Young people first:
child protection and safety in CISV
Our commitment to the safety of all our members
See our policies and guidance on child protection and adult behavior.
If you have any doubts or any child protection concerns, past or present, please contact us in confidence at
safety@cisvusa.org or safety@cisv.org
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 their parents! We understand. We know that you want to be sure that 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 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.
Child Protection
CISV International has comprehensive child protection policy and procedures, which are reviewed and updated regularly. CISV USA additionally has their own child protection procedures, which are in line with USA national legislation and requirements.
All of our 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 that:
- 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 background-checked, in line with national procedures
- All children under 16 travel with an adult leader aged over 21
- Hosting families are carefully screened CISV members and background-checked.
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 at least one first-aid qualified staff. 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.