CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY
AIMS
As a community of diverse religions, languages, cultures and independent minds, The Asian International School especially respects the differences among individuals. Its belief in the core value of learning is that every individual is inspired and given the opportunity to fully develop their abilities and take the initiative in building and expanding knowledge and skills to achieve their goals. The Asian International School strives for the advancement of knowledge, skills, student holistic development, and the promotion of the general well-being of society through the school’s education philosophy “Vietnam’s spirit, global education.” As a community, our staff members and students share a mutual dedication to maintaining an environment that fosters trust, respect, civility, creativity, and free inquiry. To continually promote and maintain this environment, all staff members and students of The Asian International School must adhere to the following Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to read and understand the policy, as well as any other expectations proposed by The Asian International School.
UNDERSTANDING OF CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS
The Asian International School defines child protection concerns through the lens of the following statement adapted from the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) Child Protection Handbook and the World Health Organization (WHO), published on the website of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC):
“Child protection concerns include suspected, alleged, self-disclosed, or witnessed abuse of a child by anyone, which must be investigated and followed by appropriate action. Child Abuse constitutes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development, or dignity. 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 in an institutional or community setting; children may be abused online or in person by individuals known to them, or, more rarely, by a stranger. Children may experience multiple forms of abuse simultaneously. Most child abuse is inflicted by someone the child knows, respects, or trusts. All adults should understand reasons children may not talk about the abuse they might have experienced.”
STUDENT RIGHTS AND CHILD PROTECTION STATEMENT
The Asian International School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is designed to create a safe learning environment by continually protecting the physical, mental, and social well-being of each and every one of its students and adults. Parents can expect that the rights of students will be protected and that they will be treated with fairness and respect. The Asian International School’s top priorities are to ensure that all students are safe from the moment they step onto the campus to the moment they return to their caregivers. The Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy of the Asian International School has been created in accordance with Vietnam’s laws pertaining to the rights of children enshrined in the constitution (Law No.: 102/2016/QH13) as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990).
SCOPE
The Asian International School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy applies to:
• All employees of The Asian International School
• Students
• School Visitors
• Members of the Board of Trustees
COMMITMENT TO THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (1990)
I. Protection of Rights – The Asian International School has responsibility for taking all available measures to guarantee that students’ rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
• All staff members have a thorough understanding of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
• All staff members are aware of their behaviors and responsibilities when interacting with students, both on and off school grounds and during working hours.
• All staff members understand the appropriate courses of action to take, in accordance with the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and procedures, when an incident regarding child protection is witnessed or reported.
• All staff members continually strive to promote a healthy and safe learning environment that fosters the physical, mental, and social well-being of all students.
II. Protection from Violence, Abuse, and Neglect – According to Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), students will be protected from violence, abuse, and neglect.
• All staff members are prohibited from making inappropriate, unwarranted physical contact with students.
• All staff members have responsibility for reporting any forms of physical, mental, or social violence they witness.
• All staff members have responsibility for reporting and taking appropriate actions when witnessing any forms of bullying that results in the endangerment of a student’s physical, mental, or social health.
• All staff members have responsibility for providing a quality, well-rounded education to students; an education ensuring that no child is neglected or left behind.
• All staff members should consider and prioritize the health and safety of students during all school and classroom-related activities. Staff members should take appropriate safety precautions when necessary (when conducting experiments, using equipment, engaging in sports activities, etc.) in order to minimize any risks that may endanger students’ physical, mental, or social health.
III. Right to Personal Identity – According to Article 13 and Article 14 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), students have the right to freely express themselves in terms of their personal cultures, religions, and languages. Staff members are not allowed to discriminate or prohibit students from conveying their personal identity and beliefs while on campus. Staff members also have responsibility for protecting students from their peers and taking appropriate actions when witnessing behaviors that threaten students’ personal identity and beliefs.
• Students have a right to their religious beliefs and will not be discriminated against or persecuted.
• Students have a right to their identity in terms of cultures, languages, and backgrounds and will not be discriminated against or persecuted by staff members.
• Students have a right to their own opinions and perspectives and will not be discriminated against or persecuted by staff members.
IV. Legal/Illegal Substances – According to Article 33 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), the school must protect its students from taking or distributing drugs. In addition, staff members and students will not be allowed on campus while under the influence of any legal or illegal substances that impair judgment and behavior.
• All students and staff members are prohibited from consuming alcohol before and during school time and working hours.
• All students and staff members are prohibited from consuming any types of substances that impair judgment and behavior or endanger the physical, mental, and social well-being of students before and during school time and working hours.
• All students and staff members have responsibility for reporting any incidents regarding staff or students who inappropriately use legal or illegal substances before and during school time and working hours.
