Child Safeguarding & Protection Policy

1. Purpose

Dreamleap Initiative Foundation ("Dreamleap", "we", "our", or "us") is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for every child participating in our programmes.

This Child Safeguarding & Protection Policy establishes the standards, responsibilities, and procedures to help protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment, and other forms of harm during any Dreamleap activity.

This Policy applies to all trustees, employees, volunteers, mentors, consultants, interns, contractors, and any individual representing Dreamleap.

2. Our Commitment

Dreamleap believes that every child has the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Learn in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Be protected from physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and online abuse.
• Be heard without fear of retaliation.
• Receive support regardless of gender, religion, caste, disability, ethnicity, language, or socio-economic background.

The best interests of the child shall always be our primary consideration.

3. Definition of a Child

For the purposes of this Policy, a child is any individual below the age of 18 years.

4. Scope

This Policy applies to all Dreamleap activities, including but not limited to:

• Scholarships and sponsorships
• Mentorship programmes
• Career guidance sessions
• Educational workshops
• Online mentoring
• Community outreach
• Volunteer activities
• School partnerships
• Events and awareness programmes
• Digital communications

5. Expected Standards of Behaviour

Everyone associated with Dreamleap must:

• Treat every child with courtesy and respect.
• Promote an environment free from discrimination, bullying, intimidation, or harassment.
• Use language that is appropriate and encouraging.
• Respect the privacy and dignity of children.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Follow Dreamleap's safeguarding procedures at all times.

6. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviour is strictly prohibited:

• Physical abuse or assault.
• Emotional or psychological abuse.
• Sexual abuse or exploitation.
• Grooming or attempting to establish inappropriate relationships.
• Bullying or intimidation.
• Humiliation or degrading treatment.
• Discrimination.
• Neglect.
• Threats or coercion.
• Sharing inappropriate content with children.
• Seeking personal financial benefit from beneficiaries.
• Asking children to keep secrets that relate to Dreamleap activities.
• Any conduct that may place a child at risk.

Such conduct may result in immediate suspension, termination of engagement, and reporting to the appropriate authorities where required by law.

7. Online Safety

As Dreamleap may conduct online mentoring, training, or communication:

• Digital interactions should occur through approved platforms where possible.
• Communications should remain professional and related to Dreamleap activities.
• Personal messaging unrelated to programme activities should be avoided.
• Volunteers and mentors must not request or share inappropriate photographs, videos, or personal information.
• Online sessions involving minors should, where practical, include parental awareness or supervision.

8. Photography and Media

Photographs, videos, or recordings of children may only be captured or used:

• with appropriate consent from a parent or legal guardian where required;
• in a manner that preserves the child's dignity and privacy; and
• for legitimate educational, awareness, fundraising, reporting, or programme purposes.

Images that expose children to embarrassment, ridicule, exploitation, or unnecessary personal information must not be published.

9. Collection of Children's Information

Dreamleap may collect information necessary to administer its programmes, including:

• Name
• Age
• School information
• Parent or guardian details
• Academic records
• Scholarship information
• Attendance
• Progress reports
• Supporting documents where required

Such information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable law.

10. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Anyone associated with Dreamleap who becomes aware of actual or suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other safeguarding concerns must report the matter immediately to the designated safeguarding representative or another authorised Dreamleap official.

Reports made in good faith will be treated seriously and handled with appropriate confidentiality, subject to legal obligations.

11. Responding to Concerns

Upon receiving a safeguarding concern, Dreamleap may:

• assess the reported concern;
• take immediate steps to protect the child where appropriate;
• temporarily suspend individuals from Dreamleap activities while concerns are reviewed;
• seek professional advice where necessary; and
• report matters to relevant authorities where required by applicable law.

12. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know or where disclosure is required by law.

Dreamleap will seek to protect the privacy of all individuals involved while ensuring that appropriate action is taken.

13. Recruitment and Screening

Dreamleap may implement reasonable screening measures for volunteers, mentors, employees, or others working directly with children.

Such measures may include:

• identity verification;
• interviews;
• reference checks; and
• background verification where appropriate and permitted by law.

14. Training

Dreamleap may provide safeguarding awareness and guidance to trustees, employees, volunteers, mentors, and others engaged in child-facing activities to promote a safe environment.

15. Review of this Policy

This Policy will be reviewed periodically and may be updated to reflect changes in law, organisational practices, or safeguarding standards.

The latest version will be published on our website.

16. Contact

For questions or concerns relating to child safeguarding, please contact:

Dreamleap Initiative Foundation
19, First Floor, Block-D, CC Colony
Malka Ganj
Delhi – 110007
India

Email: info@dreamleapfoundation.org
Phone: +91 8920943490
Website: https://dreamleapfoundation.org