SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Department of Youth is pleased to announce the completion of the first draft of the Child Safeguarding Guidelines for Youth Organizations.
These Guidelines outline the essential principles, responsibilities, and practices needed to ensure that all children can participate in activities safely and without risk of harm, abuse, or exploitation.
They also introduce clear expectations for organizations, including safe behaviour standards, reporting procedures, the appointment of Child Safeguarding Officers, and child-friendly approaches to promoting safety.
Throughout 2026, the Department of Youth will work closely with youth organizations, community groups, parents and guardians, and—most importantly—children and young people themselves to further develop and refine these Guidelines.
Stakeholders will be invited to review the draft, provide feedback, participate in training workshops, and contribute to the development of organizational safeguarding policies. Their input will be essential to building a strong, child-centered safeguarding system for our island.
The Department of Youth will release details on upcoming workshops, awareness sessions, and feedback opportunities in the first quarter of 2026.
“We look forward to working closely with our partners in 2026 to build a system that truly reflects the needs and voices of our children,” the Department stated.
https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=63571:dept-of-youth-completes-first-draft-of-child-safeguarding-guidelines-for-youth-organizations&Itemid=450
