Standards for the Protection of Minors
Chapter I: Preamble (Declaration)
The standards for the protection of minors at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow are of utmost importance to us for several key reasons:
Physical and psychological safety. As a cultural institution, the Theatre is obliged to provide a safe environment for all its visitors, including minors. Children and young people are more susceptible to all sorts of dangers, therefore our protection standards aim to minimise the risk of exposing them to violence, abuse or other harmful behaviour.
Education and development. Theatres often engage in educational activities, organising workshops, classes or performances aimed at younger audiences. High standards of protection of minors ensure that these programmes are conducted in a way that is safe and that supports children's development, which in turn builds trust in the institution as a place that promotes education and personal development.
Public trust. As a cultural institution, the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre plays an important role in the local community. Concern for the safety and well-being of minors builds the trust of parents and carers, which results in higher attendance and community involvement in theatre activities. Parents are more inclined to send their children to cultural events if they know that the institution applies appropriate security measures.
Legal compliance. Poland has specific legal regulations regarding the protection of minors that cultural institutions must comply with. Protection standards help the Theatre to comply with these requirements, thus helping to maintain the reputation of the venue and the institution.
Promoting ethical and social values. Theatres play an important role in promoting moral and social values. Attaching great importance to the protection of minors demonstrates the Theatre's commitment to promoting responsibility, care and respect, which has a positive impact on the whole community.
Serving as a role model. As a public institution, the Theatre has the opportunity and responsibility to serve as a role model for other institutions and organisations. Applying high standards of protection for minors can inspire other cultural institutions to adopt similar measures, increasing the general level of safety and well-being of children in the society.
The standards for the protection of minors constitute an indispensable part of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre's activity, influencing the safety and development of young audiences, fostering public trust and compliance with the law, promoting ethical values, and acting as a role model for other institutions. The role of adults is to provide a safe environment for children – a place where the development of young people is nurtured and no form of violence is accepted. The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow constitutes such a place and such an environment.
Chapter II: Introduction
1. The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow provides a wide range of cultural activities, as it is a place open to and engaged in dialogue with the audience on many levels. The modern theatre is not only a place where performances are staged (although they constitute, naturally, the main focus of our cultural activity), but it also serves as an art centre, open as frequently as possible and offering, in addition to top-quality performances, projects which can be of interest to audiences of all age groups. Therefore, everyone is welcome to visit the Theatre: the youngest children, youth, adults, people with disabilities, senior citizens. Educational projects, music, dance, poetry, in-depth discussions with the most inspiring artists and thinkers of contemporary Poland, outdoor events and performances – all this and much more awaits the audience just beyond the threshold of our Theatre.
Activities organised for children and youth include: watching performances produced on the stage of the Theatre, participating in educational workshops, theatre workshops, meetings with theatre personalities (mainly actors), guided tours of the theatre for school groups.
2. Practical aspects of the Standards for the Protection of Minors at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre.
The Standards for the Protection of Minors present a general framework of principles, standards and guidelines which aim:
a) to raise awareness among all staff and collaborators of the importance of taking measures to protect children from harm;
b) to indicate the extent of the responsibility for the safety of children who are under the care of Theatre staff;
c) to adequately intervene in cases of suspected child abuse and/or imminent threat to their health and life;
d) to identify educational, preventive and intervention measures to keep children safe;
e) to develop a work culture based on children's rights and lifelong learning.
The knowledge and practical application of the Standards for the Protection of Minors is the responsibility of all employees and collaborators of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow. We all undertake to abide by the principles and obligations contained therein.
3.Explanation of basic terms
A child is any person up to the age of 18.
The child's guardian is the parent(s) holding full parental rights or a legal guardian entitled to represent the child.
The consent of the guardian implies the consent of the person authorised to represent the child, in particular the child's legal representative (parent, legal guardian) or any other person authorised to represent the child on the basis of specific provisions or a court decision. In the case of parents, it implies the agreement of either of them. Should there be no agreement between the child's parents, the matter shall be decided by the court.
