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About SEV Schools - SEV CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Child abuse and neglect are worldwide issues that violate children's rights. When students feel safe, secure, and comfortable in school environments, they grow and learn most effectively. We strive to create an environment where students are respected, valued, and made to feel safe and especially appealing. It is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of students and to be a safe haven when needed. 

In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the standards of the International Child Protection Council, SEV schools commit to ensuring the safety and well-being of their students through its comprehensive Child Protection Policy. Our Child Protection Policy applies to all SEV school staff and all subcontractor employees working in our school. In the following sections, the "Child Protection Policy" will be referred to as "CPP" for short. 

1. PURPOSE AND FOCUS 

An effective comprehensive school child protection policy provides clear and concise guidance to its employees and others on expected behaviors regarding child protection issues. Furthermore, an effective policy clearly defines the school's obligation to develop and implement best practices and correct procedures. This policy commits to addressing child protection concerns with sensitivity, professionalism, and supportive ways that meet the needs of the child through guidance and supervision. 

2. INTRODUCTION 

SEV schools take seriously their responsibilities to ensure and protect the well-being of children and young people in line with the standards of the Council of İnternational Schools Child Protection Standards. 

SEV Child Protection Policy takes into account two intervention axes: 

Preventive: Reducing the possibility of student abuse or harm 

Responsive: Taking action to make sure that where concerns are raised or situations of suspected harm or abuse are identified, appropriate action is taken to ensure the student is assisted and to prevent similar situations from occurring again. 

This policy applies to all SEV school students and employees.

The school accepts this policy as a means of guidance, not as an investigative tool. 

3. SCHOOL POLICY 

We acknowledge that our students' positive self-image, self-confidence, having supportive peers, and maintaining open and clear communication with a trusted adult contribute to the prevention of abuse. Therefore, our school: 

  • Creates and maintains environments where students feel safe and secure, and are encouraged to speak up and be listened to. 

  • Ensures that students know they can reach out to adults within the school if they are worried or in a difficult situation. 

  • Incorporates into the curriculum activities and resources that equip students with the skills and knowledge to protect themselves from abuse. 

  • Adds material to the curriculum that helps students develop a realistic understanding of adult responsibilities, especially in childcare and parenting skills. 

  • Makes every effort to establish effective relationships with parents, colleagues from sister SEV schools, and local authorities wherever possible.

4. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SIX STAGES OF CHILD PROTECTION POLICY FRAMEWORK 

STAGE 1: INTRODUCING THE CONCEPT OF CHILD PROTECTION 

Creating awareness within the school community about the facts and rumors surrounding child abuse, the effects of child abuse on the victim and the school community, and the reasons why it is necessary to build a healthy community that nurtures human development. 

STAGE 2: LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONES 

Establishing the organizational structure for the implementation of policies and procedures by creating a protective core of principles, primary individuals and entities, communication networks, and internal teams. 

STAGE 3: DEVELOPING CHILD PROTECTION POLICY AND PROCEDURES 

Efforts should be made within the organizational structure of the school to establish child protection policies and procedures. 

STAGE 4: IMPLEMENTING CHILD PROTECTION POLICY AND PROCEDURES 

Conducting activities for the implementation of child protection policies and procedures within the organizational structure of the school, informing and educating members of the school community. 

STAGE 5: DEALING WITH OBSTACLES 

Identifying challenges and barriers encountered during procedure implementation, creating scenarios, repeating training sessions, and identifying areas requiring revision. 

STAGE 6: MONITORING OF IMPLEMENTATION 

Ensuring the functioning of the system in line with its objectives through regular observations, periodic reviews, and updates. 

5. CORE SAFEGUARDING PRINCIPLES 

  • Students who feel safe are more successful learners. 

  • All services provided by SEV are based on the principles of partnership, participation, protection, honesty, and confidentiality. 

  • SEV will be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive child protection policies, procedures, and protocols in line with protective core principles. 

  • SEV will collaborate in mutual support for effective implementation; it will establish communication networks with local, national, and regional authorities and organizations for advisory purposes. 

  • SEV will create procedures and programs to educate all employees, students, and parents; all aspects of the CPP will be transparent and honest for more effective communication without compromising the principle of confidentiality. 

  • Representatives of the integrated school community, including students, teachers/staff, parents, and administrative members, will be familiar with the CPP and will participate in policy development and review processes as needed. 

  • The school will establish relationships with local authorities and professional workers, government, and international agencies that can provide appropriate counseling and assistance in cases of serious CP incidents. 

