Child Protection Policy

Introduction

Child Protection is a set of usually government –run services designed to protect children and young people who are underage and to encourage family stability.

The development of the School-based Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Policy is a product of the consensus of the principal, department heads, guidance counselor, parents students and barangay officials to support the implementation of the DepEd order no. 40,s.2012 and no.55,s. 2013 as well as Anti-Bullying act of 2013.

Rationale

Building a protective environment for children that will help prevent violence, abuse, and exploitation involves eight essential components:

1. Strengthening government commitment and capacity to fulfill children’s right to protection;

2. Promoting the establishment and enforcement of adequate legislation;

3. Addressing harmful attitudes, customs and practices;

4. Encouraging open discussion of child protection issues that includes media and civil society partners;

5. Developing children’s life skills, knowledge and participation;

6. Building capacity of families and communities;

7. Providing essential services for prevention, recovery and reintegration, including health, education and protection, and

8. Establishing and implementing ongoing and effective monitoring, reporting and oversight.

Thus, the Department reiterates a zero tolerance policy for any act of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse, therefore, educational institution like our school should have policies to protect the rights of learners and making sure that no learners are exposed to any risk of abuse. That we, teachers are the second parents of the learners, therefore the school must ensure he safeguard of every learners by providing an atmosphere conducive for learning and growing.

The school based child protection and anti-bullying policy is formed as statement on intent that demonstrates our commitment to safeguard learners from all forms of violence.

THE SANTA ANA FISHERY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHILD PROTECTION AND ANTI-BULLYING POLICY aims to create an atmosphere where students in any level feel valued, safe, protected and their welfare is promoted. It is committed to protect all our students from all forms of child abuse. All employees in this school accept and recognize our responsibilities to take all reasonable steps to ensure they are alert to possible child abuse and neglect

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POLICY STATEMENT

SANTA ANA FISHERY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL considers that the welfare of a child is paramount. All children without exception have the right to protect from abuse; and all suspicious and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

· The welfare of children and young people is paramount;

· All children whatever the age, culture, disability, gender, racial origin, religious belief and / or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.

· All suspicious and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately;

· It is the responsibility of everybody to determine whether abuse has taken place but it is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns;

· All children have the right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect;

· All employees (whether paid or voluntary) have the right to recourse against any allegation made against them.

SAFNHS Commitment to Child Protection

In support of the program, we the employees of SAFNHS commit and mandate to care for and protect every children and young people, SAFNHS is committed to safeguarding children in our programs from all forms of abuse and exploitation. In partnership with the parents and barangay officials, we do this by:

· Providing a positive and safe environment where children can learn and play;

· Engaging the active commitment of the caring adults who surround the children to Care for them with dignity, respect and integrity at all times;

· Preventing and/ or reducing the risks of the incidence of abuse through enforcing child-protection policies, strategies and procedures.

Committee

Chairperson MA. VICTORIA F. QUIAMBAO, Principal II

Vice-Chairperson REMELINDA T. PALATTAO, Faculty President

Members RODALINA T. DALIPE, SSG Adviser

GREGORIO VICTORINO P. MATA, SSG Adviser

NOBY T. APOLONIO, Guidance Counselor II

EDELYN A. PASCUAL, JHS Guidance Advocated

VIA MAE R. AGACER, SSG President

PABLITO B. AGRA, PTCA President

Brgy. Chairman VICTOR JEZARINE IBUS, Community Representative