Family Handbook 2019-20

● include information seen or heard by the person making the report; ● record any conversations, word for word, between yourself and the child, or any others relevant to the situation; record what the child or others said, using their own words; ● provide a full description of any injury, including size, colour, shape and placement on the body; ● sign and date your notes; ● retain these notes in a secure place; and ● document any further suspicions that may arise.

Support for the Student

The school recognizes that a student who has been abused will need support, and the school will endeavour to assist the student, wherever possible.

Possible forms of support include:

● assisting in restoring the self-esteem of the student by involving the School-Based Social Worker, the appropriate Head / Assistant Head and / or Guidance Counsellor and / or her teachers; ● requesting the assistance of a teacher or staff member, acceptable to the student, to lend support to the child at school; ● referring to private counselling or therapy, if required; ● providing accommodation or modifications to her academic expectations to relieve the stress of crisis; and / or ● advising the family of community resources. School employees should be alerted to the need to protect themselves from false accusations relating to abuse by: ● conducting themselves in a manner that maintains a student-adult relationship built on trust and mutual respect; ● refraining from any behaviour through work or action that might be construed as “suggestive” or “abusive” either sexually or physically; ● being aware of the potential risks of making any kind of physical contact with students; Prevention of False Accusations of Abuse Toward Employees

Last Edited: August 20, 2019 Havergal College Family Handbook 2019–20

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