Child Protection Policy

1. Our commitment

UnityReach Global has zero tolerance for the abuse, exploitation, neglect, or endangerment of any child. Every person serving with us is responsible for creating an environment where children are safe, respected, and believed.

This policy applies to mission activities in Cap-Haïtien, to the 100 Children Education Initiative, and to any program, event, or communication involving children.

2. Screening and clearance

• Written application, references, and an interview for anyone serving with children
• Background screening where legally permitted, and disclosure of any prior investigation or conviction related to children
• Mandatory safeguarding orientation before departure and a signed acknowledgment of this policy
• No unscreened visitor, family member, or guest may work directly with children

3. Supervision rules

• Two-adult rule — a child is never alone with a single adult, in person or online
• Contact with children happens only in approved, visible, program areas during scheduled activities
• No volunteer transports a child alone, takes a child to lodging, or visits a child's home unaccompanied
• No private messaging, social media contact, calls, or gifts between a volunteer and a child or family
• Discipline is never physical, humiliating, isolating, or food- or care-withholding

4. Prohibited conduct

• Any sexual behavior, contact, language, or exposure involving a child
• Physical punishment, threats, intimidation, or verbal degradation
• Sharing sleeping or bathing space with a child who is not the volunteer's own child
• Offering money, sponsorship, adoption, travel, or personal support arrangements to a child or family
• Requesting or keeping a child's personal contact information for private use

5. Photography and privacy

Photographs or video of a child require the consent of a parent or guardian and, where the child is old enough, the child's own agreement. Images are never published with a child's full name, school, address, medical condition, or family circumstances, and consent may be withdrawn at any time.

6. Medical and educational care

Children receive care only with parent or guardian consent, except in a documented emergency. Examinations occur with a chaperone present, and student records in the education program are restricted to staff with a program reason to access them.

7. Reporting a concern

Anyone who witnesses, suspects, or receives a report of harm must report it immediately to mission leadership and to info@unityreachglobal.org or 954-554-0525. Do not investigate on your own, do not question the child repeatedly, and do not promise secrecy.

Reports may be made confidentially, and no one who reports in good faith will face retaliation.

8. Our response

• Immediate steps to secure the child's safety and care
• Suspension of the person of concern from all contact with children pending review
• Notification of parents or guardians and of local authorities as required by Haitian and U.S. law
• Documented review by leadership, with findings recorded and retained
• Permanent exclusion from UnityReach Global service where an allegation is substantiated

9. Training and review

Safeguarding training is required annually and before each mission deployment. This policy is reviewed at least yearly and updated as law, partner requirements, and field practice change.