• All students and staff members are prohibited from bringing any illegal substances onto the campus.
V. Sexual Abuse – According to Article 34 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), The Asian International School protects students from all forms of sexual abuse.
• All staff members are prohibited from inappropriate contact and conduct towards students, including intentional, inappropriate touching either directly or through clothing.
• All staff members are prohibited from using inappropriate, sexual language, gestures, and references on campus.
• All staff members are prohibited from forming any type of inappropriate interpersonal relationships with students.
• All staff members have responsibility for acting and reporting any and all signs of sexual abuse (physical and verbal) that are witnessed according to the reporting procedures in this policy.
VI. Detention and Punishment – According to Article 28 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), it is forbidden to punish students in a cruel or harmful way that inflicts damage to the student’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
• All staff members are prohibited from imposing any form of corporal, or physical punishment in order to discipline students.
• All staff members are prohibited from using harsh verbal language that may inflict mental or emotional damage when speaking with students.
• All staff members have responsibility for disciplining students appropriately when necessary, in accordance with the disciplinary procedures and policies of The Asian International School.
VII. Screening Procedures – Procedures are in place to screen all potential staff, to ensure that the students interact only with qualified and reputable, individuals in the community.
• The Asian International School requires that all staff members, both Vietnamese and foreign, provide a background check from their country of origin in order to check for a prior criminal record.
• The Asian International School does not offer employment to those candidates who have been convicted of a criminal offense or felony.
• The Asian International School requires all staff to be interviewed and screened on a face-to-face basis wherever practical in order to judge the candidates’ character and check if the candidate fulfills the Asian International School’s staff recruitment requirements.
• The Asian International School evaluates its teachers on a regular basis through announced and unannounced observations in order to assess teaching ability and teacher-student relations to ensure the students’ physical, mental, and social well-being.
• The Asian International School requires all staff to submit appropriate certificates for the applied positions (degree, licensure, work permit, curriculum vitae, and relevant documentation) in order to assess the candidates’ qualifications.
VIII. Systematic Education – All students have a right to a well-rounded, systematic education that focuses on the student’s well-being and safety.
• The Asian International School requires that all staff members prioritize students’ health and safety during all school activities.
• The Asian International School has trained personnel and relevant facilities to support students’ physical, mental, or social well-being. Such personnel include nurses and counselors.
• The Asian International School offers free annual medical checkups to all of its students to ensure overall health and wellness.
• The Asian International School ensures that all incoming and new staff members and associated personnel in all departments are briefed on The Asian International School’s child protection and safeguarding policies, guidelines and procedures prior to employment.
• All staff members are encouraged to improve health and safety by regularly maintaining cleanliness in the learning and working environment.
• All staff members are prohibited from putting students in situations that may affect their physical, mental, and social well-being.
• All staff members are required to take necessary safety precautions for the students’ physical, mental, and social well-being before conducting any activities.
• All staff members have to provide students with a fair, balanced education affording equal learning opportunities to ensure that students at all levels will reap the benefits.
IX. Food Safety and Hygiene – According to Article 24 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), all students have the right to the best possible health. The Asian International School guarantees that all school meals incorporate a variety of clean, fresh foods that are nutritious, as well as encourage student’s growth, full development and healthy body weight.
• The Asian International School provides nutrient-rich, healthy school meals according to the Food Guide Pyramid published by the World Health Organization, in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organization.
• The Asian International School employs a certified doctor to check the quality and appropriate nutrient levels for school meals before being served to students.
• The Asian International School ensures the sanitary conditions of the areas for preparing ingredients, processing, cooking, storing, and eating through daily cleaning procedures and methods.
X. Confidentiality – In accordance with Article 16 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), every child has a right to privacy. Student confidentiality is maintained and respected.
• The Asian International School ensures that students’ educational records and psychological profiles are maintained by the school and are only shared with the students’ caregivers, teachers, managers, and government officials if necessary.
• The Asian International School ensures that students’ personal information and records are not shared with third parties without permission from the students or caregivers unless the individuals have a legitimate legal right to be informed.
XI. Response – It is the responsibility of any member of the school community to report any valid child protection concern. Each and every allegation will be thoroughly evaluated.
• In the event of a substantiated allegation, the Asian International School will review all relevant policies for due course of action. All parties to the allegation are entitled to privacy and support, and only the necessary parties will be informed. The school will make all attempts to resolve the situation in-house, and through restorative means, unless the severity of the substantiated allegation requires/warrants the support of external agencies.
