Child protection based on international agreements
Pedagogical, psychological and healthcare programmes at NPH are all based on a series of international agreements affecting child rights:
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- UNICEF Guidelines for the alternative Care of Children
- The WHO Guidelines
Child rights training for NPH children
NPH regularly informs children and youths in our care about their rights, how to make a complaint and about the help available to them.
We hold training sessions by age group to teach them how abuse can be prevented. For example, we show them how they can react to pushy behaviour and get support.
Complaints system
NPH has a local and international complaint system, and children and youths, as well as staff and volunteers are given annual training.
Code of conduct
All NPH staff and volunteers are subject to a code of conduct. It requires them to adhere to children’s rights and human rights more generally. It also commits them to protect children against any type of abuse. Educators, carers and specialised staff are present in sufficient numbers to ensure the safety and supervision of the children and youths. They are also responsible for maintaining the high quality of personal care and health care.
Reporting abuse
Staff and volunteers must report any suspected cases of abuse. NPH reports cases of maltreatment as well as sexual and emotional abuse to the local authorities. We encourage anyone experiencing abuse or observing it to report it to us without delay.
Structure and standards
All programmes concerning the care of children and youths have a clear organisational structure, with named individuals in charge and well-established processes.
Pedagogical, psychological and medical standards are all set out in manuals. They are evaluated locally and internationally. Regular training ensures that everyone concerned is kept up-to-date with current standards.
Photos and child rights
NPH follows a strict media policy to guarantee the personal rights of children and youths. Actual names are replaced with aliases in official publications. Biographical details and the medical history of children and youths are kept confidential.
Photos must respect the dignity of children and youths and can only be taken with the permission of the person concerned (or of a responsible adult in the case of small children).
Photos of children or patients not living in alternative residential care at NPH, i.e. living in the community, can only be taken with the permission of a parent or guardian.
We also maintain these standards in the media and PR work of NPH. Child sponsors, donors and decision-makers are all made aware of the rights of children and youths.
Further questions
If you have any questions about NPH’s approach to child protection, please contact us.