1. Our commitment
Heavendoo Foundation works with children and families. We are committed to protecting every child from physical, emotional and sexual abuse, exploitation and neglect. This policy applies to everyone who works with us: trustees, staff, volunteers, interns, partners, visitors and donors visiting our programmes.
It is guided by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
2. Safe recruitment
- Everyone working directly with children is interviewed, has references checked, and provides identity proof.
- Police verification is sought where possible.
- Everyone signs this policy and our code of conduct before starting, and receives safeguarding orientation.
3. Code of conduct
Everyone working with us must:
- treat every child with respect and dignity, regardless of gender, caste, religion, ability or background;
- avoid being alone with a child out of sight of others, wherever possible;
- never use physical punishment, humiliating language or threats;
- never contact children privately through personal phones or social media, or meet them outside programme activities without their guardian's knowledge;
- never give gifts or money to individual children outside the programme;
- report any concern about a child's safety immediately.
4. Photos, videos and stories
- We take and share images and stories only with the informed consent of the child's parent or guardian, and the child's own agreement.
- We never publish a child's full name, school, home address or exact location.
- We portray children with dignity — never in a degrading or sexualised way, and never in a way that could put them at risk.
- Names are changed in stories; some stories on this website are illustrative and say so.
- Visitors and donors may not photograph children during visits without permission from our team.
5. Reporting a concern
- If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 112 or Childline on 1098 (free, 24 hours).
- Report any concern or allegation about anyone connected with our work to contact@heavendoo.in. You can report anonymously.
- Every report is taken seriously, handled confidentially, and acted on promptly.
- As required by the POCSO Act, suspected sexual offences against children are reported to the police or the Special Juvenile Police Unit.
- Anyone accused is removed from contact with children while the concern is looked into.
6. Partners
Organisations we partner with on programmes involving children must follow standards at least as strong as these.
7. Review
This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and after any safeguarding incident.