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Sample CPP

The Child Protection Policy (CPP) of the Republic of the Philippines aims to ensure the safety and protection of children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by providing guidelines for staff and officials in local government units. It is anchored in various Philippine laws and international conventions, emphasizing the importance of a child-friendly environment and clear communication boundaries. The policy outlines preventive strategies, case management, and the roles of various stakeholders in promoting and fulfilling children's rights.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
71 views21 pages

Sample CPP

The Child Protection Policy (CPP) of the Republic of the Philippines aims to ensure the safety and protection of children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by providing guidelines for staff and officials in local government units. It is anchored in various Philippine laws and international conventions, emphasizing the importance of a child-friendly environment and clear communication boundaries. The policy outlines preventive strategies, case management, and the roles of various stakeholders in promoting and fulfilling children's rights.

Uploaded by

mswdolapazabra23
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 21

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION


PROVINCE OF ________________
MUNICIPALITY OF _________________

CHILD
PROTECTION
POLICY

**LGU may change the design of the coverpage

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction …………………………………………………………………… 3

Preventive Strategies ………………………………………………………... 7

Child Protection in Emergencies …………………………………………… 16

Case Management System …………………………………………………. 16

Implementation with Partners ………………………………………………. 17

Monitoring and Adjusting ……………………………………………………. 17

References …………………………………………………………………….

*LGU to enhance the table of contents

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I. INTRODUCTION

PREAMBLE

The (Name of Agency/LGU) developed CPP to enable all staff,


officials, and members to take necessary actions to prevent any harm
or abuse to children. This will guide them in dealing with any incident
that might occur while they are working or dealing with children.

POLICY STATEMENT

This policy guarantees at all times the protection and safety of children
involved in all activities initiated and organized by the (agency/LGU).

It has the following objective:


✔ Promote child friendly environment in the office and homes of all
staff;
✔ Increase awareness on child protection

✔ Ensure appropriate actions that will protect children from any


form of abuse, neglect, exploitation activities, violence, and
harm.

BACKGROUND PRINCIPLES

The Philippine National Strategic Framework for Plan Development for


Children, 2000 - 2025 also known as “Child 21”, aims to integrate
children’s rights into the interventions and programs that will be created
by policy makers for children. This work is intended for policymakers
from local government units (LGUs) to serve as their guide in localizing
Child 21 in their communities.

The UNCRC is primarily addressed to governments, private


organizations and companies also carry a responsibility to respect
children’s rights.

All decisions and actions that directly or indirectly affect children in the
digital environment should actively take into account the child’s best
interests as a primary consideration.

*Copy it from the roles of LCPC

1.
2.
3.

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AIM AND OUTREACH OF THE POLICY

Purpose:

1. All staff need clear guidance to keep children safe from harm/abuse
2. Serve as guide in responding appropriately when instances of child
abuse happen.
3. It is an indicator of the organization's commitment to promote,
protect and fulfill children’s rights

Coverage:

1. All officials and staff regardless of work status are expected to


abide by the policy;
2. All structures and local bodies within the LGU are also covered.
3. All persons, companies, agencies involved in the LGU’s activity with
children should be guided by the CPP.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This CPP is anchored on the Philippine laws, national plans for


children, LGUs and LCC primarily the following:

● The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Articles 12 to


17 of the Convention provides for participation of children and
their free expression of thought and feelings on all matters
affecting them. Articles 19-23 and 32-40 provide for the special
protection of children from abuse, exploitation, and all forms of
violence.

● The 1987 Philippine Constitution. Article 11, Section 13


provides that the State recognizes the vital role of youth in
nation building and shall promote and protect their physical,
moral, intellectual and social well-being. Article 15, Section 3
states that the Government must defend “the right of children to
assistance, including proper care and nutrition and special
protection form all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation
and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”

● The Child and Youth Welfare Code (Presidential Decree


603). This code defines the rights and responsibilities of children
and the corresponding authority and obligations towards them
by their parents, the community, and the government and other
duty bearers.

