Canadian Charities and their obligation to safeguard children

Scandals involving certain religious leaders and abuse of children, or the cover-up of such abuse, have highlighted the importance of Canadian charities having policies and taking steps to prevent the abuse of children.  The UK Charity Commission has a policy entitled “Safeguarding Children - Protecting children in your organisation” which provides some good suggestions for charities dealing with children.

Safeguarding Children - Protecting children in your organisation” is available at http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/charity_requirements_guidance/charity_governance/managing_risk/protection.aspx?

For Canadian charities conducting international operations they may find the publication “Setting the Standards: A common approach to child protection for international NGOs” useful.  It can be found at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900sid/LGEL-5MCLVF/$file/pia-children-2003.pdf?openelement