The Ombuds Office for SOS Children’s Villages is an independent office supporting children and young people in situations that have not been successfully resolved by SOS Children’s Villages safeguarding processes. An Ombuds is a trustworthy person who can listen, support, and guide children and young people. There are national, regional, and global Ombuds.

The Ombuds Office is the team of people that ensure that all ombudspersons can offer strong support for children and young people. Each Ombuds follows the four principles: Confidentiality, Impartiality,  Independence and Informality. They work independently of SOS Children’s Villages as a check and balance to safeguarding with the goal of finding a solution to the concern raised. 

An Ombuds is a trustworthy person who can listen, support, and guide children and young people through situations that have not been successfully resolved by SOS Children’s Villages Safeguarding.

There are National, Regional, and Global Ombuds.

All Ombuds are governed by four critical principles:

  • Confidentiality – what you share will not be shared with anyone else unless you give permission to share it with others, or you or someone you know is at risk of harm from others or to themselves.
  • Independence – the Ombuds is independent of SOS Children’s Villages and does not report to anyone within the organisation.
  • Impartiality – the Ombuds is committed to treat everyone equally.
  • Informality – the Ombuds works through informal relationships.

They are here to help children and young people.

When children and young people feel unsafe and child safeguarding has not been able to help, the Ombuds is there to talk about issues like:

  • Emotional, physical, sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Exploitation
  • Harassment
  • Bullying
  • Discrimination
  • Abuse by another child or young person

Children and young people who are in SOS Children’s Villages programmes, now or in the past can access the national Ombuds in their country. At the moment only a few countries have an Ombuds, but more and more countries are on the way. 

Once in place, the National Ombuds can be contacted by:

  • Email
  • Phone
  • WhatsApp
  • In person, when they visit

Click here for contacting us.

Ombuds Office news

Find here latest news and recent developments of the global Ombuds Office.