Protecting the girls and families we serve is central to our work. This policy explains our safeguarding commitments, how we handle the data and images of minors and beneficiaries, and how to raise a concern.
Our commitment
Sneha Karma Foundation has zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, harassment and neglect. We act in the best interests of the people we serve, especially children, and we comply with applicable child-protection law, including India’s Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and mandatory-reporting requirements in the United States. Staff, volunteers, ambassadors, partners and contractors must follow this policy.
Who this covers
This policy covers the girls, women, families and communities in our programs, including minors, as well as the staff, volunteers, ambassadors, interns, partners and contractors who work with them. It applies to our programs, offices, events, online spaces and communications.
Guardian consent
Where we process a child’s personal data, we obtain verifiable consent from a parent or guardian in line with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, which treats a person under 18 as a child, and with applicable US rules. We collect only what the program needs and do not use a child’s data for behavioural monitoring or targeted advertising.
Photos, video and stories
We obtain separate consent before using a child’s image, voice or story. We avoid publishing identifying details where consent is limited, and we use first names or change details where appropriate. Consent can be withdrawn at any time by a guardian, and we will remove the material from our channels as soon as reasonably practicable. Some material may remain in printed archives or third-party caches; we will explain this when consent is given.
Data minimisation and retention
Access to beneficiary data is restricted to people who need it. We store records securely and keep them only as long as the program, safeguarding or legal requirements need. Sensitive records are retained longer where required for safeguarding or legal claims, and then securely destroyed.
Reporting a concern
If you have a safeguarding concern, contact us at [email protected] and mark your message “Safeguarding”. We treat reports confidentially, act promptly, and cooperate with the authorities where required. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.
Review and contact
We review this policy at least annually and after any significant incident, and we train staff and volunteers on it. Questions about safeguarding, beneficiary data or media consent can be sent to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Email [email protected]. Include what happened, who is affected, when and where, and your contact details. Urgent risks should also be reported to local emergency services. See Reporting a concern.
Yes. We obtain verifiable consent from a parent or guardian before using a child's image, video or story, and we honour withdrawals. See Photos, video and stories.
Children, women, families and communities in our programs, and the staff, volunteers, ambassadors, interns, partners and contractors who work with them. See Who this covers.