Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy

Youth Development Project Ghana (YDP Ghana) Child Protection Policy

Last Updated: February 13, 2026

  1. Introduction

Youth Development Project Ghana (YDP Ghana) is a non-profit organization incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), dedicated to empowering youth aged 13 to 35 in marginalized communities through mentorship, leadership training, vocational and digital skills development, financial literacy, education support, health initiatives, and civic engagement. Our vision is to build sustainable communities by transforming youth into ethical leaders, entrepreneurial thinkers, and community change agents, as outlined in our Constitution. While our core programs focus on this age group, certain activities such as health screenings, basic education campaigns (e.g., SDG for Basic Schools or People's Podium), or partner collaborations may involve or benefit children under 13, always with explicit parental/guardian consent and enhanced safeguards.

This Child Protection Policy ("Policy") is grounded in YDP Ghana's Constitution, which emphasizes ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and the promotion of youth well-being without harm or exploitation, and aligns with Ghana's Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560). Act 560 reforms and consolidates laws relating to children, providing for their rights, maintenance, adoption, child labor regulation, and ancillary matters to ensure their protection and development.

Purpose: This Policy aims to safeguard all children (defined as persons under 18 years per Act 560, Section 1) who interact with YDP Ghana from abuse, exploitation, or harm, ensuring their best interests are paramount (Act 560, Section 2). It promotes a safe environment, prevents risks, and outlines procedures for reporting and responding to concerns.

Scope: This Policy applies to all YDP Ghana staff, board members, executives, volunteers, mentors, partners, contractors, and any individuals associated with our programs or activities involving children. It covers all operations, including online interactions, events, workshops, and community projects.

Definitions (drawn from Act 560 and YDP Ghana's context):

  • Child: A person below the age of 18 years (Act 560, Section 1).
  • Child Abuse: Contravention of a child's rights causing physical or mental harm, including neglect, violence, exploitation, or degrading treatment (Act 560, Section 124).
  • Exploitative Labor: Work that deprives a child of health, education, or development, or is hazardous (Act 560, Section 87).
  • Best Interests of the Child: The paramount consideration in all matters concerning a child (Act 560, Section 2).
  1. Policy Statement and Principles

YDP Ghana commits to upholding children's rights as enshrined in Act 560 and our Constitution's objectives (e.g., fostering self-reliance, education, health, and civic engagement without harm). We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse or exploitation.

Key Principles (aligned with Act 560, Part I):

  • Best Interests and Welfare: All decisions prioritize the child's survival, development, and well-being (Act 560, Sections 2, 6(b)).
  • Non-Discrimination: No child shall be discriminated against based on gender, race, disability, health status, ethnic origin, socio-economic background, or other factors (Act 560, Section 3).
  • Right to Protection: Children have the right to be protected from neglect, abuse, violence, moral/physical hazards, torture, degrading treatment, exploitative labor, and harmful cultural practices (Act 560, Sections 5, 6(a), 8, 12, 13, 87).
  • Participation and Opinion: Children capable of forming views have the right to express opinions and participate in decisions affecting them, with due weight given to their age and maturity (Act 560, Section 11).
  • Parental Duties: Parents/guardians must provide guidance, care, maintenance, and protection; in their absence, competent persons (aged 15+ for children under 18 months) must care for the child (Act 560, Section 6).
  • Education and Health: No child shall be denied education, immunization, medical treatment, adequate diet, shelter, or social activities (Act 560, Sections 8, 9).
  • Special Provisions for Disabled Children: Disabled children have rights to special care, education, and dignified treatment to develop their potential (Act 560, Section 10).
  • Prohibition on Betrothal/Marriage: No child under 18 shall be forced into betrothal, dowry transactions, or marriage (Act 560, Section 14).

YDP Ghana ensures all programs promote these principles, with board overseeing compliance to prevent monopolization and ensure ethical operations 

  1. Code of Conduct

All associated with YDP Ghana must:

  • Treat children with respect, dignity, and equality.
  • Obtain explicit parental/guardian consent for any under-18 participation, with additional safeguards (e.g., supervision, background checks) for under-13s in extensions like health screenings or basic education.
  • Avoid any form of physical, emotional, sexual, or exploitative abuse; report suspicions immediately.
  • Not engage children in hazardous or exploitative activities (e.g., no work interfering with education/health; minimum age 15 for light work per Act 560, Sections 89–91).
  • Maintain professional boundaries: No private communications, gifts, or unsupervised contact without approval.
  • Use positive discipline; no corporal punishment or degrading treatment (Act 560, Section 13).
  • Respect confidentiality but report risks as required.
  • For volunteers/mentors: Undergo training and adhere to safe practices in programs like Step Up Mentorship or Quick Learn Quick Earn.

Breaches may lead to disciplinary action, termination, or legal referral.

  1. Safe Recruitment and Screening

To protect children:

  • All staff/volunteers/partners undergo background checks to ensure "high moral character" (inspired by Act 560, Section 62 for foster-parents).
  • Job descriptions include child protection responsibilities.
  • Interviews assess child safeguarding knowledge.
  • References are verified, focusing on prior child-related work.
  • Contracts include Policy adherence clauses.
  • Probation periods include monitored interactions with children.
  1. Reporting Procedures
  • Mandatory Reporting: Any suspicion of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or need for care/protection must be reported immediately to the Department of Social Welfare (Act 560, Section 17) or YDP's designated Child Protection Officer (CPO).
  • Internal Process: Report to CPO (contact: info@ydpghana.org or designated hotline) within 24 hours. CPO investigates confidentially, involves authorities if needed (e.g., police for abuse), and supports the child/family.
  • External Reporting: If immediate danger, contact police or District Assembly (Act 560, Section 16). Reports to Family Tribunal for care/supervision orders if required (Act 560, Sections 19–21).
  • Whistleblower Protection: Reporters are protected from retaliation.
  • Documentation: All incidents logged securely, with follow-up reviews.

Failure to report is an offence under Act 560 and YDP Ghana policy.

  1. Training and Awareness
  • All staff/volunteers receive mandatory annual training on this Policy, Act 560 rights/protections, recognizing abuse signs, and safe practices.
  • Children/parents in programs are informed of rights and reporting channels.
  • Partners sign agreements committing to this Policy.
  1. Monitoring and Review
  • The Board of Directors oversees implementation, with annual audits and reviews.
  • Feedback from children, parents, and staff informs updates.
  • Policy reviewed every 2 years or after incidents.
  1. Contact Information

For concerns or questions: Email: info@ydpghana.org Phone: +233 (0) 55 999 7095 or +233 (0) 54 734 0533 Address: P.O. Box AN 18815, Accra North; GPS: GD 234-4648; Numoo Odai Arku Street, Adjiringanor, Accra, Ghana

External: Department of Social Welfare or Police (Emergency: 191/192).

YDP Ghana is committed to a child-safe environment, ensuring our work empowers without harm. Violations will be addressed swiftly in line with Act 560 and our Constitution.

This Policy is publicly available on our website and provided to all stakeholders.