CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS PROTECTION MANUAL 2021-2022 by colegionuevagranada

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS PROTECTION MANUAL

PROTECTION MANUAL

Revised August 2021

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS PROTECTION MANUAL

Revised August 2021

ISO 9001

Certificado No FC-5898-1

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

CNG BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS PROTECTION POLICY As a CNG community, we recognize the responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children and adolescents in our care (“Students”). Domestic violence and/or child abuse are violations of a student’s fundamental human rights and are obstacles to a student’s physical, emotional, and mental development. International school communities are particularly vulnerable given that the nature of abuse often requires secrecy, isolation, and limited access to support resources. As a school community, we have a duty to take strong proactive measures to address this reality. CNG is committed to promoting a safe and secure environment by protecting all students in our care. In order to achieve this goal, we will respond with a sense of urgency whenever a student is a victim or is at risk of becoming a victim of domestic violence and/or child abuse. Educators have the opportunity to observe and interact with students over time and are in a unique position to identify students who may need help and protection. As such, educators have a professional and ethical obligation to identify students who are in need of help

and protection, and the school must take the appropriate steps to ensure that the student and family avail themselves of the services needed to remedy any situation that may constitute domestic violence and/or child abuse. All CNG faculty and staff must report suspected incidents of domestic violence and/ or child abuse as established in this manual. Administrative reporting and follow up of all suspected incidents of domestic violence and/ or child abuse will proceed in accordance with the regularly-updated CNG Children and Adolescents Protection Manual. CNG complies with local and international legal requirements. CNG seeks to be a safe haven for students who may be experiencing domestic violence and/or child abuse in any aspect of their lives. CNG will maintain a Children and Adolescents Protection Manual, inform parents, and/or legal guardians of key information related to children and adolescents’ protection, teach students appropriate skills and knowledge related to domestic violence and/or child abuse, provide annual training for all staff on their key responsibilities, and make every effort to implement strict hiring practices to ensure the safety of students. In the case of a staff member reported as an alleged offender, CNG will conduct a full investigation following

our carefully determined course of due process aligned with Colombian law. By matriculating their child at CNG, parents agree to work in partnership with the school and abide by the policies adopted by the CNG Board of Directors. The school/parent partnership is essential for providing the highest level of safety and care for our students. Approved by the CNG Board of Directors Policy Adopted on September 5, 2016. Policy Revised to Children and Adolescents Protection on September 9, 2019.

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL CNG COMMUNITY MEMBERS 1. All CNG employees are required to report any suspicious behavior of domestic violence and/or child abuse as soon as possible to their immediate supervisor. The Administrator will be responsible for determining whether or not the suspected behavior constitutes inappropriate behavior. 2. All students, parents, or visitors are expected to report any suspicious behavior of domestic violence and/or child abuse as soon as possible to a counselor or administrator. 3. CNG administration will follow a clear protocol for investigation and follow-up.

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

INTRODUCTION This Children and Adolescents Protection Manual will be shared with and reviewed by all staff and families to guide us in matters related to the health, safety, and care of every student. This policy is based on U.S.1 and Colombian2 law as well as developed in accordance to the Principles set forth in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Schools fill a special institutional role in society as protectors of children and adolescents. CNG seeks to ensure that all students in our care are afforded a safe and secure environment in which to grow and develop. Educators, having the opportunity to observe and interact with students over time, are in a unique position to identify students who may need help and protection. As such, educators have a professional and ethical obligation to identify students who are in potential need of help and protection and to take steps to ensure that the child/adolescent 1 U.S. Federal Child Protection Laws: https://www.childwelfare. gov/pubPDFs/majorfedlegis.pdf 2 Ley Colombiana 1098: http://www.secretariasenado.gov.co/ senado/basedoc/ley_1098_2006.html Law 1620 of 2013, which creates the National System for Social Harmony in Educational Environments, and Education for the Exercise of Human Rights, Sexual Education and Prevention and Mitigation of School Violence; Decree 1965 of 2013, which develops Law 1620 of 2013; and Law 1146 of 2007, which regulates the prevention and comprehensive assistance of children and adolescents victims of sexual violence.

