Policy for working with children and child protection
Съгласно Keeping Children Safe International Child Safeguarding Standards
Recommended by the European Commission
Adoption date: May 27, 2026
1. Introduction and scope
This policy has been developed in accordance with the International Child Protection Standards of Keeping Children Safe, recommended by the European Commission, and reflects KinoKlas' commitment to the safety and well-being of every child.
The policy applies to all persons participating in the activities of KinoKlas:
- Teachers, mentors and instructors
- Administrative staff and volunteers
- Partners and external collaborators
- Parents and guardians attending activities
The policy covers all educational programs, classes, camps, online activities and public events organized by or on behalf of KinoKlas.
2. Definitions
Child — any person under the age of 18 under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Child Safeguarding — a set of policies, procedures and practices to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation.
Abuse — includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and any form of exploitation.
Responsible Person for Child Protection (DSL) — a designated member of management coordinating all child protection issues.
Signal — any concern, suspicion or disclosure related to possible harm to a child.
STANDARD 01 — POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
The organization has a clear, written child protection policy approved by management.
3.1 Institutional commitment
The management of KinoKlas officially accepts this policy and takes responsibility for
its implementation. Child protection is included in the strategic priorities of
the organization and is reviewed annually.
3.2 Principles
✓ The well-being of the child is of paramount importance in every decision-making.
✓ All children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability or social status, have an equal right to protection.
✓ KinoKlas works in partnership with parents/guardians to protect children.
✓ The organization alerts the competent authorities in case of reasonable suspicion of harm or danger.
✓ Children have the right to be heard and their voice taken into account.
✓ No employee or volunteer is above suspicion — the policy applies to everyone.
3.3 Responsible Person for Child Protection (DSL)
KinoKlas appoints a Responsible Person for Child Protection (DSL) who:
- Coordinates the implementation of this policy
- Is the first point of contact for any alert or concern
- Maintains contact with the competent authorities (social services, police)
- Provides training to the entire team
- Reports annually to management on the implementation of the policy
Contact DSL: kinoklasfilms@gmail.com
STANDARD 02 — PREVENTION
The organization minimizes risks through preventive practices.
4.1 Safe recruitment of staff and volunteers
✓ Criminal background check (criminal record check) for all employees and volunteers;
✓ Collect at least two references from previous employers;
✓ Mandatory interview including questions related to child protection;
✓ Signing the Code of Conduct and this policy before starting work;
✓ Probationary period with regular supervision and evaluation.
4.2 Code of Conduct
All persons working with children at KinoKlas are obliged to:
- To treat every child with respect, dignity and sensitivity;
- Maintain transparency — avoid situations alone with a child without visibility;
- To respond promptly to a discovered or suspected case of harm;
- To protect the confidentiality of children's personal information.
All persons are required to refrain from:
- Physical punishment or threatening behavior;
- Verbal harassment, insults or discriminatory comments;
- Sharing photos or videos of children without explicit consent;
- Personal communication with children through personal profiles on social networks.
4.3 Training and awareness
- The entire team: introductory training upon entry and refresher training every two years;
- DSL: specialized training every two years;
- Volunteers: targeted introduction before the start of each program.
STANDARD 03 — REPORTING AND RESPONDING
The organization has clear procedures for reporting and responding to suspected harm.
In case of immediate danger to the life or health of a child, call 112 immediately. Do not wait for internal procedures.
5.1 Alert procedure - steps
1. Listen and record — Listen to the child carefully without leading questions.
Write down what was said verbatim immediately after the conversation.
2. Don't promise confidentiality — Tell the child that you may have to share
the information with competent authorities.
3. Notify DSL within 1 hour —
Orally and then in writing via the Form
for the signal.
4. DSL performs an assessment — DSL assesses the risk level within 24 hours.
5. Notification of competent authorities
authorities — In case of reasonable doubt DSL
Report to the Social Assistance Directorate and/or the police.
6. Parental notification — Parents are notified unless it would place
the child in additional danger.
7. Documentation and tracking — All actions are documented in the alert register.
5.2 Key contacts in a crisis situation
- Emergency: 112
- National Children's Hotline: 116 111 (free, 24/7)
- Social Assistance Directorate at the child's place of residence
- DSL to KinoKlas: info@kinoklas.org
STANDARD 04 — MONITORING AND EVALUATION
6.1 Annual review
This policy is reviewed annually by DSL and management. The review includes:
✓ Analysis of all reports submitted and measures taken for the year;
✓ Checking whether procedures comply with current legislation;
✓ Evaluation of the effectiveness of the training provided;
✓ Review of the safety of the physical and online environment;
✓ Collecting feedback from children, parents and team.
6.2 Evaluation indicators
- Number of child protection trainings conducted and percentage of employees covered
- Number and type of signals received and method of their resolution
- Percentage of employees who signed the Code of Conduct
- Satisfaction of parents and children with the safety of the environment
6.3 Reporting to the management body
DSL submits an annual report to the governing body of KinoKlas, containing a summary of activities, all incidents and measures taken, and recommendations for improvement.
7. Responsibilities
Guide
- Adopts and updates this policy
- Provides resources for training and implementation
- Supports DSL and the team in crisis situations
Responsible Person for Child Protection (DSL)
8. Contact
For questions, concerns or reports related to child safety:
KinoKlas — Responsible Person for Child Protection
Email: info@kinoklas.org | Web: www.kinoklas.org
Emergency: 112 | Children's line: 116 111 (free, 24/7)
This policy has been developed in accordance with: Keeping Children Safe — The International Child Safeguarding Standards (recommended by the European Commission, 2023); The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989); Current Bulgarian child protection legislation.