Child Protection

The protection of children and other vulnerable groups from abuse, violence, exploitation, and neglect is a core task for Caritas. Through Child Safeguarding, our institutional child protection framework, we ensure that children are protected and safe within our own organization.

• Employees and other individuals who come into contact with children through Caritas Austria or through a partner organization are familiar with Caritas Austria's Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy, are trained in them, and know how they are required to act.
• Partner organizations have their own Code of Conduct and child protection policies and train their employees accordingly.
• Both within Caritas Austria and at partner organizations, there are designated contact persons for complaints who know how to act in the best interest of those affected.

The foundation for this is the Caritas Code of Conduct and our Child Protection Policy, which have been adopted by all directors of Caritas Austria. They apply to all employees, volunteers, and service providers working on behalf of Caritas. All measures we derive from these policies are intended to:

• protect all those affected — children, individuals raising concerns, and their environment — while also ensuring a fair process for those suspected,
• minimize risks to children, employees, and the organization in the course of our work, and provide clarity for taking action,
• ensure that Caritas responds quickly and professionally to any cases of suspicion that arise and that such cases are properly investigated.

If you would like to report any violations or misconduct, please contact safeguarding(at)caritas-austria.at

Alternatively, you can submit an anonymous report via the HINTBOX whistleblower system.

Thank you very much for your support!