and family avail themselves of the services needed to remedy any situation that constitutes domestic violence and/or child abuse. All staff employed at CNG must report suspected behavior of domestic violence and/ or child abuse whenever the staff member has reasonable cause to believe that a student has suffered or is at risk of domestic violence and/ or child abuse. It is also expected that any adult visitor or volunteer at CNG will report any suspected cases to administration in a timely fashion. Reporting and follow up of all suspected incidences of domestic violence and/or child abuse will proceed in accordance with the procedures outlined in this manual. Furthermore, cases of suspected domestic violence and/or child abuse may be reported to an expatriate family’s respective embassy/ consulate in Colombia, to the appropriate employer, to the appropriate child protection agency in an expat family’s home country, and / or to local authorities. In order to ensure all students at CNG are protected from domestic violence and/or child abuse, CNG has adopted children and adolescents’ protection policies and procedures including:

• A written CNG Code of Honor and Disciplinary Policy, which applies to all members of the CNG community; • Professional Boundaries, Electronic Communication and Social Media Usage policies outlining explicit expectations for healthy interactions between adults, children and adolescents; • Shared definitions and understandings related to domestic violence and/or child abuse; • Consistently applied procedures for reporting and responding to suspicions or allegations; • Training and education related to child protection for all students, families, and staff; • Diligent screening and selection of all new and existing staff, faculty, and volunteers; • Protocols and procedures for the implementation of the Comprehensive Care Route for School Coexistence as stated in Colombian Law 1620 of 2013 (through which the National System for School Coexistence and Formation for the practice of Human Rights, Sexuality Education, and the Prevention and Mitigation of School Violence was created, and for the operation of the School Coexistence Committee); • Assigning a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the protection of all students.

Child and adolescent protection is a multifaceted issue that involves dynamics of the student, the family, and the community. This CNG Children and Adolescents Protection Manual works to respond at three levels: the child/ adolescent, the family, and the community.

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

The Community Vulnerable communities include those with minimal law enforcement related to child protection, limited resources to expatriate families, unusually high work stress placed on parents, acceptance of inappropriate behavior towards children (excessive corporal punishment), and unusually high expectations placed on children to achieve. CNG strictly implements our Children and Adolescents Protection Policy, as mentioned in this manual, educates teachers and staff to recognize suspicious behavior of domestic violence and/or child abuse, trains counselors to support students and families in domestic violence and/or child abuse, works to support parents and/or legal guardians in protective behaviors, networks with community and health services for holistic referrals, and partners with local authorities as required by law.

The Family At-risk families include parents and/or legal guardians under stress, families with less perceived support and access to resources, families who are socially isolated, parents who place unusually high expectations on their children and/or adolescents, parental history of inappropriate discipline as children, among others. CNG works with parents and/or legal guardians to discuss appropriate discipline, network with community and health services, and guide parent in child and adolescent protection practices.

The Child/Adolescent AAt-risk children and adolescents include those with a difficult temperament or who are defiant, with health issues, with social and/or academic difficulties, and those unaware of their rights to protection.

CNG promotes respect and teaches social skills, rights to protection, healthy relationships, assertiveness, and use of support systems.

DEFINITIONS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: This is a crime typified by the Colombian Criminal Code, which consists of physically or psychologically abusing any member of the family. It is understood that domestic violence may occur within family members who live together, in a different household, or even any other person who permanently lives under the same domestic unit. (For more information, see Colombian Criminal Code, Article 229). CHILD ABUSE: Is any form of physical or psychological abuse, neglect, omission, or sexual exploitation, including sexual abuse, and in general, all forms of violence or aggression against the child or adolescent, by parents, legal guardians, or any other person. (For more information, see Colombian Childhood and Adolescence Code, Law 1098 of 2006). According to Decree 1965, Article 40, of 2013, child abuse is classified into three types: • Type I: Abuse that involves physical injuries or harm to the child or adolescent’s body. • Type II: Chronic psychological or emotional abuse, such as continuous threats, that affect the child or adolescent mentally and morally. • Type III: Abandonment or neglect, which places the unattended child or adolescent’s life or health at risk.

