Minor Protection Procedure

PREAMBLE

Hotel Turówka Hotel & SPA in Wieliczka recognizes the protection of children as one of the fundamental elements of responsible hotel management. The welfare, safety and respect for the dignity of every minor are values that guide us in our daily work.

This document sets out the rules of conduct applicable to all employees and associates of the Hotel in situations that may indicate a threat to a child’s safety or suspicion of abuse. The purpose of these procedures is to prevent all forms of violence against children, respond appropriately to disturbing situations and cooperate with the relevant state authorities.

The Standards have been developed in accordance with the applicable legislation, in particular the Act of 13 May 2016 on the prevention of threats related to sexual crime and the protection of minors, as well as other applicable child protection regulations.

CHILD PROTECTION PRINCIPLES

1. The Hotel conducts its business with respect for human rights, with particular regard for children’s rights.
2. Every child staying on the Hotel premises should be provided with safe conditions of stay and protection from violence, abuse and neglect.
3. The Hotel promotes responsible social attitudes and actively prevents all forms of harm to children.
4. Hotel employees are required to respond to any signs that may indicate a threat to a child’s welfare and to immediately inform their superiors of any irregularities observed.
5. Staff are regularly familiarized with the applicable Child Protection Standards and the rules of proper conduct in situations requiring intervention.
6. In justified cases, the Hotel takes measures to confirm the child’s identity and establish the relationship between the child and the adult caring for them.

PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF SUSPECTED THREAT TO A CHILD’S WELFARE

1. If circumstances indicate a possible threat to a child’s safety, the Hotel employee should exercise particular vigilance and take steps to clarify the situation.
2. In unusual or questionable circumstances, the reception employee may ask the adult to confirm their relationship with the child.
3. To clarify the situation, the employee may:
   - ask for a document confirming the child’s identity or other documents indicating the right to exercise care over the child,
   - ask the adult about the nature of their relationship with the child,
   - if necessary, ask the child a few simple questions appropriate to their age,
   - if the adult is neither the parent nor the legal guardian – ask them to present the parents’ or guardians’ consent to the joint stay,
   - if no such document is available, ask for permission to contact the parent or legal guardian by telephone.
4. If the adult refuses to cooperate, the employee calmly explains that the actions result from the applicable legal regulations and the Child Protection Standards adopted by the Hotel.
5. Once it has been confirmed that the child is under appropriate care, the employee thanks them for their cooperation and concludes the procedure.
6. If the explanations do not dispel the doubts, the employee immediately informs their superior.
7. Until the matter is clarified, the child and the adult remain under discreet observation by the staff.
8. The shift manager or responsible person assesses the situation and decides on further action, including, if necessary, notifying the Police.
9. Every Hotel employee, regardless of their position, who notices circumstances that may indicate harm to a child is obliged to immediately pass this information on to their superior.

INTERVENTION PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF SUSPECTED HARM TO A CHILD

1. If there is a reasonable suspicion that a child is a victim of violence or another crime, the Police must be notified immediately by calling the emergency number 112.
2. The suspicion may arise, among other things, from:
   - information provided by the child,
   - direct observation by an employee,
   - visible injuries or signs of violence,
   - the behavior of the child or adult indicating the possibility that a crime has been committed,
   - disclosure of materials or objects that may indicate the exploitation of a child.
3. Until the Police arrive, it should, insofar as possible and while ensuring everyone’s safety, be prevented that the person reasonably suspected of committing the crime leaves the premises.
4. The child must be provided with a safe place and the care of a designated employee.
5. If a sexually motivated crime is suspected, potential evidence should, where possible, be secured in accordance with the Police’s instructions.
6. Once the intervention has ended, surveillance recordings and other materials that may be of evidentiary significance should be secured.
7. Every incident must be documented in the incident register maintained by the Hotel.

EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS WHO HAVE CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

1. The Hotel employs only persons who provide assurance of safe work with children.
2. Before allowing a person to perform duties involving the care of children, the Hotel carries out the checks required by law, in particular:
   - checking the Register of Sex Offenders,
   - obtaining the required declarations and documents resulting from the applicable regulations.
3. Verification is carried out in accordance with the currently applicable legislation and documented in the personnel files.
4. This obligation also applies to persons performing work under civil-law contracts, interns, trainees and volunteers if the nature of their duties involves contact with children.

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

Every Hotel employee is obliged to:
- comply with these Standards,
- treat children with respect and regard for their dignity,
- maintain professional boundaries in contacts with minors,
- immediately report any disturbing situations to their superior,
- cooperate with the Police and other authorized services during official activities.

DEFINITIONS

Child (minor) – a person under 18 years of age.

Harm to a child – any act or omission violating the rights, welfare or safety of a child, including physical, psychological or sexual violence, neglect or exploitation.

Adult – a person who is 18 years of age or older.

Employee – any person performing duties for Hotel Turówka Hotel & SPA, regardless of the basis of employment.

FINAL PROVISIONS

1. The Child Protection Standards apply to all employees and associates of Hotel Turówka Hotel & SPA.
2. The document is subject to periodic review and updating in the event of changes to the law or the organization of the Hotel’s work.
3. The Standards are made available to employees and, to the extent required by law, to Hotel guests.