1.Purpose
This Child Protection Policy sets out how Purple Rose Orphans protects the safety, dignity and wellbeing of every child in our care, and the standards we expect from everyone who works with, volunteers for, supports or represents our organisation. The safety of a child always comes before any other consideration, including fundraising, publicity or the convenience of an adult.
2.Our Guiding Principle
Every child has the right to grow up safe, loved and free from harm, exploitation and abuse. This principle applies equally to every child supported by Purple Rose Orphans, regardless of age, gender, health status, or how they came into our care.
3.Who This Policy Applies To
This policy applies to:
- All staff and caregivers at the Purple Rose Orphans home in Mityana District, Uganda
- Members and representatives of our partner association in Greece
- Volunteers, whether working remotely or on site in Uganda
- Visitors to the home
- Anyone who creates, publishes or shares content (photos, videos, written stories) about our children on our behalf, including on our website and social media accounts
4.Admission and Consent to Care
Every child supported by Purple Rose Orphans is admitted to our care through a formal process, in line with Ugandan child welfare requirements. For each child, we hold a signed consent and intake record confirming the circumstances of their placement and the authority under which they are in our care — for example, the consent of a surviving relative, or referral by a local authority. These records are kept confidentially by the Director and are never published.
5.Photographs, Names and Stories
We share children’s photographs and stories to help donors understand and trust our work, but we do this carefully, and only with appropriate consent:
- We only publish a photo, first name, or personal story of a child once we have appropriate consent for that specific use — either as part of the child’s intake record, or separately confirmed by the Director
- We use first names only; we do not publish children’s surnames, exact birth dates, or precise location details that could identify or locate a specific child
- We do not publish images or descriptions of children in states of undress, distress, or in any way that could be considered degrading or exploitative
- A parent, surviving relative or legal guardian may request that a specific photo or story be removed at any time, by contacting us (see Section 11)
- If we become aware that an image of one of our children is being used elsewhere without authorisation, we will act promptly to have it removed
6.Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers
Everyone working with our children — paid or unpaid — is expected to:
- Treat every child with respect, patience and care, regardless of personal background or beliefs
- Never use physical punishment or humiliation as a form of discipline
- Never be alone with a single child in a closed or private space; caregiving and supervision always take place with at least one other adult present or within sight of others
- Never share personal contact information, such as a phone number or social media account, directly with a child
- Never photograph a child for personal use, or share images of children outside official Purple Rose Orphans channels
- Report immediately any behaviour by another adult that raises concern, even if unsure whether it amounts to a breach of this policy
7.Screening of Staff and On-Site Volunteers
Before anyone is placed in a caregiving or on-site volunteering role with our children, we require:
- A clear explanation of this policy and written agreement to follow it
- Verification of identity and, where available in their country of origin, a criminal background or police clearance check
- A probationary period during which a new staff member or volunteer is always supervised by an experienced caregiver
Remote volunteers who do not have direct contact with children — for example, those helping with social media, translation or fundraising — follow a lighter screening process, but are still asked to agree to this policy and to confidentiality regarding any information about specific children.
8.Reporting a Concern
Anyone — staff, volunteer, donor, or member of the public — who has a concern about the safety or treatment of a child in our care, or about the conduct of any adult connected to Purple Rose Orphans, should report it as soon as possible to Simon Kasawuli, Director, in Uganda, or to info@purpleroseorphans.org.
We treat every report seriously and confidentially. No one will be penalised for raising a concern in good faith, even if it later turns out to be unfounded.
9.Responding to a Report
When a concern is raised, we will:
- Listen carefully and take the report seriously, without promising confidentiality we cannot guarantee if a child’s safety is at risk
- Take immediate steps to ensure the child is safe, including, if necessary, separating the child from the person concerned while the matter is reviewed
- Involve local child protection authorities in Uganda where the concern involves possible abuse, neglect or a criminal matter
- Keep a written, confidential record of the concern and the actions taken
10.Online and Social Media Safety
When posting about our children online, we additionally commit to:
- Never tagging a child’s real-time location
- Never responding to direct messages that request private contact with a specific child
- Reviewing comments on our posts and removing any that are inappropriate or that could put a child at risk
- Training anyone who manages our social media accounts on these safeguards
11.Policy Review and Contact
This policy is reviewed at least once a year, or sooner if needed. Questions about this policy, or requests relating to a specific child’s photo or story, can be sent to info@purpleroseorphans.org.