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● Republic Act 7610 or An Act Providing Stronger Deterrence
and Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination. Article 1, Section 2, provides
that “it shall be the policy of the State to protect and rehabilitate
children gravely threatened or endangered by circumstances
which affect or will affect their survival and normal development
over which they have no control.”

● Republic Act 9775 or An Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime


of Child Pornography, Prescribing Penalties Therefor and for
Other Purposes. This Act establishes an Inter-Agency Council
against Child Pornography with the Secretary of the DSWD as
Chairperson. Section 2 (b) states that the State shall protect
every child from all forms of exploitation and abuse including,
but not limited to 1) the use of a child in pornographic materials
and 2) inducement or coercion of a child to engage or be
involved in pornography through whatever means.

● Republic Act 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and


Protection Act. Section 2, declares the policy of the State to
protect the fundamental rights of children before, during, and
after disasters and other emergency situations when children
are gravely threatened or endangered by circumstances that
affect their survival and normal development. Guided by the
principles on survival and development, on child participation,
and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child, as well as the Children’s Charter for Disaster Risk
and Reduction, and the minimum standards for children in
humanitarian action, the State shall establish and implement a
comprehensive and strategic program of action to provide the
children and pregnant and lactating mothers affected by
disasters and other emergency situations with utmost support
and assistance necessary for their immediate recovery and
protection against all forms of violence, cruelty, discrimination,
neglect, abuse, exploitation and other acts prejudicial to their
interest, survival, development and well-being.

● Republic Act 9231 or An Act Providing for the Elimination of the


Worst Forms of Child Labor and Affording Stronger Protection
for the Working Child, Amending For This Purpose Republic Act
No. 7610, As Amended, Otherwise Known As The “Special
Protection Of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation And
Discrimination Act”. Section 2 of this Act declares the policy of
the State to provide special protection to children from all forms
of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination, and
other conditions prejudicial to their development including child
labor and its worst forms; provide sanctions for their commission

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and carry out a program for prevention and deterrence of and
crisis intervention in situations of child abuse, exploitation and
discrimination. The State shall intervene on behalf of the child
when the parent, guardian, teacher or person having care or
custody of the child fails or is unable to protect the child against
abuse, exploitation and discrimination or when such acts against
the child are committed by the said parent, guardian, teacher or
person having care and custody of the same.

DEFINITIONS AND TYPES OF ABUSE

The following terms are defined for the purpose of this policy.

a. Child - refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or one who
is 18 or over but is unable to take care of or protect himself/herself from
abuse, neglect, abandoned, cruelty, exploitation, or discrimination
because of a physical or mental disability or condition.

b. Child Abuse - refers to a maltreatment of a child, whether habitual or


not which includes any of the following:
1. Psychological or physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse
and emotional maltreatment;
2. Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or
demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human
being;
3. Unreasonable deprivation of the child’s basic needs for survival,
such as food and shelter; or
4. Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child
resulting in serious impairment of his or her growth and
development or in the child’s permanent incapacity or death

c. Child Protection – refers to safeguarding children from harm which


includes violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

d. Child Protection Policy – is an articulation of the commitment of the


organization or agency on the promotion and fulfillment of the right of
the child to protection as enshrined in the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child. It aims to safeguard the child from all forms
of abuse, violence and exploitation that may be perpetuated by adults
or person in authority. It expresses the agency’s shared values,
principles, and beliefs.

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e. Corporal Punishment – refers to an act or acts which involve physical
force and humiliating or degrading acts imposed upon a child as
punishment for an alleged or actual offense inflicted by an adult or by
another child, who has been given or has assumed authority or
responsibility for punishment or discipline.

f. Child-friendly- means attributes, attitudes and behaviors which take


into account the need for justice systems to be sensitive to the evolving
capacity and developing maturity of the child, and to their enhanced
need for protection, to the need for participation of children, and to the
requirements of respect for privacy, dignity and family life. (source:
https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/child-friendly)

*Organization to add others as applicable

II. PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Communication Boundaries-Guides organizational staff or other


individuals involved in communicating with children.

