The Directorate of Health
Letters of information to those working with children in sports and leisure activities
27th June 2023
The Directorate of Health has, in collaboration with other parties, issued an information letter (in Icelandic) to sports and youth organisations and other organisations that work with children, reminding them of their responsibility for preventing and responding to violence.
-Automatic translation
Summertime comes with various gatherings, events, and tournaments that children participate in. All those involved in the organization and implementation of sporting and youth work must be informed of what is expected of them regarding their behavior and conduct. It is also important to know the signs of violence and what to do in case of suspicion of a child being victimized. Advice or guidance can be sought from the sports and youth activities communication counselor.
The information letter provides links to informational and educational material on sexual and gender-based violence and harassment, a checklist on recruitment of staff and volunteers, as well as instructions on obtaining information from criminal records. It also provides a link to the coordinated contingency plan for sports and youth activities.
In all cases, 112, and/or child protection services and the police should be notified if suspicion arises of an offense against a child.