An employee of a cultural institution, staff or staff member refers to a person employed on the basis of an employment contract, a civil law contract, a member of an organisation, as well as a volunteer and an intern.
The person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors is the person whose duties are defined by Article 22c.1.3), 4), 5), 7) of the amended act on counteracting the threat of sexual offences (Journal of Laws 2023, item 1304). This person is also referred to in this policy as the person responsible for the Standards for the Protection of Minors.
SOM (SPM) Team – a team comprising at least three persons: the person in charge; the person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors and the person reporting the situation (an employee of Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow), and should the case be reported by a person from outside the institution – an employee of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow who is commissioned to work with children and youth. The team decides on the direction of the intervention if the situation does not constitute a life and health emergency. The decision is made by majority vote.
Abuse – any intentional or unintentional act, or failure to act, by a person, organisation, institution or society, the result of which violates the rights and freedoms of children or interferes with their development. It is a broader concept than crime. It can take the form of physical, psychological or sexual violence, as well as neglect. It often occurs as a combination of these forms (basic information on recognising abuse – Annex 1).
An offence against a minor is an extremely broad concept. The offence can be committed by an adult or a peer (another minor). In the context of offences against minors, the most common distinctions include offences against life and health, offences against sexual freedom and morality, offences against family and guardianship, offences against honour and physical integrity, and offences against freedom.
Chapter III: Principles for safe recruitment of staff and undertaking collaborative activities related to children and youth
At the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow, we are strongly committed to employing staff and collaborators who are suitably qualified and competent, and who share the values protected by this policy, in particular the child's right to protection from harm.
Rules of conduct for the following processes:
1. Recruitment for a position related to carrying out activities with children and youth:
a) the job description includes a statement that the Standards for the Protection of Minors apply in our institution;
b) the job description informs that staff are checked against the Sex Offender Register;
c) the job description informs about the requirement for the prospective employee to provide information from the National Criminal Register regarding a clean criminal record;
d) the interview is conducted by a minimum of two employees of the cultural institution and it is focused not only on verifying the applicant's competence and knowledge, but also on addressing any possible gaps in employment/education;
e) prior to commencing employment, the successful candidate shall be checked against the Sex Offender Register. The applicant shall also submit a criminal background check. Should it not be possible, by law, to obtain an extract from the criminal records, the prospective employee shall submit a declaration of a clean criminal record and of any pending criminal proceedings against him/her. This documentation shall be attached to the employee's personal file;
f) each newly employed staff member shall be acquainted with the provisions of the Standards for the Protection of Minors, the workplace rules and regulations, the rules for respecting children's rights, and the rules for the protection and processing of personal data in the Theatre. The signature of the employee under the relevant statement shall confirm his/her acquaintance with the aforementioned rules.
2. Undertaking cooperation on the basis of a civil law contract:
a) a clause shall be added to the contract stating that the signee has read and accepted the Standards for the Protection of Minors;
b) prior to signing the contract, the person/party to the contract, will be verified in the Sex Offender Register;
c) the person/party to the contract, presents a current certificate of clean criminal record (not older than 1 year).
3. Undertaking cooperation with an entrepreneur of a sole proprietorship:
a) a clause shall be added to the contract stating that the signee has read and accepted the Standards for the Protection of Minors;
b) prior to signing the contract, the person/party to the contract, will be verified in the Sex Offender Register;
c) the person/party to the contract, presents a current certificate of clean criminal record (not older than 6 months).
4. Undertaking cooperation with a legal entity carrying out activities related to work with children and youth:
a) a clause shall be added to the contract stating that all staff involved have read and accepted the Standards for the Protection of Minors;
b) a clause shall be added to the contract in which the contracting party certifies that, in accordance with the requirements of the Act, the staff involved have been verified in the Sex Offender Register and that up-to-date certificates from the National Criminal Register have been obtained.