• The Asian International School believes in restorative processes and will support all parties during and following the allegation-response procedure. Where appropriate, and practical, the Asian International School will provide community resources to any party, for further support. The relevant Asian International School Code of Conduct/Policy will be consulted to determine the final outcome of the response.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
School
In order for this policy to be effective, there must be good communication among staff members within the school. To do so, the school must have robust reporting and response procedures.
Campus Child Protection Committee
The Campus Child Protection Committee should:
• Consist of a minimum of four members or more, based on each school’s size and context. In addition to the Program Managers, the Committee should include a Counselor and the Nurse, together with any additional members who are appointed at the discretion of the Principal.
• Investigate and resolve each report of abuse.
• Ensure that the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is efficiently communicated and implemented by all school personnel.
Teaching Staff
Educators should:
• Be aware of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and their related responsibilities.
• Be trained in identifying and preventing instances of abuse on site.
• Report any suspicion of abuse to their line manager on the Campus Child Protection Committee.
Non-teaching Staff
All non-teaching staff should:
• Be aware of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and their related responsibilities.
• Be trained in identifying and preventing instances of abuse on site.
• Report any suspicion of abuse to their line manager on the Campus Child Protection Committee.
• Ensure the safety of the environment, including, but not limited to, following equipment and emergency guidelines and regulations.
Director of Education/Whole School Child Protection and Safeguarding Coordinator
The Director of Education/Whole School Child Protection and Safeguarding Coordinator should:
• Monitor and coordinate a review of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and procedures annually to ensure they remain current and fit for purpose.
• Liaise with each campus to ensure appropriate safeguarding training for all adults working with students.
Parents
Parents should be:
• Reminded of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy annually.
• Report any suspicion of abuse to the child’s teacher or a member of the Campus Child Protection Committee.
Students
• Students should be encouraged to report to the homeroom teacher, or directly, to a member of the Campus Child Protection Committee any suspicion and/or findings of abuse inside and/or outside the school relating to themselves or others.
ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Caution should be used when referring to the list of signs of concern. Although the list below may be indicative of abuse, there may be alternative explanations. During information gathering, any of these signs should be viewed within the overall context of the student’s individual situation, including any disability or existing mental issues.
Possible Indicators of Physical Abuse
• Bald patches, scalds, burns;
• Bruises, black eyes, broken bones;
• Injuries to the parts of the body where injuries are unlikely to occur, e.g. thighs, back, abdomen;
• Burns with a pattern from an electric burner, iron, or cigarette;
• Wearing long clothes, even in hot weather;
• Refusal to undress for PE;
• Fear of physical contact, e.g. shrinking back or flinching if touched;
• Injuries that cannot be explained or explained unconvincingly;
• Others, e.g. bite marks or any type of injury that does not seem to align with the student’s explanation.
Possible Indicators of Emotional (Psychological) Abuse
• Physical, emotional and/or mental development lag;
• Sudden speech disorders;
• Overreaction to mistakes;
• Inappropriate response to pain;
• Symptoms of depression, anxiety or withdrawal;
• Behaving aggressively or being disruptive;
• Using drugs or alcohol;
• Displaying attention seeking behavior or destructive behavior (self-harming, suicide attempts);
• When at play, behavior may model or copy negative behavior and language used at home.
Sexual Abuse is to commit, or allow others to commit, any sexual offense against a child as defined by the Child Law of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It can include intentionally touching either directly or through clothing, the genitals, or breasts of a child for other than hygiene or childcare purposes. While physical abuse is often the result of immediate stress and is not usually planned, sexual abuse usually requires planning with results that are more insidious. This planning, referred to as grooming, can result in victims accepting the blame, responsibility, guilt, and shame for the sexual behavior of the offender. Sexual abuse requires far more secrecy than other forms of child abuse, so it is more difficult to report. Some victims, through the process of grooming, can present themselves as happy and well-adjusted children with no negative symptoms because of their perception of being loved.
Possible Indicators of Sexual Abuse
• Sleep disorder: Nightmares, night terrors, waking up in the middle of the night feeling terrified, etc.
• Eating disorder: Vomiting, loss of or uncontrollable increase in appetite.
• Anxiety: Characterized by various behaviors, such as unwillingness to undress, unwillingness to use the restroom at school, excessive cleaning, fear of the opposite sex, tendency to self-isolate, fear of being touched, suspicion towards others, etc.
• Depression: Characterized by signs such as sadness, lack of confidence, social isolation, self-devaluation, crying for no apparent reason, suicidal ideation or other self-destructive behaviors (self-harm).
• General behavioral disorders, characterized by frequently arguing with adults, friends, showing abnormal hyperactivity, forced maturity (e.g. the child assumes adult roles like mother or wife), and occasional displays of regressive behaviors.