⮚ DO’S
a. Staff should avoid using/posting inappropriate visual
materials. (e.g. during meetings, trainings, workshops,
consultations, congress)
b. Staff should avoid labelling children. (e.g. bakla, tamad,
liit, taba)
c. Staff should avoid phrases of endearment that may
convey contrasting ideas.
d. Staff should use positive e conflict solving methods
between and among children. (e.g. encourage children
to say sorry, help children with conflicts to stay calm)
e. Staff should avoid disrespectful or discriminatory
treatment of or manner towards children based on their
perceived or actual sexual orientation.

*Organization may add exceptions if applicable eg.


using of visual materials with sexual content may
apply if advocacies are about child sexual abuse
prevention, teenage pregnancy prevention, ARH
topics)

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⮚ DONT’S
a. Staff should not allow children to express inappropriate
languages and action. (e.g. tantrums, bad words,
swearing, cursing)
b. Staff should not perform behaviors or actions that can be
misinterpreted. (e,g. blinking, very serious face, tickling,
looking for a specific child for long period)
c. Staff should not display any sexually explicit materials
that be accessed by children. (pornographic sites, words
or images or video clips that may arouse children)
d. Staff should not make any jokes or insinuations that are
sexual in nature.
e. Staff should not confide in, or share overly personal
information with a child such as financial statements and
relationship problems.

2. Targeting Boundaries-special interaction of organizational staff with a


particular child

⮚ DO’S
1. Staff should avoid giving any forms of gifts to a
child/children. (Exemption may apply if it is a reward or
prize in a certain activity but must be properly understood
by children)
2. Staff should avoid teaching the children in a confusing or
unsafe manner. (Organization may conduct brief
orientation about the safe and unsafe touches to all staff)
3. Staff should respect privacy of children.
4. Staff should treat all children equally, regardless of their
religion, gender, culture, race, and disability.
5. Staff should be respectful to the child’s needs or
concerns and respond appropriately.

⮚ DONT’S
1. Staff should not be allowed to perform isolated activities
with any children. (exemption when conducting individual
counselling sessions)
Sample of isolated activities: One male staff playing
board games with one girl in an close door and windows;
One female staff talking with a male child secretly
2. Staff should not show favoritism on children such as
giving out personal gifts or special favors to a child other
than the provision of official awards.
3. Staff should avoid creating an emotional dependency
between one self and the child (e.g. isolating the child
from their teammates)

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3. Role Boundaries- Guides organizational staff in extending roles
beyond what is meant to be.

⮚ DO’S
1. Staff should allow children to do things they can do;
provide necessary guidance if need. (e.g. a. children can
go to the toilet by themselves; staff may just show the
way; b. children can eat by themselves; staff may just
guide children on the proper ethics – exemption may
apply if the LGU has a center for children with special
needs)
2. Staff should guide children to behave within the set limits.
3. Staff should avoid doing unnecessary things such as
texting, talking, or browsing on a mobile phone when
supervising or with the presence of children.
4. Staff should maintain professional attitude at all times.

⮚ DONT’S
1. Staff are not allowed to do things to and for the children
when the children are capable of doing things
themselves.
2. Staff are not allowed to include children in any illegal,
unsafe, and or abusive activities/events.
(e.g. do not ask children to join the drinking sessions of
adults during a party or special event; do not invite
children in the smoking area of the activity venue)
3. Staff are not allowed to make children run personal
errands for them.
(e.g. do not let children bring a gallon of water in the staff
house during break time; do not ask a student intern to
get your lunch in the restaurant.)
4. Staff should not expose children to pornographic and
violent materials through movies, internet or reading
materials.
5. Staff should not use their authority in making children do
things that might possibly cause harm or danger to them.
6. Staff should not use, possess, supply or be under the
influence of an illegal drug or alcohol.

4. Physical Contact Boundaries- refers to physical space or


physical touch

⮚ DO’S
1. Staff should observe proper physical space with a child.
2. Staff should observe the safe, confusing, and unsafe
touches.