PROVIDING STUDENTS ACCESS TO TOBACCO, VAPING, AND/ OR ALCOHOL OR PROVIDING ACCESS TO ILLEGAL AND ILLICIT DRUGS/PARAPHERNALIA IS CONSIDERED ILLEGAL “We strongly believe that Parent Support, both at school and at home, with the antibullying policies and preventive policies for consuming alcohol, tobacco products, vaping devices, and other drugs is a fundamental part of our community values.” (CNG Matriculation Contract: 1 Participation and Support) It is a CNG Serious Offense: “The possession and/or use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and/or other products containing nicotine or non- approved substances on campus or during school-sponsored activities are unacceptable and inappropriate behavior.” (CNG’s Code of Honor & Disciplinary Policy - page 6 item 15.) It is a CNG Grave Offense for students to “use, possess, be under the influence of, or disseminate alcohol and/or other drugs or any type of unauthorized substance prohibited by the laws of the country. This includes drug paraphernalia.” (CNG Code of Honor & Disciplinary Policy - page 7 item 1.) Parents and/or legal guardians who show neglect by providing minors access to legal and/

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

or illegal drugs will be referred to the Comité de Convivencia Escolar and authorities will be informed, if needed. Please note that Colombian Law 124 of 1994 prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. The facilitator of alcoholic beverages to minors could be sanctioned in accordance with the Bogotá Police Code. For its part, the Childhood and Adolescence Code, Law 1098 of 2006, provides that children and adolescents will be protected against the use of snuff, psychoactive substances, drugs or alcohol and the use, procuring or offering of minors in promotional, production, harvesting, trafficking, distribution, and marketing activities. According to Colombian Law 745 of 2002, which establishes that whoever consumes drugs or substances that cause dependence, in the presence of minors, will incur penalties. Additionally, Article 4 of Decree 587 of 2007 of Bogotá, stipulates that the child who is found consuming liquor or alcoholic beverages or drunk, will be placed in the parents’ or relatives’ hands by the police authorities and will be cited through Bienestar Familiar (Colombian family advocate agency). From the norms mentioned above, we want to emphasize that parents or legal guardians and the educational institution play a vital role in preventing the consumption of alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances by minors, as well as being responsible for

preventing it from happening. As part of the education we provide at CNG, we extend an invitation to help make our students aware of the risks associated with this subject. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the above mentioned norms, parents and/ or legal guardians need to know the possible sanctions that could be imposed for failing the duty to prevent the consumption of alcohol and psychoactive substances by minor children.

POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND/OR CHILD ABUSE • Student is unwashed or hungry • Low academic performance • Parents do not respond to repeated communications from the school • Parents do not provide the recommended supports/actions requested by CNG • Student does not want to go home • Depression • Both parents or legal guardians are absent from Bogota for any period of 24 hours or greater, without appropriate provision made for child’s care, and a temporary guardian named • Parents cannot be reached in the case of emergency

At times students might not recognize that they are victims of domestic violence and/or child

POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

abuse, which is why it is of critical importance that all CNG adults are consciously looking for the signs and indicators of these possible situations.

• Unexplained bruises and welts on any part of the body • Bruises of different ages (various colors)

PHYSICAL ABUSE Physical abuse is inflicting physical injury on a person by other than accidental means or creating a substantial risk of physical harm to a person’s bodily functioning. It also includes committing acts that are cruel or inhumane regardless of observable injury. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, instances of

• Injuries reflecting shape of article used (electric cord, belt, buckle, ping pong paddle, hand) • Injuries that regularly appear after absence or vacation • Unexplained burns, especially to soles, palms, back, or buttocks • Burns with a pattern from an electric burner, iron, or cigarette

extreme discipline demonstrating a disregard for

• Rope burns on arms, legs, neck, or torso

a victim’s pain and/or mental suffering. Physical

• Injuries inconsistent with information offered

abuse is also assaulting or criminally mistreating a

by the student and/or inconsistent with the

person, engaging in actions or omissions resulting

student’s developmental abilities

in injury, or creating a substantial risk to the

• Immersion burns with a distinct boundary line

physical or mental health or development of a

• Unexplained lacerations, abrasions, or fractures

minor. Failure to take reasonable steps to prevent

• Variations in explanations of events by caregiv-

the occurrence of any of the above would also fall under the category of physical abuse.

ers or over time • History of prior suspicious injuries

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

SEXUAL ABUSE OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

• Student running away from home and not giving any specific reason

Sexual violence against children and adolescents is any act of sexual behavior, exercised over a child or an adolescent, using force or any other type of physical, psychological, or emotional coercion, taking advantage of conditions of helplessness, inequality and relations of power between the victim and the aggressor3.

• Pregnancy, especially at a young age

At times children might not recognize that they are being abused, which is why it is of critical importance that all CNG adults are looking for the signs and indicators for possible sexual abuse.

PPOSSIBLE INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE • Sexual knowledge, behavior, or use of language not appropriate to age level • Unusual interpersonal relationship patterns • Venereal disease in a student of any age • Evidence of physical trauma or bleeding in the oral, genital, or anal areas • Difficulty in walking or sitting • Refusing to change into physical education clothes and/or fear of restrooms 3 Colombian Law Article 2, Law 1146 of 2007.

