Bangkok-Chicago Christian International School upholds the value of providing a caring, nurturing and safe learning environment. It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that students learn in an atmosphere that is caring and protective. We are committed to preventing child abuse, safeguarding, and protecting children.

All BCCI staff or visitors to the school are to be respected by students, and conversely, students are to be treated with the same respect and courtesy by staff and visitors. Communication, oral, written, or electronic, must reflect biblical standards. Students must be considerate of others at all times. Profanities, put downs, lying or other improper speech, gestures, or inappropriate written remarks will not be tolerated and shall be handled with punitive measures.

BCCI has developed a child protection policy in support of the Child Protection Act of Thailand, B.E. 2546 (CPA) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Child Protection – is the steps taken when a child is in, or suspected to be in, in danger of suffering significant harm or abuse.

Safeguarding – is an extension to Child Protection which includes preventative steps taken to keep children safe from abuse or harm.

Definitions of abuse are complex in various cultures regarding child-rearing behaviors, but it includes any action or lack of action resulting in harm or serious potential for harm. Harm has any detrimental effect of a significant nature on the student’s physical or emotional well-being. For the purposes of this policy, “child” or “student” refers to any current or former BCCI student, regardless of age. Abuse/harm may be student to student or adult to student.

ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING CONCERNS

Protection of children is the role of every staff member who comes into contact with children at BCCI. To support this, all staff is required to know how to respond to suspected cases of child abuse and neglect along with the process for reporting suspected cases to appropriate personnel and agencies. All staff have a professional responsibility to report any concerns regarding suspected child abuse.

When staff or volunteers suspect abuse or neglect, they report it immediately to the Child Protection Team and document their observations. In cases of suspected sexual abuse, different procedures apply based on whether it occurred within or outside the family context. If a child is in immediate danger, the school commits to reporting the matter to relevant authorities. The Child Protection Team takes action in other forms of abuse, potentially involving external agencies after investigation.

Students showing signs of harm receive immediate attention, either from the school nurse or Paolo Memorial Hospital if urgent. If abuse is suspected within the family network, the Principal communicates with the family, ensuring the child’s safety. In cases of suspected staff abuse, reporting is made to the Child Protection Team and the Principal, with potential suspension or termination of the employee. Support is provided to all involved parties, and a victim-centered approach guides next steps in the investigation.

Additionally, the procedures offer guidance on responding to a child’s disclosure of abuse, emphasizing listening, reassurance, appropriate reporting, and maintaining confidentiality.

ANONYMOUS REPORTING PLATFORM

BCCI prioritizes the safety and well-being of its community members, offering an anonymous reporting platform as part of its comprehensive approach to addressing concerns promptly and discreetly. This platform serves as a vital resource for individuals who may feel hesitant or uncomfortable disclosing information publicly. By accessing the online scan conveniently placed across different areas of the school premises, community members can submit reports or seek assistance while maintaining their confidentiality. This initiative reflects BCCI’s commitment to fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability, where individuals feel empowered to speak up about potential issues without fear of reprisal or judgment. Moreover, the availability of this platform underscores BCCI’s proactive stance in promoting a safe and supportive environment for all stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the welfare of its community members.