Standards for the Protection of Minors

Chapter I Definitions

§ 1

1. Standards – Standards for the protection of minors at Braniborska Clinic;

2. Braniborska Clinic/Clinic - Braniborska Clinic Sp. z o.o., ul. Braniborska 10E/U6, 53-680 Wrocław, NIP: 8971954864;

3. Employee - employees, collaborators, regardless of the basis of employment, place of employment, and positions held (including persons providing services based on civil law contracts, volunteers, students, residents, interns, trainees);

4. Management – a person who, within the structure of the Clinic, in accordance with applicable regulations and internal regulations of the Clinic, is authorized to make decisions about the Clinic's activities;

5. Child/Minor - any natural person who has not reached the age of 18;

6. Child/Minor's Guardian - their parent, legal guardian other than a parent, or actual guardian;

7. Actual Guardian - a person who provides constant care for a minor without a statutory obligation;

8. Abuse - any behavior towards a child that constitutes a prohibited act against them, as well as any action or omission resulting in the violation of rights, freedom, personal goods, and disruption of their development.

Chapter II General Provisions

§ 2

1. The introduction of Standards at Braniborska Clinic constitutes the fulfillment of a legal obligation described in Article 22b of the Act of May 13, 2016, on counteracting threats of sexual crime and protecting minors.

2. All employees are required to comply with the Standards.

Chapter III Principles of Safe Relationships. Contacts between Employees and Minors

§ 3

1. Employees apply the following principles of safe employee-minor relationships.

2. The fundamental principle of all actions taken by an employee towards a minor is to act for their benefit and in their best interest.

3. Only Employees whose data has not been disclosed in the National Criminal Register are allowed to perform professional duties at the Clinic, especially in the area of contact with minors.

4. Employees are obliged to treat minors as subjects and may not use violence against the child in any form.

5. In the case of examination or providing other medical services to a minor under the age of 16, it is necessary to obtain the consent of the guardian.

6. In the case of examination or providing other medical services to a minor who has reached the age of 16, it is necessary to obtain their consent and that of their guardian.

7. A minor who has reached the age of 16 has the right to object to an examination or the provision of other medical services, even if their guardian has given consent. In such a situation, permission from the guardianship court is required for the examination or provision of other medical services.

8. The examination of a minor or the provision of other medical services should take place in the presence of their guardian, and if this is not possible, in the presence of the actual guardian or another employee, unless the minor expresses a different opinion.

§ 4

1. Employees should contact the minor only for purposes related to the provision of medical services, during working hours, using official channels.

2. Contact with the minor or their guardian outside working hours should only occur in matters related to the provision of medical services and in cases justified by the child's welfare, using official channels.

3. Employee contact with the minor should take into account the child's right to privacy. The employee should inform the child that they have the right to confidentiality if the information does not threaten the child's life or health and maintaining confidentiality does not involve breaking the law. If there is a need to protect the child or another situation arises that involves disclosing certain data about the child, they should be informed as soon as possible, explaining the situation.

4. In contact with the child, the employee:

• introduces themselves, says who they are, and what their role is in caring for the minor as a patient;
• treats the minor with respect;
• communicates with the minor in a friendly and patient manner, showing empathy and goodwill;
• maintains honesty and good intentions;
• explains and clarifies actions taken towards the minor in a manner tailored to their age and special needs;
• informs the minor about the possibility of asking questions in any situation;
• maintains cultural sensitivity, respects, and treats every child equally regardless of any characteristics, including special needs, disability, race, gender, religion, skin color, national or ethnic origin, language, marital status, sexual orientation, health status, age, abilities, political beliefs, or social status;

Chapter IV Prohibited Behaviors towards Minors

§ 5

1. An employee is not allowed to:

• establish a sexual or romantic relationship with a minor;
• offer and provide minors with alcohol, tobacco products, intoxicants, psychotropic substances, psychoactive substances;
• use

Chapter VI Principles of Review and Update of Standards

§ 8

1. The standards are reviewed at least every two years.

2. The review of the Standards is carried out by a team appointed by the management.

3. The team appointed by the management to review the Standards includes the Minor Protection Officer.

4. The purpose of the periodic review of the Standards is to adapt them to current needs and legal requirements.

5. A written protocol is prepared from the review of the Standards, which assesses the regulations, their relevance, and includes any proposed changes.

