Child Safeguarding Policy

The safety and dignity of every child we work with is non-negotiable. This policy sets out what that commitment means in practice.

Last updated: May 2026

Ramah Upliftment Foundation exists to serve orphans, widows, and vulnerable children. The safety and dignity of every child we work with is non-negotiable. This policy sets out what that commitment means in practice.

1. Commitment

Every child has the right to safety, dignity, respect, and protection from harm — regardless of background, gender, disability, religion, ethnicity, family situation, or programme status.

Safeguarding is not optional. It applies to all staff, board members, volunteers, contractors, visitors, partners, photographers, media contributors, and anyone acting on behalf of Ramah.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Field activities and programme delivery.
  • Volunteer and donor visits.
  • Photography, video, and storytelling.
  • Digital communication and online content.
  • Website and social media.
  • Partner-supported activities.
  • Any Ramah programme involving children or vulnerable families.

3. Our Safeguarding Standards

Ramah representatives must:

  • Treat every child with dignity and respect.
  • Avoid favouritism, humiliation, discrimination, threats, or coercion.
  • Use age-appropriate, culturally respectful communication.
  • Work in visible, accountable settings wherever possible.
  • Follow consent and privacy requirements before collecting or publishing any information about a child.
  • Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  • Never make promises to children or families that Ramah has not approved.

4. Prohibited Conduct

Ramah prohibits:

  • Physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse of any kind.
  • Exploitation, harassment, or grooming.
  • Corporal punishment.
  • Private, unnecessary, or secretive contact with a child.
  • Sharing personal contact details with children outside approved programme activities.
  • Publishing a child's name, image, video, location, or story without appropriate guardian consent and safeguarding review.
  • Using images or stories that shame, stereotype, expose, or endanger a child.
  • Offering aid or opportunity in exchange for personal, financial, sexual, or other improper benefit.

5. Photos, Videos, and Stories

Ramah uses images and stories only with care. Before publishing child-related media, Ramah must have written guardian consent and must assess whether publication could harm, shame, identify, or expose the child.

Children and guardians may decline photo, video, or story consent without losing access to support.

6. Volunteers and Visitors

Volunteers and visitors must follow Ramah's safeguarding standards. They may not independently photograph, interview, counsel, transport, or communicate privately with children through Ramah activities unless specifically authorised and supervised.

7. Reporting a Concern

Anyone concerned about a child's safety, or about the conduct of a Ramah representative, should report it as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. All reports are taken seriously and handled confidentially, with the child's safety as the priority.

Ramah will respond in a way that prioritises child safety, confidentiality, and appropriate referral to statutory authorities where required.

8. Non-Retaliation

Ramah will not penalise anyone for raising a safeguarding concern in good faith. Retaliation against a person who reports a concern is not tolerated.

9. Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as Ramah's programmes, legal obligations under Ghana's Children's Act 1998 (Act 560), and safeguarding practice develop.

Contact

To report a safeguarding concern or ask questions about this policy: