1

Child Protection Training Package

Module 1

Child Protection overview

2

Child protection

• Complex and sensitive issues• Society has increased expectations• Increased awareness of range of abuse and

risk situations• 1998 - significant reform of Child Protection

legislation• Initial focus on sexual abuse expanded to

include physical abuse, psychological abuse, neglect & domestic violence

3

Child Protection is a shared

responsibility

• Parents

• Professionals in child-related organisations

• Wider community

4

Our mission ….

“Our system of schools in the Diocese of Parramatta seeks to be ……

inviting,

inclusive and

just …”Vision Statement

5

How do we make schools safe?

Inviting, inclusive and

just

School policies e.g. Student managementbullying policyHarassment policyPastoral care

Counselling support

Supervision/duty of care

Adhere to gospel values

Good classroom practice

Good student management

OHS

Skilled and responsive leadership

Ongoing professionaldevelopment

Child protection legislative reform package

Building positive relationships

Professional & personal skills

Custom and practice

6

Schools as safe (inviting, inclusive and just) places

• Discussion - focus questions- what about our school makes it safe, inviting, inclusive, just?

- what are our strengths?

- what might we do better?

7

Prevention of child abuse recognises:

• Risk factors

• Protective factors

• Schools as safe places

8

Risk factors in the school context

• Research identifies several factors in the school that may increase the risk of child abuse:

- bullying- peer rejection- poor attachment to school- inadequate behaviour management- deviant peer group- school failure

9

Protective factors in the school context

• Schools can prevent abuse by developing:

- positive school climate

- pro-social peer group

- responsibility and required helpfulness

- sense of belonging/bonding

- opportunities for success/recognition of achievement

- school norms concerning violence

10

Schools as safe places ….

With appropriate -

•polices

•practices

•site & facilities

our schools can be protective, positive and safe places where children sense they belong and can succeed

11

Child Protection in our schools

• All adults involved in our schools have a responsibility to

- care for

- protect, and

- promote the safety, welfare and well-being of students

12

3 levels of prevention of child abuse

Abuse prevention strategies can be allocated to 3 levels (categories) depending on purpose/focus –

• Primary• Secondary• Tertiary

13

Primary level of prevention of child abuse

Targets whole community aiming to stop abuse before it occurs –

• School curriculum, e.g., PD/H/PE• School policy and procedures, e.g., bullying,

pastoral care, classroom management• Involvement of community, e.g., participation

in church or other community groups, access to support services

14

Secondary level of prevention of child abuse

Seeks to identify and intervene in situations where children are at high risk of abuse –

• Programs for children and young people who are at risk, e.g. peer support, Rainbows, counselling, management plan for student with challenging behaviour or special needs

15

Tertiary level of prevention of child abuse

Targets families, groups and individuals where abuse has occurred and attempts to stop it recurring

• Child Protection legislation• Community services• Interagency support

16

NSW Child Protection legislative reform package

The Acts

• Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998

• Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998

• Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998

• Ombudsman Act 1974

• Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000

What are the Acts about?

• Reporting to DoCS children at risk of harm

• Prohibited Employment Declaration

• Employment Screening

• Investigation allegations against employees

• ‘registered persons’ not to work in child-related employment

17

Key agencies involved in Child Protection in NSW

• DoCS (NSW Department of Community Services)

• CCYP (Commission for Children and Young People)

• NSW Ombudsman• CCER (Catholic Commission for Employment

Relations)

• Child-related organisations (e.g. schools)

18

• Ongoing Child Protection training is important so schools are safe places for:

- children and young people, and - employees

19

This Child Protection training package ….

• is one means of practical support for persons working with children and young people

• comprises a number of modules covering a range of Child Protection issues

20

• Each module has material sufficient for a 30 – 45 minute session

• Module 1- Child Protection overview is essential information for all new employees and volunteers

• Schools may choose the most appropriate modules to suit local needs and circumstances

Child Protection Training Package modules

1. Child Protection overview2. Allegations involving employees 3. Scenarios about allegations against employees4. Risk management – potential risky situations in schools5. Risk management – managing challenging behaviour situations6. Risk management – offsite activities7. Risk management – site and facilities8. Child Protection Curriculum perspectives9. Reporting risk of harm to DoCS10. Prohibited Employment Declarations 11. Employment Screening (currently being updated)12. Child Protection briefing for volunteers13. Protective Practices for School Staff in their relationships with

students