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3. Staff should check if safe touches to the children is
acceptable to them. Even non-intrusive contact may be
inappropriate if the child is not comfortable with it.
4. Staff should ask for permission to touch or interact with
the child as you demonstrate the activity.
5. Staff should use verbal instructions rather than a physical
touch.

⮚ DONT’S
1. Staff are not allowed to physically threat, shame,
humiliate, belittle, degrade, or discriminate children.
2. Staff are not allowed to physically discipline children in
any form.
3. Staff are not allowed to engage in inappropriate touches
with children – caressing, tickling, touching the butt, near
the breasts or private areas.
4. Staff are not allowed to do unnecessary contact with a
child.
5. Staff should avoid invading children’s personal or safe
space under normal circumstances.

5. Situational Boundaries- these are staff behaviors not directed to


children but might be inappropriate/unsafe if observed by children

⮚ DO’s
1. Staff should avoid unnecessary interactions with a child in
any online platforms (e.g. asking photos of the child for
personal reasons).
2. The organization shall observe non-disclosure policy and
confidentiality of children’s personal information
(exemption may apply during case management or
investigations of abuse)
3. Staff shall not leave children unsupervised especially
during events, programs or any activities (e.g. do not
leave children alone when having camping in the
mountain or when having tree planting).
4. Staff shall avoid any kind of one on one physical
interaction with children in closed and private spaces.
5. The organization should observe at all times the non-
disclosure policy and confidentiality of children’s personal
information.
6. Staff are not allowed at all times to ask children do
personal errands for them.

6. Role Modeling - these are staff behaviors not directed to children but
might be inappropriate/unsafe if observed by children

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⮚ DO’s
1. Staff should Staff should not access pornographic
materials during office hours and during official activities.
(e.g. watching porn sites, reading newspapers with
sexual content)
2. Staff should not quarrel/argue in front of the children.
(e.g. having conflicts during council meetings in front of
child reps; arguing in front of children during
workshops/trainings)
3. Staff shall not swear in front of the children.
(e.g. “promise you will be given reward after you pass the
competition”; “believe me, you will have a cash prize
amounting to 5,000.00”)
4. Adults should not promote violence, vices, swearing and
use of foul words, sexual activities and aggressive
behaviors in front of a children at all times.

7. Conduct Boundaries- refers to sexual or romantic actions/relations


to children

⮚ DO’s
1. Employees, partners, and invited guests shall not give pet
names to children in a romantic or sensual manner inside
and outside of the organization’s premises (eg. sweetie,
darling, babe, etc)
2. Employees, partners, and invited guests shall not give pet
names to children in a romantic or sensual manner inside
and outside of the organization’s premises (eg. sweetie,
darling, babe, etc)
3. Employees, partners, and invited guests shall not engage
in intimate relationships with children.
4. Adults should respect the innocence of the children and
should not engage in any intimate relationships or any
unwanted and malicious actions, touches and invitations.

1. Harmful Materials- these refers to materials which personnel may bring or


handle in the organizational place or activity venue which might cause harm to
children

⮚ DO’s
1. Staff and children shall be prohibited from bringing
pornographic/sexual or violent – related materials.
2. Staff shall not leave the children unsupervised whenever
using toxic cleaning products as this can cause skin
irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues
(eg. children and youth were asked to join the cleaning of
the gym in preparation for the municipal festival – they

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should be asked first if they have skin allergy before
letting them clean the benches with toxic materials; or if
they have asthma before they will be exposed to dusts)
3. Staff shall not allow the children to bring sharp and
harmful objects such as bolo and knife that can cause
injury to children. Unless in any circumstances, staff shall
not leave the children unsupervised (eg. children and
youth participation in conducting backyard gardening in
the municipal hall – they must be supervised/properly
guided in using gardening materials)
4. Staff and children are prohibited to bring any kind of
firearms that can cause risk of accident, accidental
injuries or death.
5. The organization shall ensure that all harmful materials
are properly kept and labeled for the information of
everyone when being handled or used.
6. The organization shall ensure availability of Personal
Protective Equipment before handling the harmful/ toxic
materials.
7. The organization shall check adults’ and children’s bags
when entering the premises to ensure that no one bring
any sharp or harmful objects, and pornographic and
violent-based materials.

SPECIAL PROGRAM GUIDELINES- these are guidelines when travelling


and conducting activities with the children

A. TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN

PRE-TRAVEL PROTOCOLS:
1. Develop contingency plans in advance to address various
types of disruptions, such as natural disasters, political
unrest, or technical failures. Plans should be outline
alternative routes, transportation modes, drop-off points, or
accommodation options that can be utilized during the
disruption.
2. Coordinate efforts with relevant stakeholders, including
transportation providers, hotels, local authorities, and travel
agencies, especially in case of travel disruptions.
3. Ensure that all necessary travel documents, identification,
and permissions for the minors are in order. Staff member
should have copies of these documents readily available and
easily accessible during the trip.
4. Proper inspection of the transportation vehicles should be
done to ensure safety and comfort of the participants.

ACTUAL TRAVEL PROTOCOLS:


1. In case of sea travel, ensure that the vessels have
designated life vest.

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2. Staff should ensure to put first aid kit in an accessible and
safe area.
3. Maintain regular communication channels between staff
members, parents/ legal guardians, and the organization
throughout the trip. Establish reporting procedures for any
incidents, accidents, or concerns that may arise, and ensure
that staff members are aware of their reporting
responsibilities.
4. Staff should monitor regularly the health condition and attend
other discomforts of the child.
5. All forms of unnecessary physical contact with the children
should be avoided.
6. Ensure the appropriate supervision ratios based on the age
and gender of the children and the size of the group.
7. Staff shall conduct head count from time to time especially
when there are stop overs to ensure that all children are
present.

POST TRAVEL PROTOCOLS:


1. The organization shall check or assess the children’s
feelings or emotion and should attend to them immediately
and properly.
2. The organizers shall conduct post-evaluation to determine
highlights, issues and concerns experienced by the children.

B. SPECIAL EVENTS WITH NO OVERNIGHT STAYS

PRE- EVENT:
1. Selection of participants shall be inclusive and non-
discriminatory.
2. Coordinate the invitation of children to the parents or
sending agency e.g. school, organization
3. Prepare and accomplish participant’s profile to determine
if there are allergies, diet restrictions, special concerns,
and the level of activities that will be given to the
participants.
4. Prepare attendance sheet, first aid kit, and other needed
supplies.
5. Secure the signed consent and assent forms from
parents/ guardians.
6. Safety measures and briefing should be conducted
before the travel.
7. Monitor any inclement weather that might happen on the
said activity and rescheduling should be announced at
least three days prior to the conduct of activity.

DURING THE EVENT:


1. All adults and children shall be oriented about the Child
Protection Policy before the activity starts.

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2. Do not use materials, videos, images, songs that use
vulgar and offensive words during the activity.
3. Supervise children when using sharp objects like scissors
or cutter.
4. All adults involved in the activity (organizers, guests,
speakers, parents, servers) shall not make inappropriate
touches or conversation with the children.
5. The organization shall ensure that the children should
feel comfortable. Should there be any discomfort, they
should be attended immediately and properly.
6. The atmosphere and use of words during the activity
should remain professional and child friendly.
7. Children should be reminded to inform the organizers
when leaving the venue.
8. The organizers should monitor attendance of children for
the whole duration of the activity to ensure that no one is
left behind.

AFTER THE EVENT


1. Organizers shall provide post – evaluation/feedback
materials to identify the highlights, issues, and concerns
experienced by the children.
2. In cases that there is violence against children happened
during the activity, staff shall do follow-up or monitor the
cases reported until it is referred to and managed by
concerned agencies.
3. All adults involved should be reminded about the social
media protocols for the safety of the children.
4. Organizers shall follow–up if the children have already
reached home.