• Not wanting to be alone with an individual

• Extremely protective parenting Sexual Abuse and “Grooming” • Sexual abuse has some different characteristics of child or adolescent abuse that warrants special attention. While physical abuse is often the result of immediate stress and not usually planned, sexual abuse requires planning with results that are more insidious. The planning, referred to as “grooming,” often results 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 is more difficult to report. • Many victims, through the process of grooming, are taught that the sex is a form of love, so tend to love their offender and often appear to be happy and welladjusted children or adolescents with no negative symptoms because of their perception of being loved. • Working with the sexual offender cannot be done by school counselors.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

may include in-person contact or online contact.

Any pattern of behavior that impairs the child or adolescent’s emotional development, sense of self-worth, or self-esteem such as constant criticism, threats, verbal rejection, name-calling, insults, or put-downs on a regular basis. The nonverbal patterns of behavior can include isolation, ignoring, or rejection on a regular basis.

As technology advances, new forms of this crime emerge. Children with unsupervised use, high usage, low digital knowledge, low selfesteem, poor digital literacy skills (sharing of passwords, insufficient privacy settings, etc.) may be especially vulnerable, but any child with digital access, boys or girls, may be victimized.

POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Signs of online “grooming”, abuse, or exploitation that may or may not be present:

• Speech disorders

• Secretive behavior

• Substance abuse • Sucking, rocking, biting, or head banging

• Unexplained gifts or new possessions

• Antisocial or destructive behaviors

• Late night or excessive internet use

• Sleep disorders

• Anxiety

• Passive or aggressive behaviors

ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE & EXPLOITATION There may be situations where sexual abuse and exploitation of children using digital technology occurs. This commonly includes grooming children with a sexual motive; creating, viewing and distributing child sexual abuse material (child pornography and self-produced sexual images or ‘sexts’); or coercing and blackmailing children for sexual purposes. This abuse may be perpetrated by individuals or gangs, young people or adults, and

• Withdrawal from family/friends/interests • Suicide ideation/self-harm • Poor educational achievement • Increase in followers or contacts • New devices • New usage patterns • Avoidance of online use or certain online platforms or apps

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED CASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND/OR CHILD ABUSE Where there is cause to suspect domestic violence and/or child abuse, it is the responsibility of the staff member to report his or her suspicions to the counselor or to the principal. In all cases, the School Director, will be notified and the case may be closed at any time. It is the responsibility of the principal to inform the School Director of the suspected case of domestic violence and/or child abuse. In cases of sexual abuse or sexual violence, CNG staff must follow the procedures set forth in the Comprehensive Care Route for School Coexistence referred to in Colombian Law 1620 of 2013, as well as the Directory of Protocols of Integral Attention for School Coexistence and the practice of Human, Sexual, and Reproductive Rights developed by the Bogotá District Coexistence Committee. Additionally, Colombian Law 1146 of 2007, establishes the obligation to report any conduct or indication of violence or sexual abuse against children and adolescents to the competent administrative and judicial authorities. All CNG staff, faculty, and administrators are mandated to report any suspicion of domestic violence and/or child abuse. All reports

of domestic violence and/or child abuse must be made to the counselor and administrator as soon as possible for immediate response. Students, parents, or visitors with any suspicion of domestic violence and/or child abuse are expected to report to a counselor or administrator as soon as possible.

Confidentiality Adults should never guarantee confidentiality to anyone making a report nor should they agree to keep a secret that may endanger the health or safety of themselves or someone else. Individuals reporting suspected domestic violence and/or child abuse as well as school personnel must not discuss the case beyond the steps outlined in this policy (CNG administrators or counselors). Individuals involved will be informed of relevant information regarding child and adolescent protection on a “need-to-know basis” only. Any information shared in this way must be held with strict confidentiality.

