Dorothea Rescue Centre is committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all children under its care. A child is defined as any person below 18 years of age, in line with the Constitution of Kenya and international child protection standards. This Child Protection Policy guides how the Centre prevents, responds to, and manages all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to ensure every child lives in a safe and caring environment.
The policy is guided by Kenyan laws such as the Constitution of Kenya (2010), the Children’s Act (2001), the Sexual Offences Act (2006), and other relevant laws, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). In all cases, the best interest of the child is the highest priority.
Dorothea Rescue Centre believes that every child has the right to protection, care, and equal treatment, regardless of their background. The Centre has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, and exploitation. Everyone working at the Centre has a responsibility to protect children and promote their wellbeing.
All staff and volunteers are expected to follow a clear code of conduct, which includes treating children with respect, maintaining professional boundaries, ensuring safety at all times, and immediately reporting any concerns of abuse to the Designated Safeguarding Officer. The Officer then takes the necessary action, including working with relevant authorities such as the police and children’s department.
To keep children safe, the Centre follows strict measures such as careful staff recruitment, background checks, training on child protection, secure record keeping, and safe use of media and technology. Children’s privacy and dignity are always protected.