C. SPECIAL EVENTS WITH OVERNIGHT STAYS

PRE-EVENT:
1. Selection of participants shall be inclusive and non-
discriminatory.
2. Coordinate the invitation of children to the parents or
sending agency e.g. school, organization
3. Prepare and accomplish participant’s profile to determine if
there are allergies, diet restrictions, special concerns, and
the level of activities that will be given to the participants.
4. Prepare attendance sheet, first aid kit, and other needed
supplies.
5. Secure the signed consent and assent forms from parents/
guardians.
6. Organizers shall inform children, parents, and sending
organization in case the activity is cancelled.
7. Organizers shall conduct ocular visits or environmental
scanning on the activity venue to ensure safety of children.

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8. Contingency fund must be prepared to be used in case of
emergency.
9. Safety measures and briefing should be conducted before
the activity.
10. Monitor any inclement weather that might happen on the
said activity and rescheduling should be announced at least
three days prior to the conduct of activity.

DURING THE EVENT:


1. All adults and children shall be oriented about the CPP
before the activity starts.
2. Do not use materials, videos, images, songs that use vulgar
and offensive words during the activity.
3. Supervise children when using sharp objects like scissors or
cutter.
4. All adults involved in the activity (organizers, guests,
speakers, parents, servers) shall not make inappropriate
touches or conversation with the children.
5. The organization shall ensure that the children should feel
comfortable. Should there be any discomfort, they should be
attended immediately and properly.
6. The atmosphere and use of words during the activity should
remain professional and child friendly.
7. Children should be reminded to inform the organizers when
leaving the venue.
8. The organizers should monitor attendance of children for the
whole duration of the activity to ensure that no one is left
behind.
9. Ensure that children’s room arrangement is arranged
properly. One adult should be assigned per room to
supervise/ensure safety of the children.

AFTER THE EVENT:


1. Organizers shall provide post – evaluation/feedback
materials to identify the highlights, issues, and concerns
experienced by the children.
2. In cases that there is violence against children happened
during the activity, staff shall do follow-up or monitor the
cases reported until it is referred to and managed by
concerned agencies.
3. All adults involved should be reminded about the social
media protocols for the safety of the children.
4. Organizers shall follow–up if the children have already
reached home.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

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With the increased usage of Social Media both in terms of official and
personal context, these guidelines shall serve as guidance for all
employees in the use of social media.

During conduct of activity with children


1. Photos taken during the activity involving children should be
used solely for documentation purposes. If posted online, faces
of children must not be exposed without the consent of the
parents or legal guardians.

A. MANAGEMENT OF OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA


1. Details on how the public can contact or reach the agency/LGU
shall be provided such as telephone numbers, email address/es,
office address, and website link/s.
2. Only approved/reviewed information/materials for general
publication shall be posted. The head or designated personnel
by the head of the concerned office managing the official social
media of the LGU and/or department shall be the one to
review/approve the said posts.
3. If there is a need to identify a child in social media, use
pseudonyms or nicknames only, especially in instances wherein
it is a child protection concern.
4. When sharing posts/materials from other sources, ensure the
accuracy of information and acknowledge its origin.
5. Social media manager should be oriented on child protection
policy.
6. Social media manager must be trained on how to properly
respond to messages/comments.
7. Confidential and sensitive information of children shall always be
protected and shall not be shared via the official social media
pages of the LGU
8. If disclosure has been made online, reach out to user and refer
to appropriate agency (e.g. Makabata Helpline)
9. Always report suspicious posts and messages immediately.

B. PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA


Guidelines for staff for their personal social media usage in terms of
content sharing and interaction with children, especially, children the
organization is working with.
1. Do not share posts of vulnerable children (Children at risk,
Children in Conflict with the Law, and other Children in need of
special protection)
2. Employees shall only communicate with the children they are
working during office hours, except in cases of emergency.
3. Employees shall not give or ask any unnecessary personal
information to the children they are working with.
4. Employee should not ask/ solicit personal photos of children.
5. Use appropriate words and avoid profane/vulgar languages
when having conversation with the children on social media,

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ensuring that they communicate with children in a pleasant and
professional manner.
6. Be cautious of using and sharing memes, icon, graphics,
emoticons and other explicit meaning in group chats.
7. Set an online protocol when communicating with children (time
boundaries, appropriate topics, respect to privacy matters, etc.
8. Ensure the professionalism in a social media profile whereas
unnecessary posts and negative comments are not visible and
avoided.
9. Report any posts, profiles and comments that demonstrates or
promotes negative or inappropriate photographs, posts, or
emoticons.
10. Document the possible abuse or concern seen online with the
intent of referring it to the concerned department (screenshot,
etc.)

