Child Protection Policy

Extended Child Protection Policy of Familien-Sport-Verein-Oberhavel e.V.

1. Preamble

Familien-Sport-Verein-Oberhavel e.V. is fully committed to protecting children and young people from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect. We understand our responsibility as a club that works intensively with children and young people as an integral part of our club philosophy. This extended child protection policy serves as a comprehensive guide to ensure that all participants incorporate the principles of child protection into their actions.

2. Objectives of the Child Protection Policy

Maximum Protection: Ensuring that all children and young people in the club environment are protected from all forms of physical, emotional, and sexual violence.
Early Prevention: Establishing preventive measures to identify and counteract potential risks at an early stage.
Trusted Points of Contact: Providing clear, easily accessible structures for children, young people, and parents to find support in case of problems or suspected cases.
Continuous Development: Regular adaptation and expansion of protective measures in line with new findings and legal requirements.
Strengthening Club Awareness: Promoting a club climate that emphasizes the importance of child protection for all members and actively supports it.

3. Extended Prevention Measures

3.1 Extended Certificate of Good Conduct

Requirement and Update: All instructors, coaches, and individuals who are regularly in contact with children and young people must submit an extended certificate of good conduct every three years at the club’s expense. New members with relevant responsibilities must present such a certificate before starting their activities.
Review and Consequences: The certificate of good conduct is reviewed confidentially by a designated, trained member of the board. In case of irregularities, immediate consultation with the entire board takes place, and appropriate measures are taken, up to and including termination of the person’s club activities.

3.2 Comprehensive Training and Continuing Education

Mandatory Training: Instructors, supervisors, and all members in contact with children are required to participate in annual training on child protection, violence prevention, and handling suspected cases. Additionally, emergency drills are conducted to practice the practical implementation of the guidelines.
Training Content: The training covers the legal foundations of child protection, teaches recognition signs of child endangerment, and includes role-playing and case studies to increase confidence in handling critical situations. These training sessions are conducted by certified external experts.
Training in the Club Context: The topic of child protection is systematically integrated into all club training programs. Special workshops for the board and child protection officers deepen knowledge about the latest developments in child protection and their practical application.

3.3 Code of Conduct and Ethics Guidelines

Code of Conduct: A detailed code of conduct establishes binding rules for dealing with children and young people, which must be signed by all relevant individuals. This code contains clear guidelines on physical and emotional distance, the use of communication tools, and handling confidential information.
Ethics Guidelines: In addition to the code of conduct, ethics guidelines are introduced that emphasize the moral obligations and values of the club in dealing with children and young people. These guidelines are reviewed at regular intervals and adapted to new findings and social developments.

4. Structures & Responsibilities

4.1 Child Protection Officer

Appointment and Qualification: The club appoints at least one specially trained child protection officer who has extensive knowledge in the field of child protection. This person undergoes regular training and supervision.
Tasks and Action Instructions: The child protection officer is responsible for receiving and processing suspected cases, advising club members, and organizing training. They maintain anonymized documentation of all incidents and consultations to derive continuous improvements.
Trusted Point of Contact: The child protection officer is available at all times via a confidential, direct contact option at 0172-1634772.

4.2 Board

Overall Responsibility: The board bears overall responsibility for child protection in the club. It ensures that the child protection policy is applied in all areas of club life and is regularly updated.
Regular Evaluation: The board conducts an independent evaluation of the child protection policy at least once a year to identify weaknesses and implement improvements.
Annual Child Protection Report: The board prepares an annual report on activities in the area of child protection, which is presented at the general meeting.

5. Detailed Action Guide for Suspected Cases

5.1 First Steps in Case of Suspicion

Observation and Documentation: In case of conspicuous behavior of a child or suspicions, written documentation of the observations must be prepared immediately. This documentation is carried out while maintaining confidentiality and is handed over to the child protection officer.
Immediate Conversation: The child protection officer conducts a confidential conversation with the affected child or young person to clarify the situation. This is done carefully, without putting pressure on the child.

5.2 Reporting, Documentation, and Referral

Confidential Reporting: Suspected cases are reported immediately and confidentially to the child protection officer. The case is documented and all relevant information is secured.
Creation of an Action Plan: In consultation with the board, an action plan is developed that defines the next steps. This includes conversations with parents or legal guardians as well as the involvement of external experts.
Referral to External Agencies: In case of confirmed suspicion, immediate contact is made with external specialist agencies such as the youth welfare office, while maintaining the anonymity of the affected child, if possible.

5.3 Support Services for Those Affected

Individual Support: The club offers affected children and young people, as well as their families, immediate psychological and social-pedagogical support. The club works with specialized counseling centers.
Follow-up Care: Even after a case is closed, the club remains in contact with the affected families to support the long-term processing of the experiences and identify further support needs.

6. Communication and Public Relations

Internal Communication: Regular, transparent information for all club members about child protection measures, the role of the child protection officer, and reporting channels. This includes notices in club rooms and a dedicated page on the club website.
Parent Engagement: The club organizes information events for parents to educate them about child protection measures and involve them in the protection process.
Public Relations: The club clearly positions itself as a child-friendly and child-protecting place. This is emphasized in all external communication channels to strengthen trust in the club.

7. Evaluation, Monitoring, and Further Development

7.1 Regular Evaluation

Internal Audits: At least once a year, an internal review of child protection measures is conducted. This includes conversations with children and parents as well as anonymous surveys among members to identify weaknesses.
External Review: Every two years, an independent review is conducted by external experts to ensure that the measures comply with the current state of science and practice.

7.2 Monitoring and Reporting

Ongoing Observation: The child protection officer conducts continuous monitoring to assess the effectiveness of protective measures and make adjustments.
Transparent Reporting: The club publishes an annual report on the measures implemented, the results of evaluations, and planned improvements in the area of child protection.

7.3 Sustainability and Further Development

Further Development of Protective Measures: The policy is updated annually to respond to new legal requirements, social developments, and findings from practice.
Promotion of a Child Protection Culture: The club actively promotes a culture of vigilance and proactive action that goes far beyond formal protective measures. This is achieved through continuous awareness-raising of all members and the integration of the topic into all relevant club activities.

Closing Remarks: Familien-Sport-Verein-Oberhavel e.V. views the protection of children and young people as one of the central tasks of its club work. This extended child protection policy lays the foundation for all young members to be able to participate safely and securely in sports activities in our club. Through regular adaptation and further development of this policy, we remain up to date and ensure that the protection of children and young people is lived in all facets of club life.