Chapter IV: Guidelines for safe relationships between staff and children
1. Actions for the benefit of the children and in their best interests. Always:
a) act with patience, showing respect. Children, especially after traumatic experiences, may be experiencing different emotions (anxiety, anger, indifference);
b) listen carefully to children and give them answers that are appropriate to their age and situation. When talking to the child, step down to their level;
c) reassure children that if something worries them, they can tell you or another trusted person about it;
d) acknowledge children's involvement in the activities they undertake, support them. Treat them equally. Avoid favouritism towards children;
e) when making decisions about a child, inform the child about it and try to take into account the child's expectations;
f) accommodate the different needs of children, including those of children with special needs. Before an activity or visit, try to find out what needs the participants may have;
g) ensure that you are within sight or hearing of other staff and volunteers when you are carrying out activities with children. In exceptional and justified situations when you need to be alone with a child, let the other staff and volunteers know;
h) respect the child's right to privacy. If it is necessary to depart from this rule to protect the child, explain it to the child;
i) avoid unnecessary risks. While working with children, make sure that equipment and facilities are used appropriately and that the environment is safe;
j) include the situation of people with special needs, including children, in the fire safety instructions, including the evacuation procedure;
2. The following types of behaviour on the part of employees and collaborators of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow towards children are unacceptable:
a) any behaviour that embarrasses, humiliates, depreciates or belittles children, or bears the characteristics of other forms of psychological or physical violence, or sexual abuse;
b) shouting, verbal and emotional blackmail;
c) use of corporal punishment, including tugging or hitting;
d) inappropriate physical contact with a child that violates the child's dignity; acceptable physical contact should be naturally related to play, helping the child with hygiene routines, the need to keep the child safe, the need to calm the child;
e) administering alcohol, medication, cigarettes/nicotine, any psychoactive drugs to the child;
f) accepting or participating in illegal activities in which the child is involved;
g) engaging in relationships of sexual nature with children; behaving in a sexually provocative manner;
h) hosting a child in one's own home;
i) engaging in private contact with a child, outside of the time and scope of work provided (this does not apply to the staff member's own children or to children of persons with whom the staff member has a kinship or social relationship);
j) accompanying a child on a journey without the consent of and in the absence of the child's guardian;
k) being alone with the child;
i. in the event of any necessary bathroom routines, staff must always inform their co-workers (e.g. the workshop co-leader);
ii. parents/guardians should be informed about it after the class.
Any suspicion of inappropriate behaviour by employees and co-workers of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow towards children shall be investigated immediately. The staff's failure to comply with the above provisions constitutes grounds for disciplinary action.
Parents and guardians may ask questions and raise concerns by writing to the Theatre.
Chapter V: Intervention scheme and support plan for a child victim
1. In any disclosure of child abuse, it is important to remember that children who are being physically or psychologically harmed or who may be sexually abused do not necessarily realise that what they are experiencing is wrong. They may also blame themselves. Therefore, should they start to talk about such situations, it is important:
a) to calmly listen to what they are saying;
b) to reassure them that they are doing the right thing by telling us about it;
c) to tell them that nothing about the situation is their fault;
d) to reassure them that we take everything they say seriously;
e) not to proceed to confront the suspected abuser;
f) to explain what we will do with this knowledge e.g. talk to the person responsible for the Standards for the Protection of Minors;
g) in life- and health-threatening situations, the priority is to ensure safety by isolating the child from the abuser, and to inform the Police and/or emergency services;
h) to inform the person responsible for the Standards for the Protection of Minors in order to initiate the next stages of action.
2. Whenever the health and life of a child is at risk, the person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors , who carries out the next steps, must first be informed by telephone. Should this not be possible, the person who identified the threat carries out further measures. In such a situation, it is necessary to call the Police and ensure the safety of the child (by isolating the child from the potential abuser). Only after the intervention of the services, a report form/intervention card is filled in. These situations include:
a) a reasonable suspicion that a parent/guardian of a child who is collecting a child from a class is under the influence of alcohol (especially when it is not possible to ensure the child's safety, and that another parent/legal guardian can pick up the child);
b) when a child discloses (deliberately and/or by displaying symptoms of abuse) that he/she is a victim of a criminal offence: against sexual freedom, and/or physical and/or psychological violence in our institution or at home.
