1. Introduction and Purpose
The Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences (DISS) operates the DISS Child Home as a safe shelter and holistic development platform for underprivileged, vulnerable, street, and orphan children.
The main purpose of this policy is to ensure transparency, accountability, legal compliance, and discipline in the processes of child enrollment and exit. Through this, DISS aims to safeguard the best interests of every child and secure their healthy and protected future.
2. Legal and Policy Basis
The formulation and implementation of this policy are aligned with the following national and international laws and guidelines:
- National Child Policy 2011
- Children Act 2013
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
- DISS Child Protection Policy
3. Child Enrollment Policy
3.1 Eligibility for Enrollment
Children must meet the following criteria to be eligible for admission to DISS Child Home:
- Age: The child must be between 5 and 12 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Social Condition: Priority will be given to homeless, orphaned, or at-risk children facing physical, mental, or social vulnerability.
- Family Background: Children from extremely poor families, single-parent families, or those belonging to marginalized groups (e.g., Hijra, Bede, Indigenous communities, or child laborers) may be considered for enrollment.
3.2 Child Selection and Verification Process
- Initial Verification: DISS social workers and psychologists will conduct a detailed assessment of the child’s background and situation.
- Temporary Shelter: After verification, the child may be kept in a temporary shelter for up to 30 days with prior approval from DISS authorities. During this period, a medical check-up and initial education support will be provided.
- Coordination with Local Authorities: Coordination may be done with the local administration, police, or legal guardians when required. Recommendations from local ward commissioners or union chairpersons may also be obtained.
- Admission Committee Approval: The final admission decision will be made by an Enrollment Committee after verifying all relevant documents and assessments.
3.3 Enrollment Terms and Financial Matters
- Guardian and Agreement: A legal guardian must sign an agreement with DISS, pledging to cooperate for the child’s welfare and development.
- Financial Responsibility: No financial deposit or payment will be required for admission. All expenses related to the child’s care and education will be borne by DISS.
Any form of conditional financial obligation will be strictly avoided to prevent legal complications. - Policy Clause: The enrollment form will clearly state that all decisions made by DISS regarding the child’s overall welfare will be considered final.
3.4 Enrollment Process
- Application: The guardian must submit an application form with required documents (e.g., birth certificate, photographs, guardian’s NID, proof of social and economic condition, etc.).
- Interview and Counseling: Both the child and guardian will attend an interview and counseling session.
- Medical Examination: A registered physician will conduct a physical and mental health examination of the child.
- Educational Placement: Based on the child’s age and educational level, he or she will be placed in the appropriate DISS academic program.
- Data Record: A detailed child profile will be created and securely stored in the DISS database.
4. Child Exit Policy
4.1 Types of Exit
A child may exit the DISS Child Home under the following conditions:
- Natural Exit: When the child completes rehabilitation or education programs and is ready for independent living or reintegration.
- Conditional Exit: With approval from the court, child welfare board, or the DISS Enrollment Committee (e.g., reunification with a legal guardian).
- Disciplinary Exit: In rare cases, based on recommendations from the internal disciplinary board, if a child’s behavior severely violates institutional rules — always prioritizing the child’s best interest.
4.2 Exit Process
- Exit Application: The legal guardian must submit a written request for the child’s release, subject to committee approval.
- Counseling: Before leaving, both the child and guardian will undergo a counseling session to prepare them emotionally and mentally for post-exit life.
Information Update: Upon exit, the child’s profile will be updated, and necessary reports will be shared with local administration and child welfare boards.
5. Accountability and Safety
- Internal Board: A disciplinary board will function to maintain order, discipline, and safety within the Child Home. Any breach of rules will be reviewed by this board.
- Regular Monitoring: Continuous observation will ensure the child’s physical, mental, and educational progress, with corrective measures taken when necessary.
- Asset Protection: Strict policies will be followed to protect institutional property. In cases of deliberate damage, discussions will be held with the guardian (if available) to arrange compensation.
6. Implementation and Monitoring
- Regular Review: The enrollment and exit policy will be periodically reviewed and updated.
- Data Management: A functional database system will be maintained for record-keeping and reporting.
- Staff and Caregivers: Roles and responsibilities of all staff and caregivers will be clearly defined to ensure proper implementation.
7. Conclusion
DISS Child Home remains fully committed to ensuring holistic development and a secure future for every child under its care. Strict adherence to this Enrollment and Exit Policy is essential to uphold both child welfare and institutional integrity.
Coordinator
Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences
Daffodil Smart City (DSC), Birulia, Savar, Dhaka-1216
Phone no: +8801847140186
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.