Partnering for Safeguarding Systems
- madisonbachmann
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
At Proteknôn, safeguarding is a living practice rooted in trust, relationships, and accountability.
We view safeguarding as a holistic and participatory process—one that centers the voices of children and the communities we serve. True safeguarding is comprehensive: it prevents harm, strengthens systems, builds capacity, ensures effective response, and continuously monitors for accountability.
Partnering for Safeguarding Systems: Our Work with SOS Children’s Villages
Our multi-year collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages exemplifies Proteknôn’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient safeguarding systems around the world. Through a Safeguarding and Ombuds Services Agreement, we worked alongside SOS to strengthen child and youth protection practices across its global network. Key initiatives included:
Building strong foundations for accountability: We developed a Misconduct Incident Management Regulation and a Misconduct Investigations Regulation, supported by practical implementation plans, Training of Trainers programs, and e-learning tools.
Defining values in action: We co-created a new, values-based Code of Conduct for the federation—designed not only to guide behavior but to foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and respect.
Designing policies that fit real-world needs: We developed a Child and Youth Safeguarding Policy and Regulation tailored to the organization’s specific operational and cultural contexts.
Strengthening survivor-centered support: We created a Regulation on Support for Persons Affected by Child and Youth Abuse, including clear frameworks for victim support calculations to ensure fairness and consistency.
Pioneering a new standard with the Ombuds Office: We led the participatory development and global rollout of the Ombuds Office—the first organizational ombuds system designed specifically for children and young people in program settings worldwide.
A Child-Centered Ombuds Model
The Ombuds Office reflects a groundbreaking approach: children and young people were involved at every step, from the earliest design phases to recruitment, implementation, and monitoring.
Built with a "ground-up" philosophy, the Ombuds model adapts to national contexts—ensuring solutions are local, relevant, and sustainable. Each Ombuds operates according to four guiding principles: confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality. They serve as trusted navigators, offering children and young people a safe pathway to raise concerns and find solutions.
Our Commitment: Inclusive, Equitable, Tailored
This partnership demonstrates Proteknôn’s unique expertise in delivering safeguarding services that are inclusive, equitable, and deeply participatory. We meet each organization where they are—tailoring systems that are not only effective on paper but grounded in the lived realities of children, families, and communities.
At Proteknôn, safeguarding is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a dynamic, evolving commitment to protect, empower, and amplify the voices of those we serve. For more information on Proteknon's safeguarding work, download our brief below.