III. CHILD PROTECTION IN EMERGENCIES

1. Staff should ensure that all hotlines, helpdesks and transportation and
rescue units are readily available in the evacuation area.
2. Staff should ensure that the evacuation area has a child – friendly space
free from harm.
3. Staff should identify food restrictions of the children.
4. Staff should ensure the presence of any barangay official, health
worker, trained responders, PNP WCPD, and Social Worker to attend to
the necessary needs of the children.
5. Staff should orient stakeholders, volunteers, other employees working in
the evacuation areas/CFS.
6. No children should be left unsupervised within the evacuation
areas/CFS.

IV. CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

All employees shall have the responsibility to be on the alert for and to report any
possible incidents of child abuse or any child protection concerns in the conduct
of activities with children. Anyone with personal knowledge about abusive
incidents, or who has received a disclosure of child abuse, or has any child
protection concern has the obligation and responsibility to bring the incident to
the attention the CPP reporting points as stipulated in this section.

IV.1. What can be reported?


a. Violations or suspected violations of any national or local child protection
laws involving an employee of ___________ (Name of LGU/Organization),
or anyone indicated in the aims and outreach of this policy.
b. Violations or suspected violations of the non-criminal provisions of this
Child Protection Policy involving an employee of ___________ (Name of
LGU/Organization), or anyone indicated in the aims and outreach of this
policy.

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c. Any other suspected child protection concern involving an employee, or
anyone indicated in the aims and outreach of this policy even if the
incidence is not stipulated in the CPP.

IV.2. Who may report?


Anyone may file a report in the context of the Child Protection Policy.

IV.3. System for disclosure, reporting and dealing with Child Protection
Concerns

IV.3.1 Reporting focal points


There are 2 reporting focal points for the Child Protection Policy
a. The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children
b. The City/ Municipal Council for the Protection of Children

All reports concerning violations of the Child Protection Policy may be


reported to either one of the two reporting focal points, which will then follow
the case handling protocol stipulated here in the Child Protection Policy.

The 2 reporting focal points may also be reached via electronic means (social
media, S.M.S, email, phone call, etc) and will act accordingly regardless of the
medium of reporting.

IV.3.2 Handling reports of violations or suspected violations of any


national or local child protection laws involving an employee of
___________ (Name of LGU/Organization), or anyone indicated in the aims
and outreach of this policy:
a. Regardless if it is reported to the BCPC or the C/MCPC, the protocols
stipulated under the DOJ-CSPC protocol shall be followed.
b. Since the respondent is an employee of ___________ (Name of
LGU/Organization), or anyone indicated in the aims and outreach of this
policy, while the CSPC protocol is on-going, in parallel to this, the following
steps shall also be observed.
c. If reported to the BCPC, the report shall also be forwarded to the C/MCPC
with all the supporting documents available at the time of the report and in
line with the DOJ-CSPC protocols.
d. If reported directly to the C/MCPC, the C/MCPC shall prepare a report and
submit it to the Human Resource and Management Office (HRMO)/
Committee on Decorum and Investigation and to the Police Station/
Prosecutors Office for Criminal Investigation, if applicable, whilst
implementing the regular DOJ-CSPC protocol.

