Plan recognises that by the nature of our work, we are at risk of being targeted by those wanting to exploit or harm children.
Plan considers child abuse unacceptable in all circumstances and is committed to ensuring that all possible and necessary steps are taken to acknowledge the rights and protection of all children (a person under the age of 18 years) that we work with.
Therefore we have put in place clear policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure children are respected, protected, empowered and active in their own protection; and staff are confident, competent and well supported in meeting their protection responsibilities.
In addition, Plan has Child Protection Advisors and Officers appointed at national, regional and international levels - all of whom make up Plan's Child Protection Advisory Committee that is part of international and cross organisational alliances such as the Keeping Children Safe Coalition.
Plan's sponsorship program facilitates positive relationship building between sponsors and children through letter writing, photographs, gifts and reports and news articles in Plan publications. In addition, Plan accommodates visits for sponsors to their sponsored child's community. Without child protection policies and procedures in place such a program leaves children vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Plan reserves the right to terminate a sponsor's relationship with Plan for child protection or any other reason. To avoid any possible breech of policy or discontinuation, we encourage all sponsors to read all sponsorship materials provided in welcome and visit packs and to familiarise themselves with the following child protection measures:
Sponsor mail monitoring » Correspondence between sponsors and sponsored children comes via Plan rather than direct to screen for inappropriate content.
Use of child photos and personal details » Plan's guidelines for display of sponsored child photos and details at home, in the workplace, in public and online.
Visiting your sponsored child » Answers to common questions regarding visit arrangements including notification, preparation and child protection guidelines for conduct while in your child's community.
Child Protection » Learn how Plan is working in developing countries to uphold the fundamental right of each child to be protected from abuse, exploitation or neglect.
Need to report a child protection concern relating to Plan? Contact Plan Australia's Child Protection Officer on 13 PLAN (13 7526) or send us a message.