Child Protection Policy

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Effective Date: November 12, 2023
Last Reviewed: March 20, 2026

1. Statement of Commitment

The Mentor Me Now Foundation is fully committed to providing a safe, respectful, and secure environment for all children participating in its programs and activities. The organization recognizes its duty of care to protect children from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and inappropriate conduct.

The Foundation affirms its responsibility to prevent child abuse, respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns or allegations, and promote the 

physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of every child engaged in its services.

2. Definitions

a. Child:
Any individual under the age of eighteen (18) years.

b. Child Abuse:
Any action or failure to act that results in actual or potential harm to a child’s physical safety, emotional well-being, dignity, or development. This includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

c. Staff:
All individuals working on behalf of the Foundation, whether paid or unpaid, including employees, mentors, volunteers, contractors, facilitators, and board representatives who interact with children.

3. Screening and Selection

The Mentor Me Now Foundation shall implement a thorough screening and selection process for all individuals who will work directly or indirectly with children.

This process may include:

• Criminal background checks in accordance with applicable laws
• Reference verification
• Formal interviews
• Review of professional or volunteer history
• Evaluation of suitability for working with children

Only individuals who successfully complete the screening process and demonstrate appropriate character, judgment, and alignment with the Foundation’s values shall be permitted to participate in child-related programming.

4. Code of Conduct

The Foundation shall maintain a clearly defined Code of Conduct that establishes appropriate standards for interactions between staff, mentors, volunteers, and children.

The Code of Conduct strictly prohibits:

• Any form of abuse, harassment, intimidation, exploitation, or neglect
• Inappropriate physical or verbal interactions
• Boundary violations or favoritism
• Use of language or behavior that may cause emotional harm
• Private or unsupervised interactions outside approved program settings

All staff, mentors, and volunteers must acknowledge and sign the Code of Conduct prior to engaging in program activities.

5. Training and Education

All individuals working with children shall complete mandatory child safeguarding and protection training prior to beginning their roles.

Training shall include:

• Recognizing indicators of abuse or neglect
• Understanding professional boundaries
• Safe communication practices
• Reporting procedures and legal responsibilities
• Creating inclusive and supportive environments

Ongoing refresher training shall be provided to reinforce awareness and maintain compliance with evolving best practices.

6. Reporting and Response Procedures

Any staff member, mentor, volunteer, or program participant who suspects or becomes aware of possible child abuse, neglect, or inappropriate conduct must immediately report the concern to the designated Child Protection Officer or Executive Director.

The Foundation shall ensure:

• Clear and accessible reporting procedures
• Prompt documentation and review of all concerns
• Appropriate escalation in accordance with legal obligations
• Cooperation with relevant authorities when required

The safety and well-being of the child shall be the primary consideration in all response actions.

7. Confidentiality

All child protection matters shall be handled with strict confidentiality.

Information shall be shared only with authorized individuals on a need-to-know basis to ensure proper investigation, safeguarding, and legal compliance.

All staff, mentors, and volunteers shall sign confidentiality agreements acknowledging their responsibility to protect sensitive information.

8. Support for Children

The Mentor Me Now Foundation is committed to creating safe channels through which children may express concerns, seek help, or report inappropriate behavior.

Support measures may include:

• Access to trusted program staff
• Follow-up communication and monitoring
• Referrals to counseling or social support services
• Assistance in accessing appropriate legal or protective resources when necessary

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Policy Review

The Foundation shall conduct periodic reviews of this Child Protection Policy and related procedures to ensure continued effectiveness and alignment with legal standards and best practices.

Internal reviews, external consultations, or program evaluations may be conducted to strengthen safeguarding measures and improve implementation.

10. Legal Compliance and Mandatory Reporting

The Mentor Me Now Foundation shall comply fully with all applicable local, state, and federal laws related to child protection, safeguarding, and mandatory reporting requirements.

Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action, removal from program participation, or legal consequences where applicable.

Approved By:
Dr. LaTonya Miller
Executive Director
Mentor Me Now Foundation

Date: November 12, 2023