Child Protection Policy

Our Service is committed to the safety, wellbeing and support of all children and
young people within our service. Management, staff and volunteers will treat all children
with the utmost respect and understanding. The Child Development Center has a zero
tolerance for child abuse and we work to actively listen to and empower children in our
care.
Our Service is committed to promoting cultural safety for children from culturally
and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and providing a safe environment for children
with disability.
Our Child Development Center believes that:
• Children are capable of the same range of emotions as adults.
• Children’s emotions are real and need to be accepted by adults.
• A reaction given to a child from an adult in a child’s early stages of emotional
development can be positive or detrimental depending on the adult’s behavior.
• Children, who preserve, enhance and better understand their body’s responses to an
emotion are more able to predict the outcome from a situation and evade them or ask for
help.
PURPOSE
To identify potential risks of harm to children and young people at the day care
center and to implement strategies to prevent and minimize those risks. In order to ensure
children’s safety, our CDW/T will perform proficiently and act in the best interest of the
child.
We aim to ensure that CDW/T and volunteers are aware of the current child
protection law and understand their obligations under that law. We believe it is our
responsibility as educators to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children.
We aim to provide the children at our center with the opportunity to develop their
full potential free from harm and abuse.
SCOPE
This policy applies to children, families, staff, management and visitors of the service.
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and
Discrimination Act defines child abuse as the maltreatment, whether habitual or not of the
child which includes any of the following:
 Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional
maltreatment
 Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth
and dignity of a child as human being
 Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival, such as food and shelter
 Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in
serious impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity
or death
INDICATORS OF ABUSE
There are common physical and behavioral signs that may indicate abuse or neglect.
The presence of one of these signs does not necessarily mean abuse or neglect. Behavioral
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or physical signs which assist in recognizing harm to children are known as indicators. The
following is a guide only. One indicator on its own may not imply abuse or neglect.
However, a single indicator can be as important as the presence of several indicators. Each
indicator needs to be deliberated in the perspective of other indicators and the child’s
circumstances. A child's behavior is likely to be affected if he/she is under stress. There can
be many causes of stress and it is important to find out specifically what is causing the
stress. Abuse and neglect can be single incidents or ongoing, and may be intentional or
unintentional.
General indicators of abuse and neglect may include:
• Marked delay between injury and seeking medical assistance
• History of injury
• The child gives some indication that the injury did not occur as stated
• The child tells you someone has hurt him/her
• The child tells you about someone he/she knows who has been hurt
• Someone (relative, friend, acquaintance, and sibling) tells you that the child may have
been abused.
NEGLECT
Child neglect is the continuous failure by a parent or caregiver to provide a child
with the basic things needed for their growth and development, such as food, clothing,
shelter, medical and dental care and adequate supervision. Some examples are:
• Inability to respond emotionally to the child
• Child abandonment
• Depriving or withholding physical contact
• Failure to provide psychological nurturing
• Treating one child differently to the others Indicators of Neglect in children
• Poor standard of hygiene leading to social isolation
• Scavenging or stealing food
• Extreme longing for adult affection
• Lacking a sense of genuine interaction with others
• Acute separation anxiety
• Self-comforting behaviors, e.g. rocking, sucking
• Delay in development milestones
• Untreated physical problems
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Physical abuse is when a child has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, non-accidental
trauma or injury, caused by a parent, caregiver or other person. Educators will be
particularly aware of looking for possible physical abuse if parents or caregivers:
• Make direct admissions from parents about fear of hurting their children
• Have a family history of violence
• Have a history of their own maltreatment as a child
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• Make repeated visits for medical assistance Indicators of Physical Abuse
• Facial, head and neck bruising
• Lacerations and welts
• Explanations are not consistent with injury
• Bruising or marks that may show the shape of an object
• Bite marks or scratches
• Multiple injuries or bruises
• Ingestion of poisonous substances, alcohol or drugs
• Sprains, twists, dislocations
• Bone fractures
• Burns and scalds
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Emotional abuse occurs when an adult harms a child’s development by repetitively
treating and speaking to a child in ways that damage the child’s ability to feel and express
their feelings. This may include:
• Constant criticism, condescending, teasing of a child or ignoring or withholding
admiration and affection
• Excessive or unreasonable demands
• Persistent hostility, severe verbal abuse, and rejection
• Belief that a specific child is bad or “evil”
• Using inappropriate physical or social isolation as punishment
• Exposure to domestic violence Indicators of emotional abuse
• Feeling of worthlessness about them
• Inability to value others
• Lack of trust in people and expectations
• Extreme attention seeking behaviors
• Other behavioral disorders (disruptiveness, aggressiveness, bullying)
SEXUAL ABUSE
Sexual abuse is when someone involves a child in a sexual activity by using their
authority over them or taking advantage of their trust. Children are often bribed or
threatened physically and psychologically to make them partake in the activity. Educators
will be predominantly conscious of looking for potential sexual abuse if parents or
caregivers are suspected of or charged with child sexual abuse or display inappropriate
jealousy regarding age appropriate development of independence from the family. Sexual
abuse may include:
• Exposing the child to sexual behaviors of others
• Coercing the child to engage in sexual behavior with other children
• Verbal threats of sexual abuse
• Exposing the child to pornography Indicators of Sexual Abuse
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• They describe sexual acts
• Direct or indirect disclosures
• Age inappropriate behavior and/or persistent sexual behavior
• Self-destructive behavior
• Regression in development of achievements
• Child being in contact with a suspected or know perpetrator of sexual assault
• Bleeding from the vagina or anus
• Injuries such as tears to the genitalia
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
Psychological harm occurs where the behavior of the parent or caregiver damages
the confidence and self-esteem of the child, resulting in serious emotional deficiency or
trauma. In general it is the frequency and duration of this behavior that causes harm. Some
examples are:
• Excessive criticism
• Withholding affection
• Exposure to domestic violence
• Intimidation or threatening behavior.
Indicators of Psychological Abuse
• Constant feelings of worthlessness
• Unable to value others
• Lack of trust in people
• Lack of people skills necessary for daily functioning
• Extreme attention seeking behavior
• Extremely eager to please or obey adults
• Takes extreme risks, is markedly disruptive, bullying or aggressive
• Suicide threats
• Running away from home
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is a violation of human rights. It
involves violent, abusive or intimidating behavior carried out by an adult against a partner
or former partner to control and dominate that person. Domestic violence causes fear,
physical and/or psychological harm. It is most often violent, abusive or intimidating
behavior by a man against a woman. Living with domestic violence has a profound effect
upon children and young people and may constitute a form of child abuse.
Indicators of Domestic Violence
• Show aggressive behavior
• Develop phobias & insomnia
• Experience anxiety