• Physical disorder: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bedwetting, soiling, pain or itch in the genital or anal areas, headaches, dizziness, etc.
• Learning difficulties: Academic failure, decline in academic performance, lack of focus, lack of learning motivation, loss of recreational, creative activities, oppositional attitude towards teachers, self-isolation in the classroom, etc.
• Unusual sexual expressions: Excessive interest in sexual matters, engaging in simulated sexual play with dolls or classmates; exhibitionism, especially showing off genitals; unusual drawings; seductive behaviors towards adults, excessive sexual curiosity; abnormal preference for caressing certain body areas, or avoiding being touched by familiar adults.
Neglect is failure to provide for a child’s basic needs within their own environment.
Neglect may be:
• Physical (e.g., failure to provide necessary food or shelter, or lack of appropriate supervision— this would include failure to provide proper adult guardianship, such as leaving children unsupervised at home for any extended period of time).
• Medical (e.g., failure to provide necessary medical or mental health treatment); and/or
• Emotional (e.g., a pattern of actions, such as inattention to a child’s emotional needs, failure to provide psychological care, or permitting the child to use alcohol or other drugs. Specific examples may include verbal humiliation, refusing to acknowledge the presence of a child, invasion of privacy for no specific reason, violent threats, etc.)
• Educational (e.g. a parent's failure to ensure their child's educational needs are being met. Children have a right to an education and so failing to send the child to school regularly is an example of educational neglect.)
Possible Indicators of Neglect:
• Child is unwashed or hungry;
• Parents are uninterested in child’s emotional, social, or academic development;
• Parents do not respond to repeated communications from the school;
• Child does not want to go home;
• Child is left for extended periods of time (age appropriate) without parents or a guardian;
• Parents cannot be reached in the case of an emergency;
• Signs of emotional abuse may be an indicator of neglect;
• Lack of adequate adult supervision;
• Child’s medical needs not being met over time.
REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT
When a student discloses in good faith to a member of staff any form of abuse or maltreatment, the following procedure should be used:
• Listen carefully, reassuring the student that disclosure is the right thing to do and it is not their fault.
• Explain that it is in the student’s interest to compromise confidentiality to help the student before the report is made to a member of the Campus Child Protection Committee.
• Report to the relevant member of the Campus Child Protection Committee as soon as possible. The report should be made through the reporting form detailed in the appendix or reported directly first if the student is in immediate danger.
RESPONSE PROCEDURES
The response varies in relation to the scale of each case, however, the same steps should be applied.
The following steps provide more detail to the response procedure:
Investigation by the Campus Child Protection Committee
The Campus Child Protection Committee takes initial steps to gather and investigate the information regarding the reported incident. In all cases, follow-up activities will be conducted in a manner that ensures that information is documented factually and that strict confidentiality is maintained. The following procedure is used:
• Interview staff members as necessary and document information relative to the case.
• Consult with school personnel to review the student’s history at the school.
• If warranted, create a report with an action plan and forward it to the Principal for approval.
• If the report is not substantiated, enter the case into the student’s Child Protection records and communicate an update to the original reporter.
• Report details of the case to the Director of Education / Whole School Child Protection and Safeguarding Coordinator.
Family consultation
Based on the acquired information and the subsequent investigation, a plan of action will be revised and approved by the Principal to assist the student and family. Actions that shall take place are:
• The Child Protection Committee (and others as deemed necessary) meet with the family and present the school’s concerns.
• Ongoing observations of the student by teachers and the Campus Child Protection Committee.
Possible follow-up actions include:
• Referral of the student and family to external professional counseling with the release of information to the Counselor;
• The person suspected of committing abuse will face consequences according to the school policies upon confirmation of their actions.
• Report to local authorities.
Follow up
Subsequent to a reported case of child abuse or neglect:
• The Campus Child Protection Committee and the homeroom teacher will maintain contact with the student and family to provide support and guidance as appropriate.
• The Campus Child Protection Committee and the homeroom teacher will maintain contact with outside therapists (if any) to update the progress of the student in school.
All documentation of the investigation will be kept in the child’s confidential file by the Campus Child Protection Committee. Child Protection records may only be released with parental consent. One exception to this is if the school believes the child continues to be at risk. In these cases, The Asian International School has the responsibility to relay potential safety concerns to the relevant agencies and/or the new school in the student’s best interests. Child Protection records are normally exempt from the disclosure provisions, which means that students and parents do not have an automatic right to see them. If any member of staff receives a request from a student or parent, he/she should refer the request to the Principal.
Managing Allegations against Staff and other adults. (See separate protocol)
Policy approved by the Principal. Date: July 29, 2023