In a situation where there is a suspicion that a crime has been committed: against sexual freedom, and/or physical and/or psychological violence, a report form must be submitted, and the Director of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow, following the decision of the SOM [SPM] team, will notify the Police or the relevant public prosecutor's office that a crime may have been committed.
In the event of witnessing a situation in which a guardian or parent shouts, shakes or strikes a child (only if there is no physical abuse involved; corporal punishment is prohibited by law in Poland):
a) we inform the person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors;
b) the person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors talks to the parent/guardian, preferably in the presence of the person reporting the situation, emphasising the positive aspects of non-violent parenting and education;
c) if the conversation is dismissed, or if the situation is witnessed again, the person in charge of the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors, following the decision of the SOM [SPM] team, submits a request to the relevant family court for an inspection of the family's situation.
In the event of witnessing symptoms of neglect, a report form should be filled in and the person in charge of the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors talks to the parent/guardian, and confirms whether the cultural institution is able to help by contacting the relevant support organisations. Should the symptoms persist, the person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors discusses the situation with the SOM [SPM] team, who may decide as follows:
a) in order to confirm the child's alarming behaviour, or to gather additional information about the child’s family situation, the Director of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow requests a pedagogical and psychological intervention from the school the child attends;
b) The Director of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow or an authorised person submits a request to the relevant family court for an inspection of the family's situation.
In the event that a child attends an organised group activity (e.g. school group visit) and discloses abuse, it is necessary to:
a) ensure the child's safety (isolate the child from the source of danger);
b) inform the group's legal guardian, who initiates in-school procedures;
c) should the abuser be the group's supervisor, contact the school and follow its recommendations.
In the event that the abuser is a member of staff/ collaborator:
a) this person is removed from contact with any children (not just the abused child) until the matter is investigated;
b) if the abuse is of criminal nature, the case shall be investigated by authorised entities;
c) in the case of abuse of a different nature, especially when the abuse involves a violation of the child's well-being, discrimination, humiliation, hitting (slapping, shouting), these constitute grounds for disciplinary action and termination of the working or collaborative relationship with that person.
In the event that the abuse is perpetrated by another child who is in the organisation (e.g. in a group activity) it is necessary to:
a) if it is an organised group – inform the supervisor of the group, co-operate to clarify the situation;
b) talk to the child suspected of abuse and his or her caretakers, and separate that child from the child being abused and his or her caretakers;
c) talk to other persons who have knowledge of the incident;
d) depending on the findings and the form of the abuse, the relevant services (in the case of crimes) or the schools of the parties involved are informed (request for pedagogical and psychological intervention).
9. Support plan for the child victim. Cultural institutions do not employ professionals who can compile a support plan for the child victim on their own. Therefore, in a situation in which abuse has occurred, the following entities should be involved:
a) the school that the child attends. The school and its staff may possess more information about the situation of the child and his or her family. It is therefore advisable, in situations where the child's health and life are not at risk, to cooperate with professionals from the school who are suitably equipped to do so;
b) the district crisis intervention centre, provided it undertakes activities in this field;
c) the social welfare centre.
Chapter VI: Rules for safe use of the Internet
1. Access to the Internet at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow is protected by a password known solely to Theatre employees.
2. Protection of children's image.
The following rules on the protection of children's image have been adopted at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre:
a) publication of a child's image requires the written consent of the child's guardian;
b) the possible sites of publication of photographs and/or films include:
○ the website,
○ the institution's Facebook.com page,
○ the YouTube channel administered by the Theatre;
c) photographs or recordings containing images of children may not be shared on other social media ;
d) in the descriptions accompanying the images, we refrain from disclosing any sensitive information about the children regarding e.g. their health condition, financial situation, legal standing and any information related to the child's image;
e) if an external person (a hired photographer or videographer) is commissioned to take photographs or recordings, we undertake:
○ to oblige the person/company recording the event to comply with the standards for the protection of minors,
○ not to allow the person/company recording to interact with children without the supervision of a Theatre employee;
f) if the image of a child constitutes merely a detail of a whole such as a gathering, landscape, public event, the consent of the child's guardians is not required (Art.81.2.2) – Journal of Laws 2022.2509 consolidated text)
Chapter VII: Rules for record keeping and for the review and update of the standards
1. Each report submitted via the report form is entered into an incident register, managed by the person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors. This allows to control the frequency or persistence of some forms of abuse, e.g. neglect.