  • Turkish Republic laws, regulations, protocols, and procedures regarding child abuse and violation will be followed. 

  • Each school administration is responsible for the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of the CPP within the institution. 

  • Except for special circumstances requiring prior assessment and potential revision, policies will be reviewed annually. 

  • The School Principal is responsible for maintaining an appropriate tone within the school community to embrace relevant procedures and the CPP in support of a healthy school/learning community. 

  • SEV will create and implement policies, programs, and procedures to raise awareness, ensure protection, intervene and, if necessary, compensate for harm, and safeguard the security and well-being of students, teachers, staff, and families.

  • All students have equal protection rights regardless of talent, culture, race, language, religion, and sexual identity. 

  • To protect individuals against the possibility of involvement in cases of child abuse and neglect, all relevant information will be kept within the school community as required, ensuring confidentiality. 

  • The school is only a referral body in matters of disclosure and allegations. In cases where disclosure or allegations are deemed necessary for further investigation, the school will refer the matter to local, legal, and state authorities for legal proceedings. 

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Adults working with or alongside children are responsible for their protection. However, certain key individuals/groups within the school, collaborative working groups, and local authorities have specific responsibilities outlined in child protection procedures. 

  • The effective implementation of the Child Protection Policy and adherence to employment processes outlined in the school's employment policy is the responsibility of the school principal and school management team. 

  • Monitoring and supporting the practices of the Child Protection Team, ensuring that all procedures within the school are appropriately and timely directed, and ensuring the reporting of potential cases of child abuse are the responsibilities of the school management team. 

  • The Child Protection Team takes the lead and responsibility for ensuring that the CPP is implemented, ensuring that all school staff are aware of and trained in internal procedures, and providing support and guidance to the school management on all matters concerning the CPP. 

  • The Child Protection Officer, as the head of the Child Protection Team, ensures that all child protection procedures are followed within the school. 

  • In the absence of a Child Protection Officer, the School Principal/Vice Principal will assume this role. 

Child Protection Officer Job Description 

The role of the Child Protection Officer is to take primary responsibility for the management of issues related to child protection, to lead the Child Protection Team, and to ensure the full implementation of the Child Protection Policy by liaising with the school administration. 

Specific Responsibilities: 

  • Collaborate with the Child Protection Team, school administration, teachers, parents, and other institutions to create a healthy school environment where the well-being and safety of students are ensured in accordance with the Child Protection Policy and CIS Child Protection Standards. 

  • Lead and support the Child Protection Team in developing and implementing training, procedures, and guidelines for the school related to the Child Protection Policy. 

  • Ensure the implementation and documentation of the Child Protection Policy; monitor and review procedures to ensure they are followed, up-to-date, and valid. 

  • Ensure the annual update and review of the school's Child Protection Policy, and ensure that all staff have access to this policy and are aware of their responsibilities regarding child protection. 

  • Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records of all cases falling within the scope of child protection and care. 

  • Participate in current training or events, follow relevant publications, and stay informed about developments related to child protection. 

  • Serve as the designated person to be contacted in reported concerns, minor or serious cases, and work as the responsible individual under the title of "Point of Contact." 

Required Criteria: 

  • Proficiency in both Turkish and English 

  • Interest in the well-being, protection, and care of children 

  • Strong communication skills and the ability to approach sensitive issues honestly 

  • Solution-oriented mindset 

  • Desire and potential to lead colleagues 

This job description will be reviewed and updated annually as progress is made in the implementation process. 

Child Protection Team Duties and Responsibilities 

The Child Protection Team is responsible for implementing and monitoring the Child Protection Policy and related procedures in collaboration with the school administration. The team implements and follows procedures related to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. 

Members: The Child Protection Team consists of the Child Protection Officer/School Principal, Vice Principals (one of whom is a Turkish citizen who speaks two languages), school counselors, and the school nurse. 

General Responsibilities: 

  • Ensure the implementation of the Child Protection Policy, procedures, and systems.

  • Collaborate with the school administration, teachers, and guidance counselors to develop and implement a Child Protection curriculum to meet the school's child protection needs. 

  • Provide support to teachers and guidance counselors in implementing the Child Protection Curriculum. 

  • Ensure that all teachers receive training on the Child Protection Policy and procedures. 

  • Provide guidance and assistance in the management, reporting, and monitoring of child protection issues. 

  • Accept and coordinate referrals, organize actions, and review services for students and families. 

  • Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records of all matters related to the protection and care of children. 

  • Approach students at risk of abuse with sensitivity and provide appropriate support, ensuring successful implementation and monitoring of all necessary actions. 

  • Ensure confidentiality in all matters requiring disclosure regarding child protection. 

  • Limit the school's role as a "point of contact" in matters requiring disclosure and refer all confirmed disclosures to appropriate authorities for investigation. 

  • Stay informed about developments in child protection through participation in relevant training or events and by following relevant publications. 

  • Review the Child Protection Policy and Procedures annually and ensure their effective and accurate implementation. 

7. PROCEDURES 

When addressing concerns of potential child abuse, it's important to remember that the school serves as a guiding tool rather than an investigative entity. Employees are informed about their child protection responsibilities and procedures through briefings, assignments, and awareness training. The Child Protection Officer will ensure that all school staff are briefed on the school policy and reporting procedures. 

A statement in the school handbook will inform parents and employees about the school's duties and responsibilities regarding child protection procedures. 

Any school employee or visitor who encounters suspicion, allegation, or disclosure of abuse must immediately report the matter to the Child Protection Officer or, in their absence, to the school principal. In the absence of both, it should be brought to the attention of the most senior member of the school management. The Child Protection Officer will promptly report suspected abuse or allegations to senior school management members. 

7.1. STEPS TO FOLLOW IN THE DISCLOSURE OF A SUSPECTED CASE 

STEP 1: The person who witnessed the suspicious situation or has information about it (school staff, teacher, student, visitor, etc.) provides written information to the School Principal and the relevant level's Guidance Counselor within 24 hours. The Case Report Form is filled out. In the absence of the Child Protection Officer/School Principal, the matter is brought to the attention of the Vice Principal. 

STEP 2: Evaluating physical and emotional signs, a decision is made on whether the incident constitutes a valid suspicion. If there is a valid suspicion, the School Principal convenes the Child Protection Team. 

STEP 3: The Child Protection Team promptly convenes a meeting to address situations involving suspicion, allegation, or disclosure of abuse/neglect (violating the Child Protection Policy). A written action plan outlining the steps to be taken is created, and minutes are recorded. Some of the steps to be taken regarding the matter include: 

  • Informing the family (via meeting and/or email/letter) 

  • Providing support to the student and family (recommendation for specialist support) 

  • Seeking legal and/or legal advice regarding the case 

  • Reporting the situation to the SEV Foundation 

  • Reporting the situation to the Public Prosecutor's Office 

  • Ensuring that if the suspected individual is a school employee, their employment is suspended for a specified or indefinite period 

STEP 4: All documents related to child protection reports are kept in a confidential file by the Child Protection Officer. These records may be shared with relevant authorities within the legal framework. 

STEP 5: Follow up on the relevant case. 

8. TRAINING AND SUPPORT 

All teachers and staff working with children will undergo appropriate child protection awareness training to effectively assume responsibility for protecting students. Child protection principles will be reviewed annually through a comprehensive workshop training based on a three-year rotation, covering all those working within or for the school. All school employees and contracted workers must have access to and be directed to information regarding the boundaries of appropriate behavior and attitudes. 

The Child Protection Officer will receive training every two years from accredited civil society organizations to acquire a high level of awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent service. 

All volunteer workers and school visitors who work with students will be informed about how they can contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment concerning the Child Protection Policy. 

Managers responsible for teacher and staff employment in the school will receive training on the effective implementation of Child Protection Policy procedures. 

All new school employees must attend the child protection workshop and sign the child protection code of conduct form. 

The School Principal is responsible for identifying and maintaining effective relationships with local authorities and resources to support the implementation of the Child Protection Policy and procedures. 

Each year, parents and students will be provided with a brief general explanation of their roles in ensuring a healthy and safe learning environment and the Child Protection Policy. 

9. CONFIDENTIALITY 

The provision of confidentiality conditions, especially concerning the protection of students, is a matter that must be well understood by both students and staff. The school cannot guarantee confidentiality or secrecy between a student and a staff member in a situation where there is a potential concern for child protection. If a concerning situation arises, it should be reported to the child protection officer for investigation, and necessary measures should be taken. Staff members will only receive relevant information on individual cases related to child protection on a "need-to-know" basis. Any information shared in this manner with a member of the staff must be kept confidential. 

10. RECORDS AND OVERSIGHT 

Effective child protection practice relies on accurate records.

Whenever any school staff member encounters an allegation of abuse or notices a sign indicating abuse, it is essential to make immediate notes of what was said or observed, evaluate the incident within its context, and accurately record the date, time, and actions taken. All records will be dated and signed by the child protection office and the reporting individual.

