Child Protection Policy

CHILD PROTECTION

The safety of our children is our highest priority. In order for our children to thrive in school, we must ensure their safety. American School of Madrid, in accordance with our core values and vision statement, has developed and implemented a Child Protection Policy to guide our staff and families in matters related to the health, safety, and care of our children at ASM.

The ASM Child Protection Policy is based on international law and on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of which Spain is a signatory. Additionally, ASM is required to follow local Spanish Law. The two key articles from the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child that drive our Child Protection Policy are:

Article 19 - Protection from abuse and neglect

The State shall protect the child from all forms of maltreatment by parents or others responsible for the care of the child and establish appropriate social programs for the prevention of abuse and the treatment of victims.

Article 34 - Sexual exploitation

The State shall protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, including prostitution and involvement in pornography.

By enrolling your child at The American School of Madrid, you agree to work in partnership with our school and abide by the policies adopted by our school. At ASM, we believe that our partnership is fundamental in ensuring the safety and care of our children.

As part of our overall educational programs and in order to ensure that our children are treated with respect and dignity at all times, the American School of Madrid will:

Provide age-appropriate lessons at each division to help students understand personal safety, personal needs, and personal rights.

Provide parent materials and information sessions to help you better understand our programs and policy.

Ensure school employees and contracted staff are given Professional Development in regards to abuse and neglect.

We thank you for your support and we know that we can work together to ensure that our children are safe and knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities in a safe and supportive environment. We are available to answer any questions you may have.

ASM CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

This comprehensive child protection document serves to outline ASM definitions, policies, and procedures for investigating allegations of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect). In alignment with our accrediting agency, Middle States Association (MSA), we are addressing the following standards they require us to demonstrate:

7.6. Provides appropriate training for all staff members on implementing the school’s emergency and crisis plans, including but not limited to handling accidents and illnesses, universal precautions for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and child abuse prevention and reporting.

7.11. Has effective relationships with community organizations that are able to provide appropriate support, advice, and services related to health, safety, and child protection.

7.14.Implements policies, procedures and/or programs to promote awareness, prevention, and responsiveness to issues related to the social and emotional well-being of the students and staff.

Below, each part of this policy is outlined. Parts I and II are for all stakeholders while Parts III, IV, and V, are for specific stakeholder groups. The comprehensive document will be reviewed and updated each school year to reflect any changes or additions to the ASM Child Protection Policy. The corresponding parts will be disseminated to the individual stakeholder groups. All staff will receive Parts I, II, and III; all families will receive Parts I, II, and IV; and all K-12 students will have access to Parts I, II, and V.

Part I: ASM Child Protection Statement and Beliefs

Part II: ASM Expectations and Engagement in Best Practices

i. Identification of Abuse and Neglect

ii. ASM Procedures for Ensuring the Safety of All Children

Part III: Staff and Faculty Training and Communication Protocols

i. Part IIIa: Procedures in the Case of Suspected Child Abuse by Student or Staff

ii. Part IIIb: Procedures in the Case of Suspected Child Abuse Outside of School

iii. Part IIIc: Specific Details for Staff Who are Parents of K-12 Students

Part IV: Family and Community Communication of Protocols

Part V: K-12 Student Communication of Protocols