research is separate from assistance. Complaints are made accessible in a clear and safe way. Family views do not override a child’s legal right or duties to report and protect. (2)
4 Suspicion and imminent danger
For imminent danger, emergency services or the competent child-protection authority are contacted immediately. Internal investigation or administrative approval must not delay reporting. The person is heard calmly, without leading questions or promises of absolute confidentiality. Their words and observed facts are securely documented. Suspects must not be confronted if this could endanger the child or compromise evidence.
5 Referral and response
The safeguarding lead and Director are informed on a need-to-know basis. Legal reporting duties are fulfilled through current official channels. If the responsible person is suspected, the alternative route to the Board or directly to the competent authority is used. The family is not automatically informed if that creates risk; guidance is sought from the competent authority. A reported person’s access is suspended where risk justifies it, while respecting the investigation and parties’ rights.
6 Follow-up and prevention
Referrals and actions are documented, and safe participation monitored without the Association assuming an investigative or treatment role. Reporter and child identities are protected and file access restricted. Contracts and partners are reviewed to prevent recurrence. Incidents are analysed without identities, and training and safety plans updated. Safeguarding stories must not be published for publicity.
The list of official channels is updated before programmes begin and is not replaced with unverified numbers.
References in the approved document
- Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child Rights and its Executive Regulation under Cabinet Resolution No. 52 of 2018; official reference: UAE Legislation Portal, Child Rights Law. This document sets internal implementation controls without changing a higher-level legal requirement or competence.
- The Association’s 2026 Articles of Association and purposes; legislation on the rights of people of determination, data protection and professional duties according to the activity’s scope. This document sets internal implementation controls without changing a higher-level legal requirement or competence.