All documents related to child protection reports will be kept in a confidential file by the child protection officer. These records may be disclosed to other authorities or organizations with the consent of the student's family or legal guardians.

Access to these confidential documents is subject to the approval of the school principal. 

OVERSIGHT OF CHILD PROTECTION CASES/SUPPORT PLANS 

The child protection officer is responsible for ensuring that the school is properly represented in the management of potential and/or ongoing cases of child abuse or the implementation of support plans. Documentation of meetings should include details of attendees, date/time, and a summary of discussions/actions taken. 

The child protection officer must communicate the outcomes of meeting sessions to all relevant parties to provide primary follow-up/support assurance for students and concerned parties. 

USE OF THE SCHOOL PREMISES BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS 

When the school campus is used by other organizations for services or events, the school administration will require assurance that the relevant organizations have appropriate policies and procedures in place regarding child safety and protection. 

WHISTLEBLOWING 

All school staff should be aware that they must raise concerns about the behavior and attitudes of their colleagues. If necessary, they should be able to report to the designated 'intelligence' unit within the school. In cases where a school staff member wishes to share information related to the protection of students, confidentiality and anonymity will be ensured. 

REVIEW OF THE POLICY 

The school administration is responsible for reviewing the Child Protection Policy (CPP) and CPP handbooks annually, as well as updating information and key contact lists. 

11. DEFINITIONS USED IN CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 

Child: According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and in accordance with the definitions of the Republic of Turkey, anyone under the age of 18 is defined as a child.

Child Abuse: According to the World Health Organization, child abuse refers to all forms of physical and/or emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, neglect, commercial or other exploitation resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, development, or dignity within the context of a responsibility relationship, trust, or power.

A person may abuse a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or an institutional (e.g. school) or community setting; children may be abused by individuals known to them, or more rarely, by a stranger. Often children may experience multiple forms of abuse simultaneously, further complicating the problem.

Child Protection: A broad term used to define the philosophies, policies, standards, outlines, and procedures aimed at protecting children from intentional or unintentional harm. Child protection concerns encompass the investigation and prosecution of any individual, either from within or outside the school, suspected, alleged, witnessed, or disclosed child abuse. 

Code of Conduct for Child Protection: An annual declaration signed by all school staff, affirming their acceptance of the child protection policy.

Child Protection Officer: The appointed coordinator of the school is responsible for facilitating the Child Protection Team in implementing the child protection policy. 

Child Protection Team: A group of expert school staff responsible for implementing the child protection policy.

Emotional Abuse: The negative impact on a student's emotional development as a result of continuous emotional mistreatment. Emotional abuse includes making students feel unloved and unworthy, that they are valuable as long as they meet the needs of others, forcing them to accept expectations that are older than their age or inappropriate for their development, causing them to feel fear often, seducing or abusing them. Emotional abuse can be perpetrated on its own, but all bad behaviors against a child involve some form of emotional abuse. 

Physical Abuse: Hitting, punching, shaking, shaking, throwing, biting, poisoning, burning scalding, or otherwise causing intentional physical harm is physical abuse.

Sexual Abuse: Forcing a student to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the student understands what is happening. These activities may involve physical contact, such as sexual intercourse, or without physical contact, such as preparing or showing pornographic material or encouraging students to engage in sexually inappropriate behavior. Students involved in commercial sex work are victims of sexual abuse, whether or not they see themselves as victims. 

Neglect: Inability to meet the basic physical or physiological needs of the student, causing serious impairment in the student's health and development

Reasonable Cause: There are legitimate grounds to presume an allegation of child abuse; the Disclosure Flowchart is followed to initiate an investigation. 

Secondary Concern: Situations that do not require the intervention of legal authorities or serious action to protect the student's physical and/or mental health

Serious Problem: A problem that potentially requires the intervention of legal authorities or may have legal consequences; blatant extreme abuse and causing harm to the student's physical and/or mental well-being. 

Employees: Includes all persons working in an individual capacity, regardless of the type of contract they have at SEV. This includes paid or non-paid employees and volunteers, whether single, one-off, short-term, or long-term. The term "employees" also includes consultants and contracted temporary staff and identifies Turkish and foreign staff equally. 

12. RESOURCES 

  • British Council Child Protection Handbook (Turkish Edition) 

  • CIS Child Protection Standards 

  • International Task Force on Child Protection 

  • Child Protection Policy – EuroChild 

  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 

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