Family Handbook 2017-18

Policy on Repor ng Abuse and Neglect of Students  Havergal College  (the  “School”)  is  commi ed  to providing each and every  student with a  safe,  nurturing, posi ve and  respec ul  learning environment. Every  year,  thousands of  cases of  child  abuse and neglect are  reported  to  child welfare authori es  in Ontario  ci es. Both  the Ontario  Child and Family Services Act and  the Criminal Code of Canada demonstrate our  society’s  commitment  to protec ng  children  from abuse and neglect. The employees of  the School have a  special  role and  responsibility  in  the protec on of  children and  students of all ages.  Whether a  child  suffers  from physical,  sexual or emo onal abuse or  is a  vic m of neglect,  the  long‐term effects  can be enormous.  Increased  rates of  suicide, addic on, and mental health  disorders of all  kinds are directly  related  to  child abuse or neglect. Experience has  shown  that  it  is  not only  younger  children who are  vic ms of abuse, but  that older  students  can also be  vic mized  in  the home, at  school, or  in  the  community.  The School  is  commi ed  to preven ng, detec ng,  intervening  in and  repor ng abuse or neglect of  any  students. Early  iden fica on of  child abuse and neglect  can occur  through disclosure or as  the  result of  reasonable  suspicions on  the part of School employees and  volunteers. Repor ng  disclosures or  suspicions may not only prevent  future  vic miza on of  children,  it may also permit  both  the  vic m and perpetrator  to  receive  the help  they need. Early  interven on may ameliorate  the  long‐term effects of abuse and break  the ongoing  cycle of  further  vic miza on and harm.  By pursuing an  integrated program of preven on educa on and  interven on, and by providing  the necessary  resources  to  support  these  ini a ves  for all  students,  the School will demonstrate  its  commitment  to  the goal of eradica ng abuse and neglect.  

The School,  therefore, will have  zero  tolerance  in all of  its  learning environments  for physical,  sexual and emo onal abuse and/or neglect of  students. 

Defini ons  For  the purpose of  this policy,  the  following working defini ons are used: 

Abuse: means  sexual, physical, or emo onal abuse. 

Emo onal Abuse: ac vely undermining a  child’s  self‐image,  sense of worth and  self‐confidence. Consistent humilia on and  rejec on or  constant  reitera on  to a  child  that 

Last Updated Aug. 18, 2017  Havergal College Family Handbook 2017–18

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