PROCEDURAL FLOWCHART/ DIAGRAMA DE FLUJO DE PROCEDIMIENTO

CNG Staff Student Parent Visitor/ Personal del CNG Estudiante Padre Visitante

report as soon as possible / Informe tan pronto sea posible

Building-level administrator or Counselor / Director de Escuela Administrador o Consejero

initiate process / Inicie Proceso

Information Gathering/ Recopilación de información

Administrators work with Student Protection Officer and School Director / Trabajo de los Administradores con el Oficial de Protección de los estudiantes y el Director del Colegio

School Co-existence Committee / Comité de Convivencia

Procedual Investigation / Investigación Procesal

Follow-up Actions & Closure / Seguimiento, Acciones y Cierre

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

STEP 1 - RECEIVING A REPORT & GATHERING INITIAL INFORMATION

3. Observations of the student as necessary by the teacher, nurse, counselor, and/or administrator.

The counselor/administrator will take initial steps to gather information regarding the reported incident. The risk for the student’s safety and well-being must be assessed as soon as possible so that immediate measures can be taken to ensure further protection of the student. The time elapsed between the moment the School is made aware of the children/adolescent protection concern until the moment the case is reported to the Comité de Convivencia should generally not take longer than 24 hours in most cases. In more serious cases, a more urgent response might be necessary.

4. Interview health care practitioner and/or other staff members as necessary and document information relative to the case.

In all cases, follow-up activities will be conducted in a manner that ensures information is documented factually and that confidentiality is maintained. If there is a sense of immediate risk to the child or members of the family, the School’s internal procedures, as described below, need to be carried out with a sense of immediacy.

The following procedure will guide the administrative actions: 1. Discussions between the student and counselor in order to gain more information. 2. Report status of the case to Principal with the shortest time possible, especially if there is a perception that the student is in danger.

5. Consult with school personnel to review the student’s history in the school as necessary. 6. Report status of case to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and the School Director. 7. Determine the course of follow-up actions which may include: a. b. c. d.

Closing the case Further internal investigation Internal plan of action Initiate external investigation (consultants, legal counsel, law enforcement, embassy, etc.) e. Report case to the competent administrative and judicial authorities. In the event that the abuse or neglect allegation involves a staff or faculty member, CNG will follow policies and procedures to ensure child and adolescent safety and ethical professional behavior. Actions taken may include: • Opening and development of a disciplinary labor process • Complaint before the competent police and judicial authorities • Immediate administrative leave • Full internal or external investigation

STEP 2 - AFTER INITIAL INFORMATION GATHERING Based on acquired information, a plan of action will be developed to assist the student and family. 1. Actions that may take place are as follows: •

Discussions between the student and counselor in order to gain more information. Depending upon the age of the student, these discussions may include drawing pictures and playing with dolls to elicit more information as to what may have occurred.

2. Report status of case to the Principal. 3. Report status of case to the Student Protection Office and School Director. 4. Determine the course of follow-up actions which may include: a. Closing the case b. Further internal investigation c. Internal plan of action d. Initiate external investigation (consultants, legal counsel, law enforcement, embassy, etc.) e. Report case to the competent administrative and judicial authorities.

•

Further in-class observations of the student by the teacher, counselor, or administrator.

•

Meetings with the family to present the school’s concerns.

•

Consultation with other divisional counselors or knowledgeable CNG staff.

•

Referral of the student and family to external professional counseling.

•

Consultation with the school’s attorney or other legal counsel.

•

Report any behavior to the competent administrative and judicial authorities.

•

Referral to the School Co-existence Commitee.

•

All actions will be carried out with absolute confidentiality and protecting at all times the right to privacy and personal data of the student.

STEP 3 - FOLLOW-UP 1. Subsequent to a reported and/or substantiated case of domestic violence and/or child abuse, the Principal and counselor will collaborate to create a follow-up plan which may include: •

•

Maintaining contact with the student and family to provide support and guidance as appropriate; Providing the student’s teachers and the Principal with ongoing support; Providing resource materials and strategies for teacher use; Informing and working with local authorities or agencies if required; and Maintaining contact with outside therapists to update the progress of the student in school.

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

2. Report status of case to the Student Protection Office and School Director. 3. Determine the course of follow-up actions which may include: •

Closing the case

•

Further follow-up warranted

•

Internal plan of action

All documentation of the investigation will be kept in the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)’s confidential records file. Records sent

CNG’S COMMITMENT TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT PROTECTION Our values and protocols related to Child Protection are reflected in our institutional documents including: • CWW Trips • Athletics, Condor, and other Co-Curricular Activities • Field Trips

to transferring schools may include notice of a

• Professional Boundaries

confidential file for the student. CNG will make every attempt to share information to protect the

• Electronic Communication and Social Media Protocol

student.

