Skip to content

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Fountain of Life Harrismith (FOLHS)
Corner of Warden Street and Piet Uys Street, Harrismith, 9880, South Africa
Email: [email protected]

Last Updated: 25 January 2025

1. Purpose

Fountain of Life Harrismith is committed to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all children participating in church ministries, activities, and events.

This Policy establishes the standards, procedures, and responsibilities necessary to:

  • Protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
  • Prevent misconduct
  • Ensure appropriate responses to safeguarding concerns
  • Comply with South African law

The safety and well-being of children is a priority in all ministries of the church.

2. Legal Framework

This Policy is guided by:

  • The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa
  • The Children’s Act 38 of 2005
  • The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act
  • The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
  • Applicable common law principles

All safeguarding decisions will align with these legal standards.

3. Scope

This Policy applies to:

  • Church leadership
  • Staff members
  • Volunteers
  • Youth leaders
  • Ministry coordinators
  • Contractors engaged in child-related activities

It applies to all church premises, events, outreach activities, camps, and digital interactions involving minors.

4. Definition of a Child

For the purposes of this Policy, a child is any person under the age of 18 years.

5. Statement of Commitment

Fountain of Life Harrismith:

  • Has zero tolerance for child abuse, exploitation, or neglect
  • Commits to acting in the best interests of the child
  • Will take all allegations seriously
  • Will comply with mandatory reporting obligations under South African law

6. Types of Abuse

Child abuse may include, but is not limited to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Neglect
  • Grooming behaviour
  • Online exploitation

Abuse may occur in person or through digital communication platforms.

7. Recruitment and Screening

To reduce risk, FOLHS will:

  • Conduct interviews for individuals working with children
  • Obtain references where appropriate
  • Require disclosure of prior convictions
  • Require clearance where legally required
  • Maintain records of approved volunteers

No individual with a history of child-related offences will be permitted to serve in child-related ministries.

8. Code of Conduct for Adults Working with Children

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Treat children with dignity and respect
  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact
  • Never be alone with a child in a private, unsupervised setting
  • Avoid favouritism or grooming behaviours
  • Use age-appropriate language
  • Obtain parental consent for outings and activities
  • Ensure transparency in digital communication

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Corporal punishment
  • Sexual comments, jokes, or behaviour
  • Private messaging minors without parental awareness
  • Sharing inappropriate media
  • Taking children off-site without authorisation

9. Supervision and Ratios

Appropriate adult-to-child ratios will be maintained during all church activities.

Where possible:

  • At least two unrelated adults should be present
  • Open-door policies should be implemented
  • Windows or visibility panels should be used in classrooms

10. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any suspicion, allegation, or disclosure of abuse must be reported immediately.

Reports should be made to:

Safeguarding Contact / Information Officer
John Daniel Veitch
Email: [email protected]
Church Email: [email protected]

If a child is in immediate danger, the matter must be reported directly to:

  • South African Police Service (SAPS)
  • Department of Social Development

Mandatory reporting obligations under the Children’s Act will be strictly observed.

11. Response Procedure

Upon receiving a report:

  1. The safety of the child will be prioritised.
  2. The allegation will be documented accurately.
  3. The matter will be reported to the relevant authorities where required.
  4. Internal leadership will be notified on a need-to-know basis.
  5. Confidentiality will be maintained as far as legally possible.

The church will not conduct criminal investigations but will cooperate fully with authorities.

12. Confidentiality and POPIA Compliance

All safeguarding records will:

  • Be stored securely
  • Be accessible only to authorised individuals
  • Be processed in accordance with POPIA

Information will only be shared when legally required or necessary to protect a child.

13. Digital and Online Safety

Where online platforms are used:

  • Parental consent must be obtained
  • Group communication is preferred over private communication
  • Recorded sessions must be securely stored
  • No inappropriate content may be shared

14. Photography and Media

  • Parental consent must be obtained before publishing images of minors.
  • Children’s names will not be published without consent.
  • Images will not be used in a manner that compromises dignity or safety.

15. Training and Awareness

FOLHS commits to:

  • Providing safeguarding training to leaders and volunteers
  • Reviewing this policy periodically
  • Promoting a culture of accountability and transparency

16. Breach of Policy

Failure to comply with this Policy may result in:

  • Immediate suspension from ministry duties
  • Termination of volunteer or employment status
  • Reporting to the relevant authorities

17. Review and Updates

This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with legislation and best practices.

18. Declaration

All staff and volunteers working with children must:

  • Read this Policy
  • Agree to comply with its provisions
  • Sign a written declaration of understanding