SAFEGUARDING POLICY


1. Policy Statement

Goal2Growth Foundation is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all children, young people, and vulnerable individuals.

We recognise our duty of care under South African law, particularly the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 South Africa, which places the best interests of the child as paramount and requires protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.  

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, harassment, and neglect.

2. Purpose of the Policy

This policy aims to:

  • Protect children and vulnerable persons who engage with Goal2Growth Foundation

  • Provide clear guidelines for staff, volunteers, and partners

  • Ensure compliance with South African safeguarding laws

  • Promote a culture of accountability and safety

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees, volunteers, and contractors

  • Board members and partners

  • Any person acting on behalf of Goal2Growth Foundation

It applies to all activities including:

  • Programmes, events, and outreach initiatives

  • Online platforms and mobile applications

  • Travel, camps, and community engagements

4. Legal Framework 

This policy is aligned with:

  • Children’s Act 38 of 2005 South Africa

  • Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 South Africa

  • The Constitution of South Africa (Children’s Rights – Section 28)

  • Relevant provisions on protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation

Key legal principles include:

  • The best interests of the child are paramount  

  • Every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse, or degradation  

  • Any person may report suspected abuse to authorities  

5. Definitions

Child: Any person under the age of 18

Safeguarding: Actions taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm

Abuse includes:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

  • Sexual abuse or grooming

  • Neglect

  • Exploitation (including trafficking or child labour)

A child is considered “in need of care and protection” if exposed to harmful conditions, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.  

6. Guiding Principles

Goal2Growth Foundation commits to:

  • Acting in the best interests of the child at all times

  • Respecting dignity, equality, and non-discrimination

  • Creating safe, inclusive environments

  • Listening to and taking children’s concerns seriously

  • Ensuring accountability and transparency

7. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Treat all children with respect and dignity

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Obtain consent for activities involving children

  • Use appropriate language and behaviour

  • Ensure supervision at all times

Staff and volunteers must NOT:

  • Engage in any form of abuse or exploitation

  • Be alone with a child in an unsafe or unmonitored environment

  • Share inappropriate content or communication

  • Use corporal punishment

  • Develop inappropriate relationships with beneficiaries

8. Recruitment and Screening

Goal2Growth Foundation will:

  • Conduct background checks where applicable

  • Verify references

  • Screen against relevant child protection registers (where applicable)

  • Ensure safeguarding awareness during onboarding

9. Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Reporting (Mandatory Responsibility)

Any staff member or volunteer who suspects abuse must:

  1. Report immediately to the Safeguarding Officer

  2. Record facts accurately (no assumptions)

  3. Maintain confidentiality

Under South African law, failure to report child abuse may result in legal consequences.

Response Process

  • Ensure the immediate safety of the child
  • Report to relevant authorities (e.g., SAPS, social services)
  • Cooperate with investigations
  • Provide support to the affected individual

10. Safeguarding Officer

Goal2Growth Foundation will appoint a Safeguarding Officer responsible for:

  • Receiving and managing reports

  • Ensuring compliance with policy

  • Liaising with authorities

  • Training staff and volunteers

11. Online and Digital Safeguarding

For apps and digital platforms:

  • Protect the personal data of children

  • Avoid direct private messaging between staff and minors

  • Monitor online interactions where applicable

  • Obtain parental/guardian consent where required

12. Training and Awareness

All staff and volunteers will receive:

  • Safeguarding induction training

  • Ongoing awareness sessions

  • Guidance on recognising and reporting abuse

13. Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • Information will be shared strictly on a need-to-know basis

  • Records will be stored securely

  • Data protection laws will be respected

14. Breach of Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Disciplinary action

  • Termination of employment or contract

  • Reporting to authorities

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or when:

  • Legal requirements change

  • Organisational risks evolve

16. Declaration

All staff, volunteers, and partners must confirm:

“I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the Goal2Growth Foundation Safeguarding Policy.”