For the Child Protection Policy of the Dokova & Dokov Foundation for the Future
This policy is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and national legislation, incorporating good practices and procedures from the National Network for Children. The policy establishes the principles, rules, procedures, and guidelines according to which the Foundation commits itself in carrying out its activities.
The Foundation’s understanding of children’s rights is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted on 20.11.1989 by the UN General Assembly – ratified by Bulgaria in 1991. The Convention provides additional guarantees for children – civil, cultural, political, social, and economic – offering a new perspective on children, reflecting their rights, opportunities, and development. The Convention includes three optional protocols focusing specifically on:
Children involved in armed conflict;
Child pornography, prostitution, and trafficking;
Communication regarding violations – reporting by children and their representatives.
The Convention identifies three main types of rights, the so-called “Three Ps” (Protection, Provision, Participation):
Protection – the right to protection from harmful actions and behavior, including protection from discrimination and exploitation.
Provision – the right to access care, services, or activities, including education, healthcare, nutrition, and an adequate standard of living.
Participation – the right to be involved and participate in activities, to express opinions, and to share views regarding decisions affecting their life and well-being, including the right to freedom of expression.
Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) defines a “child” as “every human being under the age of 18 years unless, under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.”
Article 19 of the CRC:
States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment, or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while the child is in the care of parents, legal guardians, or any other person responsible for the child.
Such protective measures shall, as appropriate, include effective procedures for establishing social programs to provide necessary support to the child and those caring for the child, and other forms of prevention and reporting, investigation, and follow-up on cases of child maltreatment, and, where appropriate, for judicial intervention.
Definition of Protection – Bulgarian Law:
Child Protection Act, Art. 11:
Every child has the right to protection against involvement in activities detrimental to their physical, mental, moral, or educational development.
Every child has the right to protection against methods of upbringing that violate their dignity, physical, mental, or other violence, and forms of influence contrary to their interests.
Every child has the right to protection against being used for begging, prostitution, dissemination of pornographic materials, and receiving undue material gain, as well as against sexual abuse.
Every child has the right to protection against involvement in political, religious, or trade union activities.
For more information: UNICEF – Violence against Children
Physical Violence
Physical violence is defined as any deliberate physical act against a child by a parent or another adult. Examples include hitting, kicking, pinching, shaking, burning, biting, choking, drowning, and other acts causing pain, bruises, abrasions, fractures, or fear. It also includes extreme forms of parental control and use of physical force for “discipline,” including slapping, spanking, or using objects to inflict pain. Physical violence may also include giving the child poisonous substances, inappropriate medications, or alcohol. Harm may be unintentional or the result of overly strict discipline.
Psychological Violence
Psychological violence includes systematic criticism, shaming, humiliation, reprimanding, threats, mockery, creating fear and anxiety, and constant dissatisfaction with the child’s behavior, as well as inability to provide adequate care appropriate to the child’s age and individual characteristics. Children who witness domestic violence are also considered victims of psychological and emotional abuse.
Emotional maltreatment includes deliberate, conscious attacks on the child’s development, personality, self-image, and social skills. It manifests in five forms:
Rejection – adult refuses to recognize the child’s needs.
Isolation – removing the child from normal social experiences, making the child feel alone.
Harassment – verbal attacks creating fear, coercion, or intimidation.
Ignoring – deprivation of basic stimulation and empathy.
Corruption – encouraging antisocial behavior or criminal acts.
Neglect
Any action or inaction depriving a child of adequate care for health, education, emotional stimulation, nutrition, housing, or safe living conditions. Four types of neglect are identified: physical, educational, health, and emotional.
Sexual Violence
Involving a child in sexual activities they cannot fully understand or consent to. This includes acts with children under 14, inappropriate touching, sexualized kissing, use of sexual language, encouraging sexual games, or involvement in creating pornographic materials. Child marriage is also considered sexual violence.
The UN defines sexual exploitation and abuse:
Exploitation – any abuse or attempt to abuse a position of vulnerability or trust for sexual purposes, including financial, social, or political gain.
Abuse – physical acts or threats of sexual nature using force or coercion.
Bullying and Cyberbullying
Acts carried out via internet or communication technologies causing trauma by attacking the victim’s dignity. Bullying includes any unwanted behavior (physical, verbal, or otherwise) that harms dignity or creates a hostile environment.
Trafficking and Child Labor Exploitation
Organized criminal activity exploiting children for profit via sexual or labor abuse, begging, theft, or other illegal acts violating children’s rights.
Discrimination
Bulgarian Protection Against Discrimination Act prohibits direct or indirect discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, genome, citizenship, origin, religion, education, beliefs, political affiliation, status, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, property, or other legally recognized characteristics.
Direct discrimination – less favorable treatment based on protected characteristics.
Indirect discrimination – policies or practices that disproportionately disadvantage a group without objective justification.
As an organization working with children, it is crucial to adopt a child protection policy. Professionals in the field should treat protection as both a duty and a civic responsibility.
2.1. Child Protection
Children may be placed in vulnerable positions by those expected to work with them. This includes social workers, project staff, or individuals with access to children’s personal information. Vulnerability can lead to abuse, particularly from trusted individuals.
The Foundation prioritizes the best interests of the child. Child protection from all forms of abuse is a central priority, requiring clearly defined standards and mechanisms for action in case of risk.
2.2. Protection of Staff and Organization
These policies protect children, staff, and the organization. Procedures ensure safe and effective work with children and help prevent hiring individuals who could potentially abuse their position.
The document provides guidance for:
Acceptable boundaries and behavior with children.
Identifying potential risks in work environments.
Steps to follow in case of suspected or experienced abuse.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – recognized worldwide and ratified.
Foundation fully adopts special measures for protection against sexual exploitation and abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13, 9 October 2003, UN Secretariat).
National legislation designates the State Agency for Child Protection and local commissions in municipalities to oversee implementation.
Reports can be submitted to the national hotline 116 111 or regional institutions and NGOs (Appendix 1).
Policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, partners, and subcontractors.
Approved by the Board of Directors and signed by the Chairperson.
Integrated into employment contracts at Children’s Center “Smiles for Ukraine”.
Mandatory for all staff to review upon starting work.
Defines acceptable behavior for professionals, including those working with children.
Candidates’ attitudes toward child protection are assessed.
Orientation and initial training on PSEA and child rights.
Follow policies, attend periodic training, foresee risks, ensure safe environments, maintain openness, recognize signs of abuse, report suspicions, respect confidentiality, obtain consent for photography.
Sharing personal child information without consent.
Sexual activity with children.
Discrimination, humiliation, bullying.
Physical or psychological abuse.
Collecting irrelevant personal information.
Staff must report suspected abuse verbally or in writing to the Chief Coordinator.
If the Coordinator is involved, report to the Chairperson, and if necessary, to the Board.
Child safety is the primary concern.
Policies shared before activities.
Parental consent required.
Confidential handling of personal information.
Only necessary staff have access.
Communications must be open, clear, respectful.
Names of vulnerable children must be protected in publications.
Child consent required, and parental consent.
Photos/videos should reflect activities and include groups rather than individuals.
Children must be appropriately dressed.
Supervision of photographers and operators is mandatory.
Child and parental consent required.
Questions must be age-appropriate.
Child may refuse participation.
Child should be supported and not left alone.
Participation is voluntary with informed consent.
Staff and children coordinate group agreements.
Risk assessment conducted before activities.
Multiple forms of abuse may co-occur.
Children express psychological suffering through emotions or behavior.
Reference: Child Abuse Prevention Guide, School Network, State Agency for Child Protection (DACP)
Policy approved by Chairperson after Board decision.
Subject to periodic review and updates.
This completes the full English translation of the provided Child Protection Policy.
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