How does Compassion protect children?

Child protection is our highest priority.
Children living in poverty are among the most vulnerable in the world. Compassion and its board of directors, global partners and frontline church partners have established clear child protection policies designed to keep every child in our programmes safe.

Protecting the most vulnerable
All children should be known, loved and protected. We also believe that child protection is central to God’s heart.
Children in poverty are at a higher risk of abuse and trafficking. As an organisation working to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name, Compassion is serious about keeping children safe.

Our approach to child protection begins with preventing abuse whenever possible.

When there is reported child abuse, we intervene quickly. We seek to provide restoration and healing. We also work to empower children to be active in their own protection.

We enact our approach through the following:

• Age-appropriate child protection curriculum for every participant in our programmes.
• Training for care providers in protecting children and preventing child abuse.
• Training for staff members, leaders and volunteers at our partner churches. They are trained in child protection, safe practices, and responding quickly and appropriately to reported child abuse.
• Training and accountability through our global Code of Conduct regarding children.
  Child protection training for all Compassion staff.
• Background checks for anyone who may interact with a child in our programs, including:
  • Our employees and volunteers.
  • Frontline church partner staff and volunteers.
  • Independent contractors representing Compassion.
  • Supporters who travel to visit their children in-country.
• Removing personal information that could be used to identify and locate Compassion-assisted children. Child first and last names are not used in printed materials, online, or sponsorship correspondence.

As a sponsor, what’s my role in child protection?
You, the child you sponsor’s family, our church partners and our staff work together to form a safety net for your sponsored child. As a sponsor, you are part of Compassion and part of a movement to protect children. You belong to a community of child advocates.

If the child you sponsor says something in a letter that makes you feel abuse is happening or likely to happen, please contact us. The child you sponsor and each child we serve is surrounded by loving Christian adults trained in child protection. They know the warning signs of child abuse and know what to do when they see them.

You can read more about Compassion’s commitment to child protection here.

If you have further questions, please get in touch with our friendly team at 01932 836490 or by email at info@compassionuk.org.