Child Safeguarding (PSEA)
One Light International works with communities that include children and vulnerable adults, and with new Muslims who place deep trust in our representatives. We hold zero tolerance for any abuse, exploitation, or harm of a child or vulnerable person by anyone acting in our name.
Who this binds
Every director, officer, employee, volunteer, traveling daʻī, contractor, and partner of One Light, in every country where we operate. “Child” means any person under the age of eighteen. “Vulnerable person” includes any adult who, by reason of circumstance, disability, or dependency, is at heightened risk of harm or exploitation.
Safe conduct in the field
- Representatives are not to be alone with a child in a private or unobserved setting where it can be avoided, do not host a child overnight, and do not transport a child alone.
- Program activities with children are conducted in open, observable conditions with more than one adult present where possible.
- Representatives maintain professional boundaries with all beneficiaries, including new Muslims under their mentorship, and never use a position of spiritual or mentoring authority to exploit, coerce, or isolate any person.
Screening and reporting
Anyone whose role brings them into contact with children or vulnerable people consents to and clears safeguarding screening before engagement, signs our Child Protection and Safeguarding Agreement, and is briefed on recognizing and reporting concerns. Reporting a safeguarding concern is mandatory and immediate. A Representative who witnesses, suspects, or receives a report of abuse must report it right away to the Compliance Officer or Safeguarding Focal Point — and must not investigate it themselves or confront the suspected person. Failing to report a concern is itself a serious violation. Reporting is protected from retaliation, and the safety and best interests of the child always come before the reputation of the Organization or any individual. A violation results in immediate removal and referral to authorities.
Beneficiary dignity
When we tell the story of a beneficiary, including a new Muslim or a child, we obtain informed consent, never publish information that could endanger the person, and portray beneficiaries with dignity. For children, consent is obtained from a parent or guardian, and identifying details are withheld where publication could cause harm.