Children Policy

Children Policy

Last Updated: January 2026

Young SoulTales is dedicated to creating safe, nurturing environments where children can develop emotional literacy, self-awareness, and confidence. This Children Policy outlines our commitment to child safety, welfare, and protection across all our programs.

1. Our Commitment to Children

At Young SoulTales, we believe:

• Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued

• Children’s emotional wellbeing is as important as physical safety

• Creating conditions for growth requires trust and psychological safety

• Developmental needs guide all program design and delivery

Our approach is grounded in developmental psychology (Erik Erikson’s stages) and expressed through experiential, nature-based learning.

2. Staff and Facilitator Standards

2.1 Qualifications

All facilitators and staff working with children:

• Hold relevant qualifications in child development, psychology, expressive arts, or related fields

• Undergo background verification checks

• Complete child safety and protection training

• Maintain valid first aid certification

• Demonstrate commitment to child-centered practices
  
  

2.2 Code of Conduct

All staff must:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times

• Never be alone with a child in a non-visible space

• Use positive, respectful, and encouraging communication

• Report child safety concerns immediately

• Respect children’s privacy and dignity

• Never use physical discipline, threats, or humiliation
  
  

2.3 Staff-to-Child Ratios

We maintain safe ratios during all activities:

• Roots & Wings (ages 6–11): Maximum 1:6 adult-to-child ratio

• BECOMING (ages 13–17): Maximum 1:8 adult-to-teen ratio

• Additional support staff and volunteers supplement these ratios

• Parent volunteers are welcomed and appropriately vetted
  
  

3. Physical Safety Measures

3.1 Venue Safety

All retreat locations are assessed for:

• Physical safety and security

• Gender-separated, age-appropriate sleeping arrangements

• Hygienic food preparation and storage

• Emergency access and evacuation routes

• Availability of first aid facilities

3.2 Activity Safety

• All activities are age-appropriate and supervised

• Risk assessments conducted for outdoor and adventure activities

• Safety guidelines explained before activities begin

• First aid kits and trained personnel always available

• Emergency contact numbers displayed prominently

3.3 Medical Care

• Health information reviewed prior to program commencement

• Medications administered only with written parental consent

• On-call medical support arranged for residential programs

• Parents contacted immediately for any health concerns

4. Emotional Safety and Wellbeing

4.1 Psychological Safety

Programs are designed to ensure emotional safety:

• Participation is never forced

• Children may opt out or take breaks as needed

• Confidentiality respected unless safety is at risk

• Group agreements created collaboratively

• Facilitators trained in trauma-informed approaches
  
  

4.2 Anti-Bullying

We maintain zero tolerance for bullying:

• Clear behavioral expectations communicated

• Incidents addressed immediately and compassionately

• Restorative approaches prioritized over punishment

• Parents informed of significant incidents
  
  

4.3 Emotional Support

• Facilitators available for one-on-one check-ins

• Quiet spaces provided for rest or reflection

• Homesickness handled with sensitivity and parent communication

• Children encouraged, never pressured, to share
  
  

5. Privacy and Data Protection

5.1 Information Collection

Information is collected only to:

• Ensure safety and wellbeing

• Communicate with parents/guardians

• Administer programs effectively

• Improve services

5.2 Children’s Data

• Personal data stored securely

• Access limited to authorized staff

• Health information handled with heightened confidentiality

• Data deleted within defined timeframes (see Privacy Policy)

5.3 Photography and Media

Regarding photos and videos:

• Parental consent obtained during registration

• Children’s consent respected at all times

• Media shared only via secure channels (private WhatsApp groups)

• Marketing use allowed only with explicit consent

• Images never shared with third parties

6. Communication Protocols

6.1 During Programs

• Daily photo/video updates via WhatsApp

• Emergency contact available for urgent matters

• Non-urgent queries addressed at designated times

• Children do not access personal mobile phones

6.2 Parent Communication

• Detailed pre-program information provided

• Orientation sessions held before residential programs

• Immediate contact for safety or health concerns

• Post-program debrief and feedback shared

6.3 Online Safety

• Programs are primarily offline and nature-based

• Any online components are supervised and age-appropriate

• Children are not identified or tagged on public social media
  
  

7. Child Protection Procedures

7.1 Reporting Concerns

Staff are trained to:

• Identify signs of abuse, neglect, or distress

• Document observations objectively

• Report concerns immediately to the Lead Facilitator (Preeti Toraskar)

• Maintain confidentiality while prioritizing safety
  
  

7.2 Response Protocol

When concerns arise:

• Immediate safety of the child is prioritized

• Concerns are documented and assessed

• Parents contacted unless they are the concern source

• Authorities contacted where legally required

• Follow-up support provided
  
  

7.3 External Reporting

Young SoulTales complies with all mandatory reporting obligations under Indian child protection laws.

8. Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

Young SoulTales welcomes children of all:

• Cultures, religions, and backgrounds

• Abilities and learning differences

• Family structures

• Economic backgrounds (scholarships available)

We do not discriminate and collaborate with families to provide reasonable accommodations.

9. Complaint Handling

If you have concerns:

• Contact Preeti Toraskar at info.soultales@gmail.com or +91 92091 80701

• Complaints are taken seriously and investigated promptly

• Response provided within 7 working days

• Confidentiality maintained

10. Policy Review

This Children Policy is reviewed annually and updated as required. Changes are communicated to registered families.

11. Contact Information

Young SoulTales
Founder & Lead Facilitator: Preeti Toraskar
Email: info.soultales@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +91 92091 80701
Website: youngsoultales.com