6. The protocol from the review of the Standards is submitted to the Management, which decides on the introduction of changes to the content of the applicable Standards.

§ 9

Regardless of the principles of review and update of the Standards as described in § 10, the implementation of the Standards and their content is regularly monitored, evaluated, and changed if necessary.

§ 10

The management introduces necessary changes to the Standards and announces the new wording of the Standards.

Chapter VII Principles of Internet Use in the Clinic

§ 11

1. The clinic does not provide patients with devices with Internet access.

2. The WiFi network is available in the Clinic for lawful use.

3. To protect minors from inappropriate and harmful content, guardians are advised to use parental controls when a minor uses their own electronic devices brought to the Clinic.

Chapter VIII Principles of Employee Preparation for the Application of Standards and Method of Confirming Knowledge of Standards

§ 12

1. Employees are acquainted with the applicable Standards by a designated person or by the management.

2. The employee's declaration of acquaintance with the Standards and commitment to comply with them is attached as Appendix No. 1 to this document.

3. The management conducts periodic audits regarding the knowledge of the Standards by the Clinic's employees and organizes training in this area if necessary.

Chapter IX Principles and Method of Making Standards Available to Minors and Their Guardians

§ 13

1. The standards are a publicly available document.

2. The complete and abridged version of the Standards, intended for minors, is available:

• on the Clinic's website at: http://www.braniborska.pl
• at the Clinic's registration;

3. Every minor or their guardian can view the Standards.

Chapter X Person Responsible for Receiving Reports of Events Threatening Minors and Providing Support

§ 14

1. The management appoints a Minor Protection Officer, who is responsible for receiving reports of events threatening minors.

2. The Minor Protection Officer is responsible for providing support to the minor in situations threatening their well-being.

3. Information about the person serving as the Minor Protection Officer and contact details is available at the Clinic.

Chapter XI Principles of Conducting and Storing Documentation on Events Threatening the Well-being of Minors

§ 15

1. The Clinic's management conducts and stores documentation on incidents and events threatening the well-being of minors.

2. Every disclosed or reported incident and event threatening the well-being of a minor on the Clinic's premises will be recorded in writing by the Clinic's management or a person authorized by them. The note should include a description of the factual state and a description of the actions taken.

Chapter XII Final Provisions

§ 16

1. The standards come into force on the day of their announcement.

2. The abridged version of the Standards, intended for minors, is attached as Appendix No. 2 to this document.

Information for Children – Braniborska Clinic

• We are a team of doctors and other specialists, and we created our clinic because we want to help people. The comfort and well-being of our patients are important to us. We want all children to feel safe and comfortable with us.

• As a child, you have special rights with us, which our staff must strictly adhere to. Your well-being is our top priority!

• You have the right to know the name of the doctor or other specialist who will treat you in our clinic. During the visit, you can also tell them how you would like them to address you.

• You can enter the examination with your mom, dad, or another person under whose care you are. Remember! They can always be with you.

• Before the examination, our clinic staff will explain what they will do and why. They will try to make the examination as comfortable and painless as possible for you. If something worries you, don't be afraid to tell us.

• You can tell our staff anything, they are here to help you. You have the right to be listened to carefully.

• Telling our clinic staff about what ails you, what you fear or are ashamed of, can be very important. With this knowledge, the doctor will be able to help you as best as possible.

• You can ask questions to our clinic staff. They will be happy to answer them. We will try to solve your problems and explain all your doubts.

• We respect your feelings and needs. So if you need anything during your visit to our clinic, just let us know. We want you to feel good with us.

• In our clinic, no one can shout at you, make fun of you, touch you without your consent, or photograph you. No one is allowed to harm you. Our clinic staff cannot use vulgar and offensive words towards you. You deserve respect and the best treatment.

• Our clinic staff cannot offer you alcohol, cigarettes, or other substances, nor can they use them in your presence.

• Our clinic staff is obliged to react if they observe that your well-being may be at risk. If they notice that something bad is happening to you, they should inform your guardian or the appropriate institutions. All to help you.

• Remember! Whatever happens in your life, you are not alone and you can always count on us. If you didn't like something in our work or felt bad with us, you can tell us about it. You can also write to us at the email address: info@braniborska.pl or simply call us at the phone number: 71 71 66 790 or 780 745 706. There are no consequences for this.