As a child-focused organization, ASTEP creates circumstances in which children and adults regularly come into contact with each other. To that end, this policy is intended to guide the organization and individuals associated with it (volunteers, staff members, board members, interns, partners, and others, hereafter referred to as associates) on appropriate interactions with children. The goal of this policy is to promote the safety and well-being of children participating in ASTEP programs and activities and to provide clear guidance to ASTEP associates on safer ways of working with children. We have a responsibility to promote the protection and safety of children while they are in contact with staff. A child or minor is defined as a person under 18 years of age.
Artists Striving to End Poverty will pursue its commitment to protect children through:
Awareness: Ensuring that all staff and associates are aware of the problem of child abuse and the risks to children and of ASTEP’s proactive approach to promoting child safety.
Prevention: Ensuring, through awareness and good practice, that staff and associates minimize the risk to children.
Reporting and Responding: Ensuring that staff, associates, and children participating in programs, are clear what steps to take where concerns arise regarding the safety of children and that action is taken to support and protect children where concerns arise regarding possible abuse.
