Rauhankasvatusinstituutti (RKI) – Child Protection Policy

 1. Introduction and Purpose

Rauhankasvatusinstituutti (RKI) is fully committed to upholding and defending the rights of the child, in accordance with national and international child protection standards. RKI works primaly with educators, youth workers, and other adults over the age of 18. Still, we may come into contact with children through specific activities, projects, or events.  We take seriously our responsibility to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Whenever children are involved in our activities, RKI ensures that their safety, dignity, and rights are respected and safeguarded at all times. 

The Rauhankasvatusinstituutti (RKI) is committed to creating a safe, empowering, and respectful environment for all children. This Child Protection Policy is guided by international human rights instruments and national child welfare legislation to ensure that the rights and best interests of every child are protected and promoted in all activities conducted by or supported by RKI. This policy establishes procedures and standards to prevent abuse, respond to concerns, and cultivate a child-friendly organisation that fully respects and promotes the rights of the child, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Child Welfare Act (417/2007) of Finland. 

2. Guiding Principles

This policy is grounded in the following principles: 

• Best Interest of the Child: All actions concerning children shall primarily consider their best interests. 

• Zero Tolerance for Abuse: RKI has a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect of children. 

• Equality and Non-Discrimination: All children, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, ability, or cultural background, are entitled to equal protection and care. 

• Child Participation: Children have the right to be heard in matters affecting them, in accordance with their evolving capacities. 

• Respect for Physical Integrity: Children have the right to bodily integrity.  Corporal punishment is strictly forbidden. 

3. Legal Framework

This policy adheres to the following legal frameworks: 

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – ratified by Finland in 1991 (Finnish Treaty Series 59–60/1991) 

• Child Welfare Act (417/2007) – which applies to all children in Finland, regardless of nationality or background 

• Criminal Code of Finland – which criminalizes corporal punishment and other forms of violence against children. 

• Act on Checking the Criminal Background of Persons Working with Children (504/2002) –  which stipulates that a criminal record extract from the Legal Register Centre may be requested when the criteria defined in the Act are met. RKI will request the extract for people working with children in cases where the law permits it.

  In addition to child protection legislation, RKI recognises the importance of supporting children’s participation as outlined in the Youth Act (1285/2016) of Finland. The Youth Act promotes the social inclusion of young people and aims to strengthen their active citizenship. RKI upholds the principle of participation of all children by ensuring that children are heard in all relevant activities and decisions, in line with their age and developmental level. 

4. Scope and Application

This policy applies to: 

• All RKI staff, trainers, volunteers, board members, contractors, and partners. 

• All activities and programs organised or supported by RKI. 
• Any interactions involving children under the age of 18.
  

5. Definitions

Child: Any person under the age of 18. 

Abuse: Includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

Corporal Punishment: Any punishment involving physical force intended to cause pain or discomfort. Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited by Finnish law and RKI policy. 

6. Child Protection Procedures

6.1 Prevention 

• Screening procedures including background checks for those working with children 

• Ensuring children are always supervised by trained adults in RKI programs 

• Clear codes of conduct and expectations for behavior 

6.2 Reporting and Response 

Mandatory Reporting: Under Section 25 of the Child Welfare Act, anyone working with RKI who suspects a child is at risk or has been harmed must: 

• File a child welfare notification with local social services or report the case to the police without delay 

• Internal Protocol: 

Document concerns in writing 

Notify the leadership of RKI without delay 

Avoid confronting the suspected perpetrator or alerting them before legal authorities are notified 

7. Code of Conduct with Children

All representatives of RKI must: 

• Treat all children with respect and dignity 

• Uphold children’s rights and promote their well-being 

• Never engage in or tolerate any form of violence, harassment, or abuse 

• Use positive, non-violent methods of communication and discipline 

• Ensure interactions with children are appropriate, observable, and accountable 

8. Risk Assessment and Monitoring

Risk assessments will be conducted for all programs involving children. RKI will monitor child protection procedures and respond to evolving needs. Regular evaluations and policy reviews will be conducted every 3 years 

9. Commitment and Implementation

Rauhankasvatusinstituutti is fully committed to the implementation of this Child Protection Policy. By upholding the highest child safeguarding standards, we aim to foster a genuinely child-friendly organisation in which every child’s dignity, rights, and safety are respected.