Safeguarding & Youth Protection
A clear, calm overview of how HHFFND keeps children, teens, and vulnerable participants safe.
Our Commitment
Healing Horizons for FND is dedicated to creating safe, respectful, and supportive spaces for children, youth, adults, and families. Safeguarding is central to everything we do.
This page summarizes our public commitment to participant safety. Full policy documents and internal procedures are provided to volunteers, staff, Board members, and approved partners.
This safeguarding approach is designed to protect:
- Children (5–7)
- Children (8–12)
- Teens (13–17)
- Young Adults (18–25)
- Adults
- Seniors
- Families and Caregivers
- Volunteers and Hosts
Every person deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in all HHFFND spaces.
Safety First
We place participant safety at the centre of all programs and interactions.
Respect and Dignity
Every individual is treated with kindness, patience, and non-judgment.
Trauma-Informed Practice
We use gentle communication, predictable routines, and supportive pacing designed to reduce overwhelm.
Zero Tolerance for Harm
We do not tolerate bullying, harassment, discrimination, or any behaviour that threatens emotional or physical safety.
Age-Appropriate Support
Children and youth receive guidance and boundaries appropriate for their developmental stage.
Privacy and Boundaries
We protect personal information and maintain clear, professional boundaries in all interactions.
Trained Volunteer Hosts
All hosts complete HHFFND volunteer onboarding, including:
- Youth protection principles
- Trauma-informed communication
- Appropriate boundaries
- Session safety
Two-Adult Standard for Minors
All programs involving children or teens are facilitated by at least two approved volunteers.
Clear Session Guidelines
- Predictability
- Emotional safety
- Gentle communication
- Calm, moderated discussion
Camera Choices
Young participants may turn their camera on or off, depending on comfort and parental preference.
Respectful Interaction
Hosts model and reinforce calm, supportive interactions for all age groups.
Monitoring and Reporting
Volunteers are trained to recognize concerning behaviours and follow internal reporting steps when necessary.
(Internal protocols are not shared publicly.)
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to:
- Review our youth programs
- Attend caregiver groups if desired
- Help children choose safe participation settings
- Reach out with questions or concerns
Parents may be present during sessions for children aged five to seven and eight to twelve if preferred.
We welcome collaboration with schools, clinicians, and community professionals to ensure young people receive safe, consistent support across settings.
If you have a safety concern regarding any HHFFND program or participant experience, please contact us at:
We respond with care, respect, and appropriate action.
Our Promise
We are committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding and youth protection.
As Healing Horizons for FND grows, we will continue strengthening our policies, training, and collaborations so that every participant feels safe, supported, and valued.