Standards for the Protection of Minors at the Historical Museum in Sanok

I. Introduction

The purpose of this document, hereinafter referred to as the “Standards,” is to ensure the safety and protection of minors (persons under the age of 18) from physical and psychological harm and sexual abuse while they participate in classes, workshops, museum lessons, and other forms of activity organized or taking place on the premises of the Historical Museum in Sanok (hereinafter: “Museum”).

The Standards were developed in accordance with the Act of July 28, 2023, amending the Act—Family and Guardianship Code and certain other acts (requiring the implementation of Standards for the Protection of Minors).

II. Rules for the Recruitment and Conduct of Employees/Volunteers

Candidate Screening: Prior to hiring or allowing an individual to work with minors (including volunteers), the Museum screens the candidate by verifying:

Whether the individual is listed in the Restricted-Access Registry of Sex Offenders.

Whether they appear in the Register of Persons Prohibited from Engaging in Activities Related to the Upbringing, Treatment, Education, or Care of Minors.

Training Requirement: All employees and individuals working with the Museum who have direct contact with minors are required to complete training on the Standards and the principles of recognizing and responding to cases of harm to minors.

Principle of Limited Trust: Employees are required to exercise caution and minimize situations that pose a risk of abuse, including avoiding being alone with a minor in unjustified and uncontrolled situations.

III. Guidelines for Safe Interaction with Minors

Permitted Contact: Physical contact with minors (e.g., assisting with educational activities) must always be professional, have a clearly defined educational or care-related purpose, and be open and transparent.

Communication: Staff are required to use language free from violence and humiliation. The use of physical punishment, insults, threats, or humiliating remarks is prohibited.

Cooperation with Guardians: The museum keeps parents/legal guardians informed on an ongoing basis about safety rules and planned activities, especially in the case of longer sessions.

IV. Emergency Response Procedure

Duty to Report: Any employee who becomes aware of harm to a minor (e.g., violence, neglect, sexual abuse) is required to immediately report this to the Museum Director and take steps to ensure the child’s safety.

Reporting to Authorities: In the event of a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed against a minor, the Museum Director or a designated employee is required to immediately notify law enforcement authorities (Police, Prosecutor’s Office).

Support: The Museum provides support to minors and their families in situations of abuse by referring them to appropriate support services.

V. Final Provisions

The Standards are publicly available at https://muzeum.sanok.pl/. The Museum commits to periodically reviewing and updating them.