• Code of Honor & Disciplinary Policy

Please note: When a situation becomes public and/or high profile and causes a major commotion, the School will likely seek to provide counseling

• Community Handbook • Security Protocols

support to members of the School community,

• Emergency Reaction Plan

including students, faculty/staff, parents, etc.

• Matriculation, Bus/Transportation Contracts

REPORTING RESOURCES Te Protejo was launched in May 2012 as the hotline in Colombia responsible for receiving and processing reports of situations that affect children under 18 years old in Colombia, especially child

Sexual Abuse Material (Child pornography)

Commercial Sexual Exploitation (ESCNNA)

Cyberbullying

School Bullying

Advertisement and Inappropriate Content

Sale of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs

sexual abuse material (Colombian Law 679 de 2001). Other situations that can be reported in Te Protejo are child exploitation, bullying, cyberbullying, inappropriate content in media, sale of alcohol and psychoactive substances, neglect, abuse, and child labor Law 1620 DE 2013. Te Protejo has a webpage www.teprotejo.org and a free App for smartphones. The webpage is in Spanish, although analysts are able to speak and understand English. The hotline partners are: • Ministry of Information Technology and Communications • Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) • Telefonica Foundation • Support from the Colombian National Police • Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, through the National Fund for Tourism (FONTUR) • Bogotá Telecommunications Enterprise (ETB)

Child Abuse and Child Labor

Other Situations

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

Another reporting mechanism, available in English, is NCMEC’s CyberTipline , the United States’ centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, extra-familial child sexual molestation, child pornography, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. All information collected by the Cybertipline that refers to other countries are shared with NCMEC’s law enforcement partners in other parts of the world. Reports can be made at: http ://www.missing kids.org/g ethelpnow/ cybertipline

IN CLOSING CNG remains committed to promoting a safe and secure environment by protecting all children and adolescents in our care. Based on this commitment, CNG will maintain this Children and Adolescent Protection Manual, inform parents of key information related to child and adolescent protection, teach students appropriate skills and knowledge related to domestic violence and/or child abuse, provide annual training for all staff on key responsibilities, and make every effort to implement strict hiring practices to ensure the

safety of children and adolescents. Additionally, CNG uses the Directory of Protocols of Integral Attention for School Coexistence and the practice of Human, Sexual, and Reproductive Rights developed by the Bogotá District Coexistence Committee.

Most cases of suspected domestic violence and/or child abuse will be handled by school counselors, such as those involving: • Student relationships with peers • Parenting skills related to disciplining children at home • Student/parent relationships • Mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, grieving. Some cases will be referred to outside resources, for example: • Mental health issues such as depression, psychosis, dissociation, suicide ideation. Cases reported for investigation and outside resources: • Severe and ongoing physical abuse or neglect • Sexual abuse. In extreme cases when families fail to stop abuse or if concerns remain about the safety of the child or adolescent, CNG reports to the competent judicial authorities and institutions.

We are very grateful to the many domestic and international schools, consultants, and training sessions whose work informed the organization and content of this handbook.

REFERENCES Consultants Peter Collin Katia Dantas Cheryl Devine Dr. Jordan Greenbaum Laurie Tasharski Mike Johnson Jane Larssen Susie March, www.susiemarch.com Yolanda Murphy

• CIS Training at AAIE February 2016 • AAIE Webinar April 2018 • AAIE Child Protection Conference June 2018 • AASSA Child Protection Conference II April 2019

vision statement:

• • • • • • • • •

Training Sessions

mind

body

Educating the mind, strengthening the body, and developing character for

leadership and service

character

in the world of today for a better tomorrow.

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

ANNEX: CNG CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT PROTECTION MANUAL FOR DISTANCE LEARNING & HYBRID LEARNING Last Updated: July 24, 2020

CONTEXT This addendum to the CNG Children and Adolescent Protection Manual contains detailed information about our individual safeguarding commitment to children during the utilization of a Distance Learning Model in the event of campus closure. Regardless of the learning model, CNG will ensure the safety and well-being of all children and adolescents, and the school will continue to support children and adolescents during their learning as well as those potentially at risk. This addendum of the CNG Children and Adolescent Protection Manual contains details of our individual safeguarding arrangements in the following areas:

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS 24 DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD AND DEPUTY 24 REPORTING A CONCERN

SUPPORTING CHILDREN NOT IN SCHOOL

SAFER RECRUITMENT/VOLUNTEERS AND MOVEMENT OF STAFF 25 CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT ONLINE SAFETY DURING DISTANCE LEARNING AT CNG

