Since 2001, a number of aid and development agencies (mainly based in the UK and Switzerland), along with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), have been working together to share experience and knowledge and to identify a common approach to child protection. These agencies make up the Keeping Children Safe Coalition.
Our goal is to increase the safeguards offered to children, through improved child protection policies and practice within the agencies and authorities that work with children.
The coalition is governed by a Steering Group and a Management Committee made up of its members. Daily operations are managed by the Coalition's Coordinator.
What we do
- provide resources and tools to devise and implement child protection policies
- provide regional training and support networks to aid the implementation of the standards using the materials that have been developed
With funding from the Oak Foundation the Coalition started the next phase of its work (2007-09) with the aim to roll out the child protection training globally through the establishment of protection networks with a range of target agencies working principally in developing countries and to strengthen the global coordinating role of the Coalition.
A coordinator has been appointed and the first regional network will be set up in a selected number of countries in West Africa. The first regional training will take place in West Africa in 2008.
Statement of commitment and general principles
Organisations committed to child protection must aim to achieve the highest level of protection for children with whom they come into contact and to work towards achieving the standards outlined by Keeping Children Safe.
We affirm our belief in the right of all children to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence, as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989.
We recognise that all organisations coming into contact with children have a fundamental duty of care towards them, and we acknowledge our responsibilities to keep children safe in both relief and development interventions.
Though the achievement of the Keeping Children Safe standards may often be influenced by factors beyond our control, we commit ourselves to consistently work towards achieving them and we expect to be held to account accordingly.
The members
Thanks very much to our funding partner:
