LIFEWORDS BRAZIL CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY
OUR COMMITMENT
Lifewords is committed to protecting children, their caregivers, and families from
physical, emotional, or spiritual harm. We implement policies and practices to ensure
their safety and take appropriate action in case of any violation of their rights.
All trustees, staff, volunteers, partners, trainers, and visitors are familiar with our comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP) and formally commit to applying it. It is integrated into our recruitment processes, staff conduct, disciplinary procedures, and health and safety policies, forming an essential part of our terms and conditions of employment.
You can access the policy at any time here on the Pavement Project website or through links provided in employment and volunteer documentation.
Every three years, Lifewords board appoints two to three Child Safeguarding Officers (CSOs), including one board member. These officers are responsible for promptly addressing any reports, suspicions, or concerns related to child abuse, ensuring the safety of all involved. Additionally, a board member conducts regular internal audits to assess compliance with the policy and recommend improvements.
We are committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all children and their families.
If anything does not align with this commitment, or if you are concerned about the behaviour or actions of any Lifewords representative, please inform us as soon as possible.
All trustees, staff, volunteers, partners, trainers, and visitors are familiar with our comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy (CSP) and formally commit to applying it. It is integrated into our recruitment processes, staff conduct, disciplinary procedures, and health and safety policies, forming an essential part of our terms and conditions of employment.
You can access the policy at any time here on the Pavement Project website or through links provided in employment and volunteer documentation.
Every three years, Lifewords board appoints two to three Child Safeguarding Officers (CSOs), including one board member. These officers are responsible for promptly addressing any reports, suspicions, or concerns related to child abuse, ensuring the safety of all involved. Additionally, a board member conducts regular internal audits to assess compliance with the policy and recommend improvements.
We are committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all children and their families.
If anything does not align with this commitment, or if you are concerned about the behaviour or actions of any Lifewords representative, please inform us as soon as possible.
FOUNDATIONS
Safeguarding at Lifewords is built on three key pillars:
PREVENTION
We implement wide-ranging practices to ensure child safeguarding, fostering a safe environment in all interactions and activities. This includes rigorous selection processes, ongoing training for staff and trainers, clear in-person and online counselling guidelines, communication and data usage protocols, and an accessible
Code of Conduct. The policy also promotes open dialogue and proactive measures to minimise risks and strengthen safeguarding networks.
REPORTING AND RESPONSE
We have clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to cases of abuse or rights violations. Secure and accessible reporting channels are available, ensuring confidentiality and protection for victims. Reports are thoroughly reviewed, and immediate action is taken to ensure the safety of the children involved, along with appropriate follow-up to resolve the situation.
RECOVERY AND INTEGRATION
We provide secure reporting channels and ensure swift and effective responses to protect all involved and address potential violations. We support the recovery of victims of abuse and violence by offering emotional support and referrals to specialised services when necessary. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. Our support efforts are primarily directed towards Lifewords staff and children impacted by activities conducted by the organisation.
PREVENTION
We implement wide-ranging practices to ensure child safeguarding, fostering a safe environment in all interactions and activities. This includes rigorous selection processes, ongoing training for staff and trainers, clear in-person and online counselling guidelines, communication and data usage protocols, and an accessible
Code of Conduct. The policy also promotes open dialogue and proactive measures to minimise risks and strengthen safeguarding networks.
REPORTING AND RESPONSE
We have clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to cases of abuse or rights violations. Secure and accessible reporting channels are available, ensuring confidentiality and protection for victims. Reports are thoroughly reviewed, and immediate action is taken to ensure the safety of the children involved, along with appropriate follow-up to resolve the situation.
RECOVERY AND INTEGRATION
We provide secure reporting channels and ensure swift and effective responses to protect all involved and address potential violations. We support the recovery of victims of abuse and violence by offering emotional support and referrals to specialised services when necessary. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. Our support efforts are primarily directed towards Lifewords staff and children impacted by activities conducted by the organisation.
STRATEGIES FOR SAFEGUARDING
Ensuring Protection
Protecting children and adolescents is our priority. Our Child Safeguarding Policy provides guidelines to prevent and address violence, ensuring a safe environment and promoting well-being and rights.
Safeguarding Principles
Do you know the principles that guide child and adolescent protection? Our Child Safeguarding Policy presents the legal and biblical foundations underpinning it and raises awareness about their rights.
Identifying Violence
Violence against children and adolescents can occur in any context or environment, such as schools, homes, sports facilities, or care institutions. Learn more about the different forms of violence here.
Where to Seek Help
Silence and lack of information increase the risk for children and adolescents. Knowing and contacting the child protection services and rights defence organisations is essential. Anyone can report human rights violations as a victim or a witness.
Recognising Abuse
Mistreatment and abuse manifest through physical, emotional, and behavioural signs. Being alert to changes in attitudes and behaviours of the children and adolescents around you is the first step in identifying possible rights violations.
Find out here which signs may or may not indicate the occurrence of abuse, but the possibility should always be considered.
WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT CHILDREN
DIRECT CONTACT:
This email is accessed only by LifeWords´ Child Safeguarding Officers (CSOs).
If your concern is not related to Lifewords but you believe a child is at risk of violence, please get in touch with the appropriate secure and accessible reporting channels.
