Child Protection Standards

Hotel Beethoven w Gdańsku

 

Taking into account the legal obligation arising from the provisions of the Act of May 13, 2016, on Counteracting Threats of Sexual Crimes and the Protection of Minors, as well as the guidelines of the United Nations on Business and Human Rights, and recognizing the important role of business in ensuring respect for children's rights, Hotel Beethoven adopts and implements the Child Protection Standards.

This document constitutes a set of principles and procedures to be followed in the event of suspected harm to a child staying at Hotel Beethoven, as well as for the prevention of such risks, taking into account the situations of children with disabilities and children with special educational needs. The Child Protection Standards at Hotel Beethoven are implemented based on the following principles:

1. Hotel Beethoven conducts its operational activities with respect for the rights of children as individuals particularly vulnerable to harm.
2. Hotel Beethoven recognizes its role in running a socially responsible business and in promoting positive social attitudes.
3. Hotel Beethoven particularly emphasizes the importance of the legal and social obligation to notify law enforcement authorities of any suspected crime committed against a child, and commits to training its employees in this area.

PROCEDURE FOR IDENTIFYING A CHILD DURING REGISTRATION AT THE RECEPTION DESK

1. One of the effective methods of preventing harm to children is confirming the identity of the child staying at the hotel and their relationship with the accompanying adult.
2. The reception staff shall take all possible steps to identify the child and establish their relationship with the accompanying adult.
3. To identify the child and their relationship with the adult they are staying with, the following actions should be taken:

a. Request an identity document of the child or another document confirming that the adult has the right to care for the child. Example documents may include: an identity card, school ID, MObywatel app, Online Patient Account, court ruling. If no identity document is available or the adult refuses to present one, ask for the child’s personal details (full name, address, and PESEL number).
b. If no documents confirming the relationship between the child and the adult are available or presented, ask both the adult and the child about their relationship.
c. If the adult is neither a parent nor the legal guardian, they should be asked to present a document such as a notarized parental consent for the adult to travel with the child, or a written, signed consent from the parent including the child’s personal data, address, contact telephone number of the parent, and the identity document number/PESEL number of the person entrusted with the care of the child.

4. If the adult refuses to present the child’s documents and/or confirm the relationship, explain that thisprocedure is in place to ensure the safety of children staying at Hotel Beethoven and that, in accordance with the Act of May 13, 2016, hotel staff are legally obligated to comply with child protection regulations. After a positive explanation, thank them for their cooperation and for taking the time to help ensure the child is in safe care.
5. If the conversation does not resolve concerns about the adult’s intentions toward the child, especially if they refuse to show an identity document or the child lacks such a document, and the adult refuses to provide a written statement, discreetly notify the supervisor and security staff (if present on-site), without raising suspicion. For example, you may refer to the need to use reception facilities in the back office and ask the adult to wait with the child in the lobby, restaurant, or another public area.)
6. From the moment any doubts arise, both the child and the adult should, as far as possible, remain within sight of hotel staff and should not be left alone.
7. The notified supervisor takes over the conversation with the adult to obtain further clarification.
8. If the conversation confirms the suspicion of an attempt or commission of a crime against the child, the supervisor immediately informs the police. The procedure then follows the guidelines described for circumstances indicating harm to a child (see Chapter III).

9. If unusual and/or suspicious situations are witnessed by other hotel staff — such as housekeeping, room service, bar and restaurant staff, spa staff, security, etc. — they should immediately notify their supervisor, or in their absence, a person in charge, who will take appropriate action (refer to points 7 and 8 above).
10. Depending on the situation and location, the supervisor assesses whether the suspicion of child harm is justified. Appropriate measures are then taken to clarify the situation, or a decision is made to intervene and inform the police.

PROCEDURE IN CASE OF CIRCUMSTANCES INDICATING HARM TO A CHILD BY AN ADULT

 

1. A justified suspicion of harm to a child occurs when:
a. The child discloses to a hotel staff member that they have been harmed,
b. A staff member directly observes harm being done to the child,
c. The child shows visible signs of harm (e.g., scratches, bruises), and when asked, responds inconsistently and/or chaotically, appears embarrassed, or other circumstances arise that may indicate harm — for example, finding child pornography materials in the room of the accompanying adult.

2. A staff member who has a justified suspicion that a child staying at the hotel is or has been harmed must immediately notify their supervisor or the designated decision-maker, who will contact the police. If there is an immediate threat to the child’s safety, the staff member who has noticed signs of harm should immediately call the police at 112 and describe the situation. Regardless of this, the staff member must also notify the Hotel Beethoven Coordinator about the incident.
3. Efforts should be made to prevent the child and the suspected perpetrator from leaving the premises.
4. In cases as provided by the Code of Criminal Procedure, a citizen’s arrest of the suspected person may be carried out. In such a situation, until the arrival of the police, the detained person should remain under the supervision of security staff or other hotel staff, provided they can perform such actions without risking their own health or life.
5. The child’s safety must be prioritized in every situation. If possible, the child should remain under the care of a staff member until the police arrive. If feasible, attempts should be made to comfort and support the child.
6. In the case of a justified suspicion that a crime involving the child’s contact with the perpetrator’s biological material (semen, saliva, skin cells) has occurred, every effort should be made to prevent the child from washing, eating, or drinking until the police arrive. The child should be gently informed of the reasons for these restrictions.
7. Once the child is taken into the care of the police, video surveillance footage and other important evidence (such as documents) related to the incident should be secured and handed over to the Coordinator. Upon request by the authorities, the Coordinator will provide copies of this evidence by registered mail or in person to the prosecutor or police.
8. After the intervention, the incident must be reported to the Coordinator, who will record it in the incident log or other designated documentation.