CHILDREN’S RIGHTS- TEACHERS RESPONSIBILITIES

1. CHILDREN’S RIGHTS- TEACHERS RESPONSIBILITIES CONTACT TEACHER INSTITUTE SOUTHEAST REGION November 16, 2011

2. 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? • -

3. 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

4. THE CHILD CARE AND PROTECTION ACT • Approved March, 11 2004 • 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Emotional Signs • Nervousness • Hostility • Anger • Depression • Withdrawn • Outbursts of Crying

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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.

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

20. 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

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

22. 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.

23. 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

24. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING