“We change destinies. We make dreams come true.”

We, the Board of Directors of the Foundation, want a future in which domestic violence will not be tolerated or accepted under any circumstances. We want unconditional protection for women at risk and their children. We will fight for a better future for each victim individually, and through these actions, we will change the situation for thousands of women in Bulgaria whose cries for help remain silent in the current situation.

This Code of Ethics establishes the legal and ethical norms for the activities of the Foundation. In our daily actions, we are guided by the universal values of humanity, integrity, solidarity, empathy, tolerance, justice, and respect for the freedom and rights of the individual. We comply with the Constitution and the laws of the country, international acts in the field of children’s rights and human rights, and the unwritten laws of human morality. This Code of Ethics sets the minimum ethical standards to which the Foundation adheres in accordance with applicable legal norms, good practices, our personal convictions, and conscience.

Values of the Foundation

• Love and care

• Generosity and support

• Empathy and engagement

• Trust, openness, and transparency

• Organization and determination towards change

Goals of the Foundation

• To give goodness

• To provide protection

• To inspire hope

• To help where faith in goodness is lost

• To express problems in their true words and seek solutions

The Foundation supports projects in three main areas:

1. Protection of children in disadvantaged situations

2. Prevention and protection against domestic violence

3. Supporting personal development and talent

Principles of the Board of Directors in Public Service

• The activities and financing of the Foundation are transparent and open. The Foundation has the right to refuse funding if it contradicts or is suspected to contradict ethical norms, as well as Bulgarian and international law.

• It builds and maintains a reputation for integrity, competence, and professionalism, following good manners, proper conduct, and ethics.

• Ensures public visibility of its mission, goals, and programs, making them accessible to the wider public.

• Uses resources solely for charitable purposes and public benefit.

• Ensures maximum transparency of its actions and decisions to increase understanding and trust in Bulgarian NGOs serving the public good.

• Makes funding decisions with objectivity and fairness, without any bias or personal interest.

• Encourages policies to avoid all forms of conflict of interest. If the personal beliefs or conscience of an employee, representative, or partner of the Foundation conflict with a specific activity, they have the right to declare this and abstain from participation.

• Does not allow inequality, intolerance, manipulation, malicious intent, or suspicion of abuse in its work, nor any discrimination against funding applicants.

• Respects all applicants and ensures confidentiality of intellectual ideas and personal information received during the application process.

• Uses financial and human resources in the most effective way for public benefit.

• Ensures continuous improvement of the organization, staff, and work processes, including through evaluations and self-assessments.

• Adheres to the established Child Protection Policy when working with children in disadvantaged or vulnerable groups.

• Requires all Foundation employees or partners to comply with this Code of Ethics.

Principles for Working with Children and Ethical Standards of Conduct

In our work, we strive to create a supportive and developmental environment at Children’s Center “Smiles for Ukraine.” Employees, volunteers, and the Board of Directors commit to:

• Make every effort to understand and respect the individuality of each child;

• Inform, involve, and, if needed, support the families of the children they work with;

• Ensure that every decision is guided by the principle of the best interests of the child, which is above the interests of adults and the organization;

• Provide a safe and healthy environment and do everything possible to guarantee the safety of children;

• Provide information to children in a manner appropriate for their age, support the formation of their own opinions, and respect their freedom to express them;

• Protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation;

• Do not allow physical, psychological, or sexual abuse of children, including hitting as a disciplinary measure, bullying, or verbal violence;

• Do not allow exploitation or abusive relationships with children;

• Do not act in ways that could lead to abuse or put children at risk;

• Do not allow sexually provocative behavior or behavior intended to shame, humiliate, belittle, or harm children, or otherwise cause emotional abuse;

• Do not involve children in actions that are illegal, dangerous, or could lead to abuse;

• Do not discriminate, especially showing favoritism or preferential treatment of certain children over others;

• Do not photograph or film children without their and/or their families’ consent, and without explaining how the recorded material will be used.

Procedures for Implementation

The Code of Ethics is an open document. Proposals for additions are submitted in writing, reviewed, and voted on by the Board of Directors of the Foundation.

Reports of violations of the Code of Ethics are submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Foundation. They are reviewed by the Board, which issues recommendations or decisions.

The Foundation may decide to terminate relationships with any individual or organization, partners, or beneficiaries who have committed a serious violation of this Code of Ethics.