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Managing allegations of child abuse by educators and other adults Jane Larsson, Sophia Coles, Jane Foster and Katie Rigg outline a new protocol for international schools
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schools. The protocol contains practical advice about the steps that schools can take (i) before an allegation comes to light – preparation; (ii) when an allegation arises – response; and (iii) after an allegation has been addressed – follow-up. Protocol on managing allegations of abuse by educators and other adults in schools We have an urgent situation at our school involving an allegation of abuse against a teacher. (School Director, Middle East) There is no book on how to handle a situation like this. (Chairman, School Board of Trustees, North America) The protocol includes a list of preparatory measures that schools can put in place now – from safeguarding governance and safer recruitment; establishing an allegations management team; implementing, and reviewing relevant policies and procedures; building internal capacity through education and training; through to building relationships with local agencies and experts. It explains how schools can carry out a mapping exercise to enable them to understand legal and cultural frameworks, insurance needs, and financial resources in advance of any allegation coming to light. Response Our School Board took the decision this evening not to go ahead with the risk assessment. I am deeply concerned by this ruling and the fact that words like reputation and liability were used before considering the needs of our students. This goes against everything I believe. (Head of School, Asia) The second section of the protocol sets out the steps that school staff and leaders should take once an allegation of abuse has arisen. Guidance is provided for every step of a response, including on issues such as: • how to safeguard any victims and prevent further harm to other children; • when, how, and to whom they should report allegations of abuse; • how to support the alleged perpetrator; and
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Introduction In 2014 it was discovered that an educator had drugged and abused students throughout a 40-year career which had spanned ten different international schools across nine countries. Since the discovery of these crimes, awareness of the risks and realities of abuse in international school communities has increased significantly. There has been a corresponding increase in awareness in other sectors, illustrating not only that the abuse of children by professionals in positions of trust is a significant risk facing organizations globally, but also that abuse occurs regardless of jurisdiction, culture, or geographic location, and can be perpetrated by both men and women. Furthermore, the fluidity and ease of mobility that international work provides, coupled with weak recruitment practices, different cultural norms, and underdeveloped legal systems make certain international organizations prime targets for those intent on abusing children. Increased awareness of risk has led to schools and other organizations working to strengthen child protection procedures and create safer organisations, and some progress has been made. However, many of the challenges that leaders face when managing concerns and allegations of abuse remain, which has meant that allegations of abuse have been handled poorly with little or no support from external agencies. The result is that some abusers have been able to move on and continue to work with children without challenge. To address these concerns, we are now proud to launch a new protocol, designed jointly by the International Taskforce on Child Protection and the Safeguarding Unit at Farrer & Co, to guide international school leaders as they navigate the complexities of responding to allegations of abuse in culturally, linguistically, and legally diverse communities. The Council of International Schools is a founding member of the International Taskforce on Child Protection, which was set up in 2014 to help international schools around the world to keep children safe. The Safeguarding Unit at Farrer & Co was launched in 2015 to provide legal and safeguarding advice to organisations working with children, including international
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