Let’s talk about child safety and protection

This article is based on a trusted and approved resource – a presentation, adapted from the presentation made by Ms Ruchika Sethi Takkar to Gurugram Police in 2014, and has been shared on this platform with prior permission. 

It talks about how we all must strive to create a safe zone for our children, whether at home, at school or at a therapy centre.

Ruchika, an ardent proponent of parent empowerment had started one of her blogposts on child safety and protection with the following prayer –

A Prayer: It’s not only an expectation but fervent prayer of a parent of a child with special needs that the child is always in a safe secure environment and that the professionals, teachers, caregivers, family members, and all people dealing with the child equally value the child and are kind and sensitive towards the child looking beyond the disability.

This plea to society is one that all families, children with delay development would relate to

Why talk about child protection and safety?

Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) can be at risk of abuse because:

1. Low self awareness and
2. Limited sense of dangers around
3. Limited sense of personal safety 
4. Restricted understanding of sexuality or sexual behaviour
5. They may engage in self-touching that can be misunderstood as consent to be touched. 

IDD puts them at a higher risk of abuse when compared to others, mainly because:

1. Individuals with IDDs can often be more receptive to affection, becoming easy targets of abuse.
2. They are highly reliant on adults for their needs.
3. Their dependence on adults for their intimate self care needs such as dressing or toileting needs.
4. Limited or no mobility in some cases.
5. Their obedience to adults in authority makes them vulnerable, as they might not recognise or resist abuse.

What happens when a child’s safety is compromised?

Being in an unsafe environment or being exposed to threat or abuse in any form may lead to:

1. Poor self-confidence 
2. Feeling isolated and powerless
3. Feelings of anxiety, fear and frustration
4. These can often lead to aggressive behaviour

Preventive measures to ensure child protection

It is important to work towards creating a safe zone at schools, therapy centers, clinics or training centers. But, what is a safe zone?

A safe zone is a place where the child is comfortable, relaxed and in no danger whatsoever.

Creating a safe zone at schools or therapy centers

At schools:

1. It is important to ensure the perimeter is secured.
2. CCTVs should be installed at critical points throughout the premises
3. Sessions should be observable through viewing windows, through physical access or viewing through CCTVs.
4. School buses should always have at least one lady attendant at all times.

At Therapy centers

1. One of the most important practices to be followed both at schools and therapy centres is – ‘The Open Door’ policy.
2. The doors to the session rooms should never be shut.
3. Parents have the right to be present during the therapy sessions and cannot be prevented from doing so.
4. All schools and therapy centres should have special infrastructure like ramps and railings in place for better accessibility.
5. Therapy sessions should be planned carefully keeping in mind the child’s individuality. For example, certain exercises such as the exercise ball may trigger heightened sexual awareness in some adolescents. Such factors should be considered before designing protocols for the child.

Open Door Policy –  What is it?

This policy means a place where the child is present, should remain open at all times. Parents have the right to be present for sessions with the child.

Where can it be practiced?

The Open Door policy should be practiced at all therapy centers, schools, clinics, creche and training centers.

Child protection at school

Code of Conduct Guidelines

1. All schools should have a child protection policy in place.
2. The policy should include procedures laid down by the government to handle emergencies such as accidents or medical events. 
3. Run a thorough background verification on the staff.
4. Train the staff to make sure they understand how to help the children without compromising their dignity. 
5. A code of conduct should be present for all the staff including teachers, trainers as well as helpers.
6. Make sure they are aware of the legal implications in case of any violation.
7. The child cannot be filmed without prior permission of the parents.
8. It is observed that most cases of abuse take place when the child is not toilet trained. Ensure there is a safety protocol in place for this as well.

Risk Safety

1. Physical safety of the child is equally important and measures should be taken to ensure their safety.
2. Ensure glass installations are in place
3. All toys and sensory tools should be clean and made sure that there are no sharp edges that might harm the child
4. Mattresses or foam pads should be regularly cleaned
5. It is important to ensure that there are no dust mites or other forms of triggers for allergic reactions such as asthma
6. Ensure all rooms and basement are well ventilated
7. The toilets and the premises should be regularly cleaned and well maintained.

Create awareness of child safety

It is important that all personnel working with children are aware of the child protection policies. They should be equipped with preventive measures as well as be ready to handle any kind of emergencies.

To ensure child safety it is important to keep the following in mind:
1. Make sure you work closely with the therapist. In case of disagreements, make sure there is conflict resolution between the parent and therapist, so that it does not affect the child in any way.

2. Teach your child the importance of safe and unsafe touch. Have regular conversations with them around the topic. 
3. For a healthy environment in the classroom, it may help to have anti bullying sessions at school.

Parents are the change agents

• It is the right of the parents to be involved in their child’s development. This will help them stay informed of the development in their child’s growth and learning. They should also be able to approach the teachers, trainers or therapists in case of any concerns.
• Parents should make sure all therapy centres have a strong child protection policy in place and the rules are followed.
• Parents can bring about important change if they join hands and come together.

Acknowledgement: We thank Ms Renu Singh, Consultant and Trainer (Project Suvidha) at Enfold Proactive Health Trust for reviewing the content and providing feedback.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms Hemanta Nijhawan for volunteering her time and effort with us towards the translation of this presentation from English to Hindi.

Additionally, please check out the Social Circles tool—a graphic tool to teach your child the concept of personal space and safety.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other Intellectual Disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or send us a message on WhatsApp.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for safe management.