Child Protection Policy
AMS's procedures for recognising, reporting and responding to child protection concerns.
Last updated: 29 October 2026
Purpose
This policy sets out how AMS protects children and adolescents from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm, in line with Ghana's Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Definitions
A child is any person under 18. Abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual, and includes neglect, bullying and online exploitation.
Expected behaviour
AMS representatives must treat children with respect, avoid favouritism, never engage in sexual, abusive or exploitative behaviour, never use discriminatory or humiliating language, and avoid unsupervised one-to-one contact.
Recognising concerns
Concerns may arise from a child's disclosure, from observed signs such as unexplained injuries or sudden changes in behaviour, or from another person's report. You do not need proof to report a concern.
Responding to a disclosure
Listen calmly, reassure the child they did the right thing by telling, do not ask leading questions, do not promise secrecy, and record what was said in the child's own words. Report it immediately to the AMS Safeguarding Lead.
Reporting
Report to AMS on 0593200728 or adolescentmindsconnect@gmail.com. Where a child is at immediate risk, contact the police or call 112. AMS will cooperate with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Department of Social Welfare and relevant authorities.
Confidentiality
Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis to protect the child.
Consequences
Breaches of this policy may result in removal from AMS roles and referral to the authorities.