Child Safeguarding Policy

iSmile Foundation Inc. holds the protection of children as a core value. We are committed to: - Creating safe environments for every child we interact with - Treating all children with dignity, respect, and fairness - Taking all concerns about child safety seriously and acting swiftly - Maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse or exploitation - Ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities

This policy applies to all iSmile Foundation staff, board members, volunteers, contractors, partners, and anyone acting on behalf of iSmile Foundation who comes into contact with children through our programs, projects, or events — whether in the United States or Ghana. A child is defined as any person under the age of 18.

iSmile Foundation is committed to protecting children from all forms of abuse and harm, including: - Physical abuse — any act causing physical harm or injury to a child - Emotional abuse — persistent behaviour that damages a child's emotional development - Sexual abuse — any sexual activity involving a child - Neglect — persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or emotional needs - Exploitation — using a child for financial, labour, or other gain

All individuals representing iSmile Foundation must: - Never be alone with a child without another adult present - Never photograph or film children without explicit consent from a parent or guardian - Never share images of children on personal social media accounts - Never use physical punishment or harmful discipline - Never make inappropriate or degrading comments to or about a child - Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries at all times - Report any concerns or disclosures to iSmile Foundation leadership immediately

iSmile Foundation is committed to representing children in our communications with dignity and respect. We follow these media standards: - We only photograph or film children with written consent from a parent or guardian - We do not publish the full name, address, or identifying details of any child - We do not use images that could be considered exploitative or distressing - Images are used solely to illustrate Ismile Foundation's programs and impact - Children or their families may request removal of any image at any time

iSmile Foundation applies appropriate vetting to all staff and volunteers who work with or around children. This includes: - Review of references and previous experience - A written agreement to comply with this Child Safeguarding Policy - Induction on safe conduct standards before any contact with children Any person with a known history of child abuse or exploitation will not be permitted to work with Ismile Foundation in any capacity.

Anyone who has a concern about the safety of a child — whether they are a volunteer, donor, community member, or child themselves — should report it immediately. To report a concern: - Email: ismilefoundationinc@gmail.com - Mark the subject line: SAFEGUARDING CONCERN — URGENT All reports will be treated with urgency and confidentiality. Ismile Foundation will take appropriate action, which may include involving local authorities or social welfare agencies in Ghana or the United States. No one who reports a concern in good faith will face any negative consequence for doing so.

If a child discloses abuse or harm to any Ismile representative, that person must: - Listen calmly and without judgement - Not promise confidentiality - Not investigate themselves or ask leading questions - Report the disclosure to iSmile Foundation leadership immediately - Document what was said as accurately as possible iSmile Foundation will take all disclosures seriously and act in the best interests of the child at all times.

This Child Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect best practice, changes in law, and the evolving nature of our programs. Questions about this policy should be directed to: ismilefoundationinc@gmail.com