2. The register can also serve as evidence, which can be accessed by the relevant authorities, in accordance with the law.
3. An abridged version of the Policy is published on the website of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow under the tab ‘Child Protection’.
4. The policy for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors shall be reviewed once every two years. This process is initiated by the person implementing the Standards for the Protection of Minors. Submissions made by staff during this period are to be given consideration.
5. The update will be introduced by order of the Director of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre. Staff must be informed of the main changes. It is not required to collect statements confirming re-reading of the policy.
Chapter VIII: Principles for preparing staff to apply the standards and means of documenting this activity
Each member of staff, as well as collaborators, working with children and youth shall become acquainted with the policy and the current Standards for the Protection of Minors. Staff confirm this by a statement at the time of signing of the work contract.
Collaborators – by signing the relevant contract containing the respective clause.
Employees of the provider of services involving activities with children and youth are acquainted with the policy and standards prior to carrying out their activities. The obligation to vet staff and the responsibility to document this process rests with the provider, as indicated by the relevant contractual clause.
Chapter IX: Designation of person(s) responsible for:
1. Receiving reports of incidents that endanger the minor, providing support to the minor, and preparing the staff of the institution or the organizer to apply the standards:
The designated person responsible for the implementation of the Standards for the Protection of Minors is: Wojciech Rzehak.
2. The decision to file reports of suspected offences against a minor, to notify the family court, and other decisions regarding the direction of intervention shall be made by a team consisting of at least: the person implementing the Standards for the Protection of Minors, the person managing the institution, the person submitting the notification. The report must be signed by the person representing the cultural institution.
Chapter X: Annexes*
Brief description of the child abuse symptoms
Annex no. 1
Brief description of the child abuse symptoms
Auxiliary material: Identifying threats to the life, health and well-being of a minor
The material presents basic knowledge regarding the identification of abuse of children and youth. The accumulated knowledge summarised here serves the purpose of training and guiding workers in the field of protection of minors. It is particularly relevant to those workers who work with children and youth and can observe the behaviour or physical appearance of young people (compiled from materials provided by the organisation National Security for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children – www.nspcc.org.uk and the foundation Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę – www.fdds.pl).
There are 4 basic areas of abuse :
Physical abuse
Physical abuse against a child is violence whereby a child suffers actual physical harm or is potentially at risk of such harm. This harm occurs as a direct consequence of an action or failure to act on the part of a parent or another person responsible for the child, or on the part of a person trusted by or having authority over the child. Physical violence against a child may be a repetitive or one-off act. Examples of physical violence include, for example, hitting with a hand or object, pushing, kicking, shaking, throwing, poisoning, causing burns, beating and scratching, breaking bones, waterboarding and even intentionally making a child feel sick.
Symptoms of physical abuse: bumps and bruises do not always indicate that a child is being beaten or subjected to other forms of violence. All children may trip, have accidents, tumble and fall. There is no single definite indication of violence, either. It is important to watch out for symptoms such as:
■ bruises that form patterns (grip marks, linear bruising – e.g. from a belt) or are inflicted at regular intervals, and explanations do not correspond to injuries;
■ frequent bruises and/or broken bones, regular burns, bite marks, scars;
■ the child feels weak, dizzy, has difficulty breathing;
■ the child often loses consciousness, collapses, vomits regularly or even tends to be upset for no apparent reason and does not want to eat meals (lack of appetite);
■ the child seems withdrawn, avoids learning, plays truant, wears clothes covering the whole body;
■ the child has a visibly poor relationship with his/her parents/guardians;
■ the child has few friends, chooses to be alone;
■ the child reacts aggressively for no reason.