26 SUPPORTING CHILDREN AT SCHOOL 27 PEER ON PEER ABUSE

COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES TO BE OBSERVED DURING ANY DIGITAL OR ONLINE CONTACT WITH STUDENTS

APPROVAL PROCESS FOR RECORDING OF SYNCHRONOUS SESSIONS

25 SITUATIONS TO AVOID DURING DISTANCE LEARNING 26 ONLINE SAFETY NORMS FOR STUDENTS

27 CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT PROTECTION RESOURCES FOR DISTANCE LEARNING AND HYBRID LEARNING AT CNG 28 REFERENCES

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD Colegio Nueva Granada has a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a trained Deputy DSL. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is: Astrid Amador, Director of Colombian Programs, and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is Catalina Artunduaga, Learning Center Director. The DSL (or Deputy) will be available to be contacted via phone or online video. The DSL or Deputy will be in charge of updating and managing access to the Child Protection Online Management System (Sistema de Alertas), and the Comité de Convivencia Escolar, which is led by the School Director.

REPORTING A CONCERN In the event that staff members might have a concern about a student, they should continue to follow the process outlined in the Children and Adolescent Protection Manual. This includes making a report via established reporting pathways that can be done remotely. Seek educational solutions to educational problems. Assess risk and ask your direct supervisor if unsure! In the unlikely event that a member of staff cannot access their established reporting pathways from home, they should email the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy. This will ensure that the concern is received. Staff are reminded of the expectation to report any concern immediately and without delay.

All currently enrolled school staff have received safeguarding training and have read policies and applicable legislation on reporting concerns. The DSL should communicate with staff, so they know the correct steps to take if they are concerned about a child.

SAFER RECRUITMENT/ VOLUNTEERS AND MOVEMENT OF STAFF When new staff are recruited during Distance Learning or new volunteers enter Colegio Nueva Granada, they will be provided with safeguarding induction online. Upon arrival, incoming school members will be given a copy of the CNG Children and Adolescent Protection Manual. The HR Director will ensure that new members of staff have received appropriate safeguarding training. In the case of volunteers, CNG will continue to follow its standard reference checking and risk-assessment protocols as established in school policy and/or by local authorities. Volunteers should not be left unsupervised with children until after this review process. CNG will continue to follow the legal duty to refer to local authorities anyone who has harmed or poses a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult. Statutory guidance and national law Código de la Infancia y la Adolescencia (Ley 1098 de 2006) and Ley de Convivencia Escolar (Ley 1620 de 2013). During Distance Learning mode, all referrals should be made by the Comité de Convivencia Escolar and Child Protection Online Management System (Sistema de Alertas) as part of CNG’s normal process.

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT ONLINE SAFETY DURING DISTANCE LEARNING AT CNG

• School platforms: All communications are expected to be conducted on school platforms through CNG Classlink.

CNG will continue to provide a safe environment, including online safety. This includes using an online filtering system and following the Annex 2: CNG Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media Policy.

• Professional boundaries: Adults are responsible for maintaining appropriate boundaries, a professional requirement not considered as the job of the student. Ensure your personal social media accounts are private (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Whatsapp, etc.) and inaccessible to students.

All staff members who interact with students during Distance Learning should remain vigilant for signs of a child who may be at risk. Any such concerns should be managed as per the Children and Adolescent Protection Manual. Distance Learning should follow the same principles as set out in the Children and Adolescent Protection Manual. CNG will ensure any use of online learning tools and systems aligns with privacy, data protection, and Habeas Data requirements.

COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES TO BE OBSERVED DURING ANY DIGITAL OR ONLINE CONTACT WITH STUDENTS:

SITUATIONS TO AVOID DURING DISTANCE LEARNING: • Casual or intimate atmosphere: On camera, a professional, non-distracting background is expected. Teachers should not conduct online classes in intimate locations, use nicknames, hold private conversations, make observational comments about home or family, or engage in oversharing personal details.

• Educational purpose: All communication with students should have an educational purpose.

• Changing platforms: Teachers should avoid using non-CNG supported platforms if communication is disrupted by technical difficulties. They should reschedule the session and report technical and/or connectivity issues to your Principal.

• Observable: Virtual synchronous sessions should be conducted in a place that is observable and interruptible.

• Unclear expectations: Educators should ensure that synchronous learning events are predictable, structured, and distraction free.

• Communications: Communication with multiple students is preferred and should follow school policy. Avoid being alone or causing someone else to be alone with a child (such as being late for online supervision. There should be limited recording of synchronous classes - please see Annex 3 for approval process in specific case.

