Child protection

Since May 2015, ArrivalAid has been supporting people with a refugee and migration history when they arrive in Germany, from the BAMF Anhörung to coping with trauma to finding a job and training place. There is also a voluntary language mediator program, the ArrivalNews newspaper in simple language and special offers for refugees with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Professionally trained volunteers play a central role and receive support through the ArrivalAid Akademie , a free training program. Since 2023, there have been programs for children and young people that create low-threshold educational opportunities and take into account the special protection needs of this vulnerable group. Protective measures are based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Federal Child Protection Act, which promotes the intellectual, psychological and physical development of children through prevention and intervention.

2.1. Reading and writing workshop
This program supports children with a refugee and migration history (6–12 years) in Stuttgart in acquiring reading and writing skills through play. It offers a creative, pressure-free environment to learn German, increase self-confidence and make social contacts. Activities include reading aloud, creative tasks and movement games. Volunteers who are trained and tested in an intensive process run the service. Suspected cases are processed in accordance with the child protection concept. Currently around 20 children are taking part. Due to a redistribution of accommodation residents, the offer will be evaluated and restarted in February 2025.

2.2. DigitalAid's
goal is to promote the digital skills of young people with a refugee and migration history in order to overcome language and digital hurdles. The program has been offered in a youth community in Stuttgart since September 2024, and from October also in a women's advice center. Volunteers go through a selection process with a criminal record check and commit to child protection. Suspected cases are reported to the main contact person.

2.3. Anhörung and Klagebegleitung
Volunteers support people with a refugee and migration history of all ages during Anhörung and asylum procedures through advice and preparation. Children are generally bound by their parents' procedures, but unaccompanied minors are explicitly protected by the child protection concept. A code of conduct will be mandatory from November 2024. Suspected cases are processed as a team.

All programs emphasize child protection, designated contact persons and the integrity of the volunteers. So far, no suspected cases have occurred.

ArrivalAid has developed comprehensive preventative measures to protect children and young people from physical, psychological and sexual violence. These particularly concern personnel management, organizational guidelines and the handling of suspected cases.

3.1. Human resources management

Compliance with the protection concept: Full-time employees and volunteers undertake to sign the code of conduct and submit an extended certificate of good conduct.
Training: Regular supervision and further training, e.g. B. on racism or child protection, promote reflective work.
Data protection: Employees are not allowed to use private devices and are obliged to delete sensitive data after leaving the company.

3.2. ArrivalAid guidelines

Certificate of good conduct and interview: All employees and volunteers must present an extended certificate of good conduct and complete a personal introductory interview.
Code of conduct: This will be mandatory for everyone from November 2024 and defines clear protection standards.
Open Doors: Programs take place in public places, never in private settings.

3.3. Dealing with suspected cases

Obligation to report: Reports of violence must be reported to the project management immediately. The further procedure will be coordinated with child protection officers.
Contact persons: Fixed contact persons are available for questions, incidents and problems.

3.4. After completing the programs

All personal data will be deleted unless express permission is given for further use.

These measures ensure a safe environment that focuses on the special protection needs of children.

When selecting our cooperation partners, we attach great importance to ensuring that they share our values ​​and actively participate in the implementation of the guidelines of this protection concept. Only partners who are demonstrably committed to the protection and well-being of children and young people are included in our collaboration. In this way, we ensure that our commitment to a safe and respectful environment is consistently implemented in all areas. Our cooperation partners include, among others, welfare associations, youth welfare facilities, women's centers and similar institutions and organizations in which we offer our programs. From November 2024, you will be required to either submit your own protection concept or sign our code of conduct. In doing so, they ensure that our common values ​​and standards are adhered to. In order to ensure a reliable contact point for protective measures in the event of suspicion, you must also name a contact person.

Our public relations and media work is based on the basic values ​​of the protection concept and puts the protection of the personal rights of children, young people and adults at the forefront. When handling images, information and social media, we undertake to take the greatest care in order to protect the privacy of those affected.

5.1 Images
We obtain written consent in advance for photos in which people can be recognized. The people pictured will be asked whether they agree to publication. Pictures of children and young people are generally not published. If so, the express consent of both the child and the legal representative will be obtained. When depicting individuals photographically, it is important to pay attention to what effect and message the image conveys. In particular, the person should not be portrayed in a derogatory or negative way.

5.2 Social media
The well-being of the clients is also in the foreground when communicating on social media. We are committed to handling information, images and stories sensitively in accordance with the guidelines of this protection concept. We do not communicate with our clients via social media platforms. If inquiries are received there, they will be immediately referred to the designated channels.

6.1 Child protection officer
There are contact persons for child protection issues for each location. Ms. Vanessa Müller is appointed as child protection officer in Stuttgart and Mr. Markus Hildebrandt in Munich. They are the first point of contact for suspected cases. The child protection officers have extensive knowledge of the ArrivalAid structures and receive regular training. reached arrivalaid the email address kinderschutz@arrivalaid.org .

6.2 Low-threshold complaint option
Children and young people must feel heard and taken seriously in order to complain or talk about experiences of violence. Volunteers are often the first point of contact. You contact the full-time contact person at ArrivalAid , who will initiate the next steps with the child protection officer. The facilities where programs take place must also have grievance options. Cooperation partners must submit their own protection concept or sign our code of conduct.

6.3 Reporting, reporting and pursuing suspected cases
Any suspicion of violence, abuse or sexual assault is taken seriously and pursued further. The information is only shared with the relevant people. In the event of suspicion, the report is sent to the child protection officers, who examine the case and decide together with the management how to proceed. If the suspicion against a full-time or volunteer person is confirmed, they will be suspended.

6.4 Signs that may indicate that the child is at risk
Signs can include: injuries, lack of personal hygiene, frequent being left alone, sexualized actions, aggressive behavior, drug use, or signs of abuse by parents.

6.5 Documentation of all reports
Every suspected case is documented and filed in accordance with data protection regulations. The child protection officers prepare an annual report for management to ensure transparency.

6.6 Monitoring the implementation of the child protection concept
Once a year, the child protection officers report to the management on the implementation of the concept. Regular training is planned to continuously improve child protection.

6.7 Evaluation and regular revision of the child protection concept
Every three years, the child protection concept is evaluated internally and revised if necessary. External experts can be called in.