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• Show systems of depression
• Have diminished self esteem
• Demonstrate poor academic performance and problem solving skills
• Have reduced social competence skills including low levels of empathy
• Show emotional distress
• Have physical complaints
SIGNIFICANT RISK OF HARM
Significant risk of harm is where the circumstances that are causing concern are
present to a significant state and warrant a response by a statutory authority, such as the
Police Force and Child Protection Services regardless of a family’s consent. Significant risk
is not minor or trivial and may reasonably be expected to produce substantial and adverse
impacts on the child’s safety, welfare or wellbeing. It can be a result of a single act or
omission or an accumulation of acts and omissions.
REASONABLE GROUNDS
Reasonable ground refers to the need to have an objective basis for suspecting that a
child may be at risk of abuse and neglect based on:
• First hand observation of the child or family
• What the child, parent or other person has disclosed
• What can reasonably be indirect based on observation, professional training and/ or
experience
IMPLEMENTATION
Our service strongly opposes any type of abuse against a child and endorses high
quality practices in relation to protecting children. To ensure best practice, all educators
will attend Child Protection training every 12 months to ensure they are kept updated and
informed of their current responsibilities as Mandatory Reporters.
NOTE: The reporter is not required to prove that abuse has occurred.
Mandatory Reporters
Mandated reporters include Child Development Worker/Teacher and Day Care
volunteers. Mandatory reporters must make a report to Child Protection as soon as
possible after forming a belief on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection
from significant harm as a result of physical or sexual abuse, and the child’s parents are
unwilling or unable to protect the child. However, all educators and staff members who
believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection will report abuse and
neglect to either Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or PNP Women and
Child Protection Desk.
MSWDO/ ECCD Focal Person will ensure:
The CDW/CDT and volunteers has successfully attended an orientation on child
protection conducted by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO)
or the ECCD Focal Person.
CDW/T and volunteers are:
• Clear about their roles and responsibilities regarding child protection.

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• Aware of their requirements to immediately report cases where they believe a child is at
risk of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline.
• Aware of the indicators showing a child may be at risk of harm or significant risk of harm.
• Aware of the reporting procedure and professional standards to safeguard children
• Have access to relevant laws, regulations, standards and other resources to meet their
obligations.
• Records of abuse or suspected abuse are kept in line with our Privacy and Confidentiality
Policy.
• To notify the MSWDO and PNP within three (3) days of becoming aware of any allegations
and convictions for abuse or neglect of a child made against an employee or volunteer and
ensure they are investigated and appropriate action taken.
Accusations against CDW/T and volunteers
Accusations of abuse or suspected abuse against CDW/T and volunteers are treated
in the same way as allegations against other people. Reports will be made to the MSWDO
and PNP WCPD where a child is at risk of significant abuse by a person at the service.
CDW/T and volunteers will:
• Be able to recognize indicators of abuse
• Respect what a child discloses, taking it seriously and follow up their concerns.
• Allow children to be part of decision-making processes where appropriate.
• Comprehend they are mandatory reporters under the legislation and report any situation
where they believe on reasonable grounds a child is at risk of significant harm to Child
Protection
• Be able to use the Mandatory Reporter Guide to help make decisions about whether there
is a risk of significant harm.
• Be able to contact MSWDO or PNP WCPD which also help mandatory reporters identify
the level of risk to a child and whether to report the risk to the Child Protection.
• Contact the PNP WCPD if there is an immediate danger to a child and intervene instantly
if it is safe to do so.
• Associate families with referral agencies where concerns of harm do not meet the
threshold of significant harm. Family consent will be sought before making referrals.
• Promote the welfare, safety and wellbeing of children at the service.
• Prepare precise records recording exactly what happened, conversations that took place
and what you observed to contribute to the investigations of abuse or suspected abuse by
the Child Protection Helpline or dealings with referral agencies.
• Understand that allegations of abuse or suspected abuse against them are treated in the
same way as allegations of abuse against other people
DOCUMENTING A SUSPICION OF HARM
If CDW/T have concerns about the safety of a child, they will:
• Record their concerns in a non-judgmental and accurate manner as soon as possible.
• Record their own observations as well as precise details of any discussion with a parent
(who may for example explain a noticeable mark on a child).

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• Not endeavour to conduct their own investigation.
• Document as soon as possible so the details are accurately apprehended including: Time,
date and place of the suspicion/ Full details of the suspected abuse/ Date of report and
signature.
DOCUMENTING A DISCLOSURE
A disclosure of harm emerges when someone, including a child, tells you about harm
that has happened or is likely to happen. When a child discloses that he or she has been
abused, it is an opportunity for an adult to provide immediate support and comfort and to
assist in protecting the child from the abuse. It is also a chance to help the child connect to
professional services that can keep them safe, provide support and facilitate their recovery
from trauma. Disclosure is about seeking support and your response can have a great
impact on the child or young person's ability to seek further help and recover from the
trauma.
When receiving a disclosure of harm the CDW/T will:
• Remain calm and find a private place to talk
• Not promise to keep a secret
• Tell the child/person they have done the right thing in revealing the information but that
they will need to tell someone who can help keep the child safe
• Only ask enough questions to confirm the need to report the matter because probing
questions could cause distress, confusion and interfere with any later enquiries
• Not attempt to conduct their own investigation or mediate an outcome between the
parties involved.
• Document as soon as possible so the details are accurately captured including:
 time, date and place of the disclosure
 ‘word for word‘ what happened and what was said, including anything they said and
any actions that have been taken
 Date of report and signature.
Notifications of abuse
The CDW/T making a notification of abuse or suspected abuse will make a record of the
answers to the following:
 Give the child or young person your full attention.
 Maintain a calm appearance.
 Don't be afraid of saying the "wrong" thing.
 Reassure the child or young person it is right to tell.
 Accept the child or young person will disclose only what is comfortable and
recognize the bravery/strength of the child for talking about something that is
difficult.
 Let the child or young person take his or her time.
 Let the child or young person use his or her own words.
 Don't make promises you can't keep.
 Tell the child or young person what you plan to do next.
 Do not confront the perpetrator.
Confidentiality
It is important that any notification remains confidential, as it is vitally important to
remember that no confirmation of any allegation can be made until the matter is

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investigated. The individual who makes the complaint should not inform the person they
have made the complaint about. This ensures the matter can be investigated without prior
knowledge and contamination of evidence.
Protection for Reporters
Reports made to MSWDO and PNP WCPD are kept confidential. However, a law
enforcement agency may access the identity of the reporter if this is needed in connection
with the investigation of an alleged serious offence against a child. Under R.A 7610 if the
report is made in good faith:
• The report will not breach standards of professional conduct
• The report can’t lead to defamation proceedings
• The report is not admissible in any proceedings as evidence against the person who made
the report
• A person cannot be compelled by a court to provide the report or disclose its contents
• The identity of the person making the report is protected.
BREACH OF CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
CDW/T and volunteers working with children have a duty of care to support and
protect children. A duty of care is breached if a person:
• does something that a reasonable person in that person’s position would not do in a
particular situation
• fails to do something that a reasonable person in that person’s position would do in the
circumstances
• Acts or fails to act in a way that causes harm to someone the person owes a duty of care.
MANAGING A BREACH IN CHILD PROECTION POLICY
Management will investigate the breaches in a fair, unbiased and supportive manner by:
• Discussing the breach with all people concerned will be advised of the process
• Giving the educator the opportunity to provide their version of events
• Documenting the details of the breach, including the versions of all parties and the
outcome will be recorded
• Ensuring the matters in relation to the breach are kept confidential
• Approaching an appropriate outcome which will be decided based on evidence and
discussion
OUTCOME OF A BREACH IN CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Depending on the nature of the breach outcomes may include:
• Emphasizing the relevant element of the child protection policy and procedure
• Providing closer supervision
• Further education and training
• Facilitating between those involved in the incident (where appropriate)
• Disciplinary procedures if required
• Reviewing current policies and procedures and developing new policies and procedures if
necessary.
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EDUCATING CHILDREN ABOUT PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR
Our program will educate children:
• About acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and what is appropriate and inappropriate
contact at an age appropriate level and understanding
• About their right to feel safe at all times.
• To say ‘no‘ to anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable
• About how to use their own knowledge and understanding to feel safe.
• To identify signs that they do not feel safe and need to be attentive and think clearly.
• That there is no secret or story that is too horrific, that they can‘t share with someone
they trust.
• That educators are available for them if they have any concerns.
• To tell educators of any suspicious activities or people.
• To recognize and express their feelings verbally and non-verbally.
• That they can choose to change the way they are feeling.

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