• Code of conduct violations: Participants should avoid taking photos, videos, or screenshots of students for non-educational purposes, as well as out of program contact, favoritism, derogatory or sexist remarks. Everyone should be aware of the fact that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be grounds for disciplinary action and/or dismissal.

ONLINE SAFETY NORMS FOR STUDENTS SMART NORMS THAT WILL HELP YOU STAY SAFE ONLINE Safe

Stay safe, don’t interact or share personal information with strangers.

Meet

Meet online with appropriate dress attire and location while upholding our Core Values of respect, responsibility, caring, and integrity.

Accept messages and requests only from people you know (family members, classmates, teachers).

Reliable

Find reliable information by checking with other sources or people and interact only with people you know and trust.

Tell

Tell a trusted adult if anything happens online that you do not like or makes you feel uncomfortable.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN NOT IN SCHOOL

SUPPORTING CHILDREN AT SCHOOL

CNG is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its children and young people. The school will share safeguarding messages on its website and social media pages.

CNG will continue to be a safe space for all children to participate in learning programs and flourish both academically and socio-emotionally. The school’s leadership will ensure that appropriate staff are on site, and staff to pupil ratio numbers are optimal for maximizing safety.

CNG recognises that schools serve as a protective location for children and adolescents, and Distance Learning can affect the socialemotional well-being of pupils and their parents/ guardians. Teachers at CNG need to be aware of this fact when setting expectations of student work when they are at home.

CNG will refer to the national government guidance for education and childcare settings on how to implement social distancing and continue to follow the advice from local authorities on handwashing and other measures to limit the risk of spread of COVID19. Everyone must follow the Protocol to enter CNG Facilities during COVID 19

Children and Adolescents Protection Manual

PEER ON PEER ABUSE CNG recognizes that during school closure a revised process may be required for managing any report of such abuse and supporting any victim.

promoting the use of virtual classes, video conferences, academic activities that use video, voice or image recording (biometric data) of THE STUDENTS, the treatment of these data becomes essential for the purposes established in the matriculation contract.”

Where an adult in school receives a report of peer-on-peer abuse, they will follow the principles and protocols as set out and outlined within the CNG Children and Adolescent Protection Manual and the CNG Code of Honor and Disciplinary Policy.

• The teacher will record and store ONE copy of the video in his/her cng.edu Google Drive. This video can be shared exclusively with the respective parent(s)/guardian(s).

The school will listen and work with the student, parents/guardians, and any multi-agency partners required to ensure the safety and security of the CNG student. Concerns and actions must be recorded in the central record and reported to the Comité de Convivencia Escolar and Child Protection Online Management System (Sistema de Alertas).

• As per CNG’s Habeas Data policy, videos will be deleted when no longer needed/necessary prior to the end date of the school year.

APPROVAL PROCESS FOR RECORDING OF SYNCHRONOUS SESSIONS • Teacher must write an email to the direct supervisor explaining the PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE for the recording, the names of the student(s) involved, and why this case is compelling for a recorded session. • If approved, the direct supervisor will reply via email. If not approved, the teacher will refrain from moving forward. • If approved, parents have already signed the Personal Data Policy which states, “Taking into account that current education intensively uses digital platforms and technological resources,

• All other copies of the Zoom, Google Meets, WebEx, etc. recordings will be deleted from laptops and other storage units.

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT PROTECTION RESOURCES FOR DISTANCE LEARNING, HYBRID LEARNING AND ON CAMPUS LEARNING AT CNG • Follow CNG Children and Adolescent Protection Policies and Procedures: ◊ CNG Children and Adolescent Protection Manual ◊ Annex One: CNG Professional Boundaries Policy ◊ Annex Two: CNG Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media Policy ◊ Annex Three: Colegio Nueva Granada Children & Adolescent Protection Manual for Distance Learning (this document)

◊ CNG Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) ◊ CNG Staff Handbook, ANNEX 6: CHILD PROTECTION AND GENDER POLICY ◊ 2020-03 CNG Policy of Personal Data Use ◊ 2020-03 CNG Parent Authorization of Personal Data Use Spanish English

REFERENCES: Child Protection Covid-19. (2020, July 13). Retrieved July 17, 2020, from https://www.icmec.org

vision statement:

mind

body

Educating the mind, strengthening the body, and developing character for

leadership and service

character

in the world of today for a better tomorrow.

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