Child safeguarding* policy
World Vision is fully committed to protecting the security, privacy, and dignity of the chil dren who take part in our child sponsorship programmes.
Click here to read the World Vision UK Child Safeguarding Policy >
What is child security?
Children have the right to be completely secure from the fear or reality of abuse (either physical or emotional) resulting from an inappropriate contact with a sponsor or any other person.
How does the online sponsorship process seek to uphold child security?
You will notice as you proceed through our sponsorship site that we release only limited information about the children. We do not include last names, community locations, or other information by which the location of sponsored children could be easily identified. We intentionally withhold this information until after the identity of the sponsor is verified.
The sponsorship process is dependent upon your agreement, as sponsor, that you will NOT attempt to contact a sponsored child, his or her family or community members, in any manner other than that prescribed and permitted in advance in writing by World Vision. In particular, telephone calls, email or unplanned visits to the child's residence and community are forbidden without written permission and oversight by World Vision. In addition, all postal mail and packages sent must conform to World Vision policy that will be stated in materials mailed to each sponsor.
What do you mean by child privacy?
Children and their families must be assured that World Vision is protecting the integrity of information – including photographs – that is shared about them with the public. We take potential abuse of children’s photographs on the web very seriously. Privacy also demands that children, their families and communities be shielded from any potential inappropriate contact from sponsors or others.
How does the online sponsorship process seek to protect child privacy?
Downloading, copying, or other replication of photos or other information that are a part of our website without advance written permission from World Vision is strictly forbidden. Child profiles are presented for the purpose of conveying appropriate information about the sponsorship relationship to the potential sponsor, and are not for distribution in any other manner. Security features are in place to prevent the downloading, copying, or other replication of these child images.
What is the definition of child dignity?
The lives of children, their families, and members of their community should be portrayed with accuracy and dignity. The children we work with are not objects to be pitied, but are partners with us in the process of bringing holistic (spiritual, physical, psychological and social) transformation to communities in poverty and in transforming the hearts of beneficiaries and donors alike.
How does the online sponsorship process seek to uphold child dignity?
We are committed to portraying the life situation of the children, families and communities we serve with accuracy and dignity. We seek the full, informed consent of parents, guardians, and/or community leaders for a child's participation in our child sponsorship programmes.