Psychological abuse
Psychological abuse of a child (also known as emotional abuse) is a chronic, non-physical, harmful interaction between a child and a care giver, involving both actions and inactions. It includes e.g. deliberate intimidating, humiliating, isolating and ignoring the child, threatening, shouting, eliciting demeaning behaviour. It is a type of violence that is often associated with other types of violence and is therefore difficult to detect.
Signs of psychological and emotional abuse are never obvious. Nor are they directly disclosed by children who are growing and whose emotions are changing. Therefore, children who experience psychological (emotional) abuse may:
● young children and pre-schoolers:
○ be articulate and emotional with strangers;
○ feel insecure, spiteful, anxious;
○ not experience a relationship with a parent;
○ be aggressive towards other children or animals;
● older children may:
○ use language, behave or know things that are beyond their age;
○ have difficulty controlling their emotions;
○ be bad-tempered;
○ isolate themselves from their parents;
○ lack social skills;
○ have no or few friends.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse of a child is the involvement of a child in sexual activity which the child can neither fully understand nor give informed consent to, and for which the child is not developmentally mature and therefore cannot consent to in a legally valid manner. Sexual abuse occurs when such activity takes place between a child and an adult, or between a child and another child, if these persons – because of their age or stage of development – are in a relationship of care, dependence or authority. Sexual abuse may occur in any place and manner – in person or online. It involves not only physical contact, but also exposure of a child to pornography, images of nudity, etc. Above all, however, it is never the child's fault if he or she has been sexually abused – it is important for children to know this.
Symptoms of sexual abuse: none are obvious, sometimes the child does not even realise that he or she is subjected to such an act. Emotional symptoms may include:
● avoiding being alone with people or a person they know;
● using language or sexual behaviour that is not expected of children;
● nightmares and bedwetting;
● use of alcohol and drugs;
● self-harming;
● changes in eating, eating disorders;
● changes in moods, tendency to become irritable, angry.
Physical signs of sexual abuse may include:
● bruising;
● bleeding, pain and redness in the genital and anal areas;
● venereal infections;
● pregnancy.
Children who experience online sexual abuse may:
● spend more or less time than usual online or using their phone, social media;
● be absent-minded, angry, especially having used the internet or phone;
● keep secrets regarding who they interact with and what they do online;
● have a large number of new phone numbers, messages (text, email) on their phones, tablet, computer.
Child neglect
Child neglect involves constant, frequent or incidental failure to meet a child's basic physical and psychological needs and/or failure to respect the child's basic rights, resulting in impairment of the child's health and developmental difficulties. Neglect occurs in a child's relationship with a person who is obliged to look after, raise, care for, and protect the child. A child can be neglected physically (needs such as food, clothing, safety), educationally (right to education), emotionally (emotional needs), medically (health needs).
Symptoms of neglect:
● poor appearance and hygiene:
○ constant bad smell and/or dirtiness;
○ being constantly hungry;
○ recurrent situations of being dressed in dirty clothes;
○ unsuitable clothing for the weather, e.g. no warm clothes in winter;
○ in infants – frequent and untreated diaper rash.
● health and developmental problems:
○ anemia;
○ underdeveloped muscles, protruding joints;
○ medical and dental problems;
○ missed medical appointments, including vaccinations;
○ failure to administer medication;
○ poor language and social skills and abilities;
○ frequent illnesses and infections;
○ frequent and repeated injuries, including those caused by lack of supervision;
○ skin problems, redness, rashes, signs of parasite bites;
○ thinness or swollen abdomen;
○ constant tiredness;
○ failure to treat wounds;
○ rapid weight loss or gain.
● Family and housing problems:
○ poor home conditions, lack of heating;
○ being left alone without supervision for long periods of time;
○ assuming the role of a carer for other family members.
● Changes in children's behaviour:
○ child clings to adults;
○ child becomes aggressive;
○ child becomes absent-minded, depressed, anxious;
○ child changes in behaviour;
○ child shows obsessive behaviour;
○ child cannot concentrate or participate in activities;
○ child plays truant and misses school;
○ child bears marks of self-harm.