Child safety and protection

Going to a CISV camp abroad for up to a month is an exciting prospect for the children who will participate - but perhaps a little daunting for parents! We understand.
We know that you want to be sure your child will be looked after and kept safe before, during and after the program.

CISV is committed to ensuring that the safety of each child in our care is paramount. We have been organizing camp-based programs and family-hosted exchanges for more than six decades and child safety and protection remain our highest priorities.

Many of our volunteers are parents themselves who are sending their children to CISV programs in other countries - or may have done so in the past. They share our commitment to, and your concern for, the welfare of your child.

Download: CISV A Parents View

Child Protection
CISV International has comprehensive child protection policy and procedures, which are reviewed and updated regularly. CISV USA also has child protection procedures, which are in line with national legislation and requirements.

All program staff and leaders receive child protection, risk management and leadership training to prepare them to take care of your child.

Our child protection and risk management procedures ensure:

  • All program staff and leaders are locally selected and trained to international standard
  • Confidential references are reviewed locally
  • All program staff and leaders are carefully screened and police-checked, in line with national procedures and international standards
  • All children (under 16) travel with an adult leader aged over 21
  • Host families are carefully screened CISV members.

Health and Safety
A full risk assessment is conducted at the start of every program and our program staff are supported by our local, regional and international network of experienced Risk Managers.

All of our participants are required to carry insurance and to provide detailed medical and health information.

At every program there is a qualified first-aid provider.They are responsible for any basic first aid, the organization and distribution of medicines, liaising with local doctors and hospitals as necessary and keeping all records relating to any illness or accident.

Medical care is always within easy reach. In the rare event of illness or accident, parents are called at the first opportunity and updated with full information on what steps have been taken to help their child.