The Association of Cultural Heritage Education of Finland (ACHEF) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2006. We develop and promote culturally sustainable education through our projects. We produce and publish learning materials, policy ideas and pedagogical models. We organise activities for children and young people through our national and international projects and national programmes.
Introduction
As a non-governmental organization working with children and youth, we are committed to ensuring their safety and protection at all times. This Child Protection Policy has been developed to safeguard every child involved in ACHEF’s activities and projects, ensuring that no child is harmed or placed at risk of harm through their participation with us.
This document has been approved by ACHEF’s management and outlines the legal framework, principles, actions, and code of conduct that guide our work to prevent risks to children’s safety.
Glossary
Child: According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is every human being below the age of 18 years.
Abuse: The mistreatment of a child, which may be physical, emotional, sexual, or through neglect, causing harm or the risk of harm.
Staff: Any individual employed by or working on behalf of the ACHEF, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and contract employees, as well as volunteers and interns.
Children’s rights: as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), refer to a set of entitlements and protections specifically designed for children. These rights recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every child and aim to ensure their well-being, development, and protection. Some key children’s rights include the right to life, health, education, protection from violence, participation in decisions affecting them, and freedom from discrimination.
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals engaged in the ACHEF’s work, including:
- Board members
- Employees
- Volunteers and interns
- Partners and visiting experts
- All adults involved in any activities organized by the ACHEF for children
It covers all activities organized or supported by the ACHEF, whether in person or online.
This policy applies to children, adolescents and young people aged 0-17 who are considered minors under Finnish law.
Legal framework and Guiding Principles
The ACHEF always follows Finnish law and applicable EU legislation.
The following Child Protection Policy has been developed on the basis of law, policy, and guidance that seek to protect children, namely:
The child’s welfare is the primary consideration.
The ACHEF does not tolerate abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harassment in any form.
All children are treated with respect, listened to, and supported.
All children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, language, disability, religion, or socioeconomic background, are entitled to equal protection.
Children have the right to express their views in matters that affect them. Their participatory rights are always respected.
Responsibilities
All staff, volunteers, and partners share responsibility for creating a safe environment and for reporting any concerns immediately.
Safe recruitment practices are applied, including requesting a criminal record extract for anyone working directly with minors, in line with Finnish/EU law.
All staff and volunteers receive regular training on child protection and safeguarding principles.
The ACHEF is ensuring that the partners have the appropriate capacity to ensure the safety and protection of children and young people. Details of child protection procedures are clarified with partner organisations at the start of each project.
All members have a duty to act if they suspect a child is at risk.
The ACHEF will inform children and young people and/or their parents or guardians of photographers and videographers or other similar professionals invited to events and request permission to appear in photo and video material. Only persons who have given their permission will be photographed or filmed. Online and digital communication is always transparent, professional, and safeguarded.
The Association handles children’s personal data responsibly and in accordance with GDPR and Finnish/EU legislation. Data is stored securely and only used for the purpose for which it was collected.
The Executive Director of the ACHEF is the designated representative for the protection of children and young people. Her responsibilities include ensuring that association staff working with children and young people are familiar with this document and procedures before starting new activities or projects or before involving new staff in an ongoing project.
Concerns must be reported immediately to the executive director of ACHEF, who will document and analyse the case.
If there is reason to suspect abuse, neglect, or danger to a child, a child welfare notification (lastensuojeluilmoitus) must be made without delay to municipal child protection services, as required by Finnish law/EU legislation. In urgent cases, the police or emergency services must be contacted.
Complaints should be addressed to the executive director of the ACHEF.
This policy will be reviewed regularly:
1. in line with changes in legislation or official guidelines on the protection of children and young people or following changes in the association.
2. following any changes to the policy or regulations or changes to the policy or guidelines on the protection of children and young people.
3. otherwise, at least every three years.
Feedback from children, families, staff, and partners will be considered in the review process.
Contact information: Ira Vihreälehto, executive director of Association of Cultural Heritage Education in Finland
ira.vihrealehto@kulttuuriperintokasvatus.fi /+358 50 3381743