CONTACT TEACHER INSTITUTE SOUTHEAST REGION November 16, 2011

- Can Adults do anything they please to Children? - Should someone hurt a child and get away with it? -Are children just as important as adults in our schools?.... In our Country? -

THE FRAMEWORK The Child Care and Protection Act The Child Development Agency The Child Advocate The Children’s Registry The National Plan of Action for Children The Early Childhood Commission

THE CHILD CARE AND PROTECTION ACT Approved March, Signed into Law by Governor General March 25,2004 Strengthens Care and protection of children New Standards for their treatment Provision of New Laws Non – discrimination- all children have the same right to develop their potential

MAIN PROVISIONS Office of Children’s Advocate Central Registry Standard principles Parental Responsibility for the reports of abuses Increased penalties for abuses Increased penalties for the violations of the rights

WHO DOES THE LAW PROTECT Under the law persons 0-18years. Special attention to those: In need of care and protection( danger of being abused, neglected or abused) In conflict with the Law Afflicted with disabilities Living with HIV/AIDS

THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 40 Articles which includes – Rights to Basic Health Care Protection from abuse and neglect Right to Education, Leisure, Cultural activities Civil Rights and freedom such as self expression

THE ACT Embraces concept of best interest of the child Recognizes importance of family unit Recognizes special needs of children in conflict with the law

VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES UNDER THE ACT OFFENCES against children includes Physical Abuse Sexual/ Carnal Abuse Child Labour Aggravated assault and murder Failure to report suspected abuse Violations of terms of licenses Trafficking

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE Physical Abuse Unexplained bruises and welts Unexplained burns Intake of harmful drugs Human bite marks Head Injuries Fractures Physical Neglect Consistent hunger Poor Hygiene Failure to thrive Consistent lack of supervision Untreated cuts, sores or illnesses Dehydration Abandonment

Sexual Abuse General Torn, stained or bloody clothing Difficulty walking and sitting Pain or itching in genital areas Sexually transmitted infections Pregnancy Change in appetite Headaches Nausea and diarrhoea

Behavioural Signs Fear of adult contact Inability to concentrate Denial Repelled by physical touch Frequent absence from school Sudden drop in performance in school Constant tiredness Substance Abuse Begging or stealing food

Emotional Signs Nervousness Hostility Anger Depression Withdrawn Outbursts of Crying

Increased PENALTIES for Offences Cruelty to children up from $50 to $1million Failure to report cases of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children Trafficking Failure to report suspicion of child abuse

Cruelty and Neglect $ 1 m or 12 months in prison Serious offences ( carnal abuse and murder) – Harsh penalties which includes Capital and non capital punishment

Child Labour Attracts a fine of up to $500,000 or 6 months hard labour

Mandatory Reporting Maximum penalty for not making a report - $500,000 or 6 months Report must be made without delay False report - maximum penalty of $250,000 or 3 months

Publishing Identity An offence to publish report of any child’s court proceedings which reveal details leading to identification Maximum penalty $1m or 12 months.

OPERATIONS OF CHILDREN’S REGISTRY Registrar bound by law to asses information given or faces up to $250,000 or 3 months

ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE TEACHER- Our Responsibilities Provide care- basic survival need such as food, clothing and shelter Education Prevent abuse in all forms ( physical, sexual, emotional) Report suspected cases of abuse Prevent Child labour Seek assistance from the state where needed

Life Savers Never…… leave class unattended Ignore students Disregard dramatic change students’ behaviour Scold a child who complains of being sexually molested.

Always Teach children to shout or scream for help when in danger. Teach students to run away from persons who are acting suspiciously Teach them to say no to strangers offering goodies and car rides Pay attention when children confides in you Teach them to speak out when someone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Treat children fair Do not discriminate Be careful and refrain from calling them names If at all possible avoid corporal punishment Use positive and not negative reinforcement Adhere to Principle 1 in the Code of Ethics which speaks to our relation to Students

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING