Child Protection Policy

Introduction

The "Edu Compass" Foundation supports young people aged 13 to 19 in career orientation and skill development for success in Bulgaria. The foundation organizes and conducts training for teachers and career counselors and has developed the innovative career guidance game and program, "My Career Path." The foundation creates and implements educational materials and platforms focused on career and life skills. Our mission is to support young people in developing their potential by providing high-quality training and collaboration with teachers, assisting their students in a diverse and safe environment. The foundation believes that every student deserves a secure developmental environment that respects and protects their rights. This child protection policy establishes minimum safety standards applied in all activities of the "Edu Compass" Foundation, in compliance with Bulgarian and international child protection laws.

Objectives of the Child Protection Policy

The aim of the internal child protection policy is to ensure the protection and safety of all children participating in the activities of the "Edu Compass" Foundation. The policy is focused on:

Ensuring a safe environment for learning and development, where children's rights are respected and protected.
Preventing all forms of violence, abuse, and discrimination against children by applying strict ethical standards and codes of conduct.
Supporting teachers and staff in identifying and reporting cases of risk to children through regular training and guidance on recognizing signs of violence and inappropriate behavior.

Definitions

Definition of "Child," according to the Child Protection Act, Article 2: A child is any individual under the age of 18.

Definition of "Child/Children at Risk":

A child at risk is a child who:

Has suffered or witnessed any form of violence and/or exploitation (as defined below);
Has experienced limitations of their rights based on race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, origin, economic status, religion, education, or beliefs, or has a disability;
Has been involved in activities that are detrimental to their physical, mental, moral, and educational development;
Has experienced methods of upbringing that violate their dignity, physical, mental, or other forms of violence, and methods contrary to their interests;
Has engaged in or been drawn into begging, prostitution, distributing pornographic materials, or obtaining illicit material income, including experiencing sexual violence;
Has been involved in political, religious, or union activities;
Has been involved in human trafficking;
Has been involved in law violations;
Has had their rights to personal protection infringed upon (described in the Child Protection Act, Article 11a);
Has been a victim of crimes or is in immediate danger to their life or health (e.g., has gone missing, is helpless, or has been left without supervision, including abandonment).

Additionally, a "child at risk" subject to specialized protective and support measures is a child who:

Has parents who are deceased, unknown, deprived of parental rights, have limited parental rights, or the child is without their care;
Is a victim of abuse, violence, exploitation, or any other inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, within or outside the family;
Is at risk of harm to their physical, mental, moral, intellectual, and social development;
Suffers from disabilities or hard-to-treat illnesses diagnosed by a specialist;
Is at risk of or has dropped out of school. (Child Protection Act, Additional Provisions)

Definitions of "Violence," "Physical Violence," "Psychological Violence," "Sexual Violence," and "Neglect" ("Negligence")

According to Section "Additional Provisions" (§1, item 1) of the Child Protection Act Regulations (CPA Regulations) (§1, items 2, 3, 4, and 5):

"Violence" against a child is any act of physical, psychological, or sexual violence, neglect, commercial or other exploitation that leads to actual or probable harm to the health, life, development, or dignity of the child, which may occur in family, school, and social environments.
"Physical violence" is causing bodily harm, including causing pain or suffering without health disorder.
"Psychological violence" includes all actions that may harm the child's mental health and development, such as belittling, ridicule, threats, discrimination, rejection, or other forms of negative treatment, as well as the inability of the parent, guardian, or caregiver to provide an adequate supportive environment.
"Sexual violence" is the use of a child for sexual gratification. "Lewdness" in the law refers to obscene actions aimed at arousing or satisfying sexual desire without intercourse. It is also a crime to provide, online or otherwise, information about an individual under 18 to establish contact for lewd acts, intercourse, prostitution, or to create pornographic material, as well as to use such information for individuals under 14 for similar purposes (Penal Code, Article 155a).
"Neglect" is the failure of the parent, guardian, or caregiver to ensure the development of the child in health, education, emotional development, nourishment, housing, and safety, when they are able to do so.
"Abandonment" is the persistent refusal of a parent, guardian, or custodian to care for the child.

Definition of "Domestic Violence" according to the Domestic Violence Protection Act (DVPA), Article 2 (Amended - State Gazette, issue 102 of 2009, effective from 22.12.2009)

"(1) Domestic violence is any act of physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or economic abuse, as well as any attempt of such violence, coercive restriction of personal life, personal freedom, and personal rights, committed against individuals who are related, are or have been in a family relationship, or in a de facto marital cohabitation. (2) Psychological and emotional abuse of a child includes any domestic violence committed in their presence."

Definition of "Human Trafficking" according to the Penal Code of the Republic of Bulgaria, Article 159a, Paragraph 1:

"Whoever recruits, transports, hides, or receives individuals or groups of people to exploit them for immoral acts, forced labor, organ removal, or to hold them in forced subordination, regardless of their consent."

"Early Marriage":

Children at risk include individuals under 16 years of age who are compelled under parental authority to enter into marital cohabitation with another person (Penal Code, Article 190). Risk to a child is also posed when an individual under 16 years of age cohabits with someone as a spouse. It is a crime when a parent, relative, or guardian permits their daughter or female relative to enter into marriage for a payment/dowry or when someone participates in such a transaction (Penal Code, Article 178).

Employment of Minors:

A child under 18 years of age is at risk if employed without proper authorization (Penal Code, Article 192a).

Exploitation for Begging:

A child is at risk if persuaded or used for begging, including by their parent or guardian (Penal Code, Article 189).

Scope of the Policy

The policy covers all employees, volunteers, and partners of the "Edu Compass" Foundation involved in activities with students and teachers in educational institutions. All individuals associated with the foundation must undergo specialized training on child protection and become familiar with procedures for responding to incidents or reports of abuse.

Core Principles

The "Edu Compass" Foundation is guided by the following child protection principles:

Priority of the Child's Well-being – Every decision and action is made with the child’s best interests in mind.
Zero Tolerance for Violence – Any form of direct or indirect violence against children is strictly prohibited.
Transparency and Accountability – All employees and partners are expected to act openly and responsibly, with a clear commitment to the child protection policy.
Collaboration with Competent Authorities – In cases of risk, the foundation coordinates with child protection authorities in the country.

Incident Reporting Procedures

The "Edu Compass" Foundation maintains clear and easily accessible procedures for reporting incidents or alerts of child risks. Every employee is obligated to report any form of violence or abuse immediately, while protecting the child’s confidentiality and adhering to personal data protection principles.

Reporting – All reports of misconduct are directed to the foundation’s child protection officer.
Investigation – The foundation conducts prompt and transparent investigations in compliance with legal and data protection policies.
Actions – If necessary, protective measures are taken for the child, including informing the relevant competent authorities.

Training and Support

The "Edu Compass" Foundation regularly conducts training for employees and partners on child protection, including:

Recognizing signs of abuse and risk.
Effective methods to support children in at-risk situations.
Incident reporting procedures and confidentiality.

Conclusion

The "Edu Compass" Foundation is committed to implementing this child protection policy and providing a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in our activities. Our actions are based on the principles of respect, dignity, and child rights protection, striving to create conditions where every young person can realize their potential in a secure and supportive environment.

The internal child protection policy was adopted by the Board of the "Edu Compass" Foundation on January 20, 2024.