IV.3.3 Handling reports of violations or suspected violations of the non-


criminal provisions of this Child Protection Policy involving an
employee of the ___________ (Name of LGU/Organization), or anyone
indicated in the aims and outreach of this policy.
a. If reported to the BCPC, a preliminary inquiry shall be initiated determining
the basic nature of the report.
a.1. If the respondent is a Barangay Employee or elected official at the
Barangay Level, or connected to the Barangay;

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1. The BCPC shall initiate a full investigation, gathering all pertinent facts
of the case. The BCPC shall employ several means to gather
information about the case, including but not limited to witness
interviews as well as interviews with the respondent and child
involved. Under no circumstance shall the respondent and child
involved be in a case conference simultaneously.
2. Even in cases of anonymous reports, the BCPC shall still initiate a full
investigation.
3. After completing the investigation within three (3) days from receipt of
the report, the BCPC shall forward their report to the C/MCPC,
indicating the BCPC’s findings, recommendations and actions taken.

a.2. If the respondent is an city/ municipal employee or elected city/


municipal official;

1. The BCPC shall, within three (3) days from receipt of the complaint,
prepare a report and forward the same to the C/MCPC;
2. If the respondent is an elected city official, the C/MCPC shall forward
a Verified Administrative Complaint before the Office of the President.
3. If the respondent is an elected barangay official, the C/MCPC shall
forward the verified Administrative Complaint before the Sangguniang
Panlungsod.
4. Even in cases of anonymous reports, the BCPC shall still forward the
report to the C/MCPC.
5. Upon receipt of the report, the C/MCPC shall act accordingly as
stated in the succeeding protocols in this section.

b. If reported to the C/MCPC, a preliminary inquiry shall be initiated


determining the basic nature of the report.

b.1. If the respondent is a Barangay Employee or elected official at the


Barangay Level or connected to the Barangay;
1. The C/MCPC shall prepare an initial report and forward this to the
concerned Barangay.
2. The Barangay shall then initiate the protocols referred to under this
section.

b.2. If the Person complaint of is an employee or elected city official:


1. The C/MCPC shall gather necessary information from the child
involved and other witnesses.
2. Forward the administrative complaint to the Human Resource and
Management Office (HRMO) for appropriate action or Office of the
President
3. Under no circumstance shall the person complaint of and child
involved be in a case conference simultaneously.
4. Even in cases of anonymous reports, the C/MCPC shall still gather
the necessary information and forward the same to the HRMO or
Office of the President.
5. The C/MCPC shall also ensure that all possible assistance that needs
to be extended to the children involved will be provided.

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IV.3.4 CPP violation reports received by the Human Resource and
Management Office/Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) from
the C/MCPC

After receiving any report from the C/MCPC, the CODI shall then proceed
with the Administrative Investigation following the 2017 Rules on
Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (2017 RACCS).

IV.3.5. Handling Reports of any other suspected child protection concern


involving an employee, or anyone indicated in the aims and outreach of this
policy even if the incidence is not stipulated in the CPP

Even if a certain child protection concern is not exactly stated in the Child
Protection Policy, the reporting focal points shall still proceed with the
protocols stipulated here to determine if it falls under violations under the
Child Protection Policy.

IV.4. Protection and rehabilitation measures for affected children.


The ___________ (Name of LGU/Organization) shall ensure the safety of
affected child and shall take measures in order to provide the affected child
the proper intervention. The LGU shall likewise make sure that the child
involved is given an appropriate intervention, e.g., therapy, counseling,
medical, legal and aftercare even if outsourced.

The ___________ (Name of LGU/Organization) shall restrict access to


confidential information regarding the child under its care to the mandated
personnel indicated in this CPP.

IV.5. Protection of Workers

Any staff member/volunteer/visitor who reports suspicions, allegations, or


disclosures of abuse to the ___________ (Name of LGU/Organization)
concerning its employees as well as others mentioned in the scope and
limitation, shall be provided legal immunity from the individual/s implicated in
the abuse/harm/neglect of the child, as long as the person’s report was
motivated with concern for the child’s welfare and was not done with malice
nor intent to harm.

IV.6. Sanctions for Violations


The Committee on Decorum shall apply the applicable sanction/s provided
by the 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service and other
applicable laws.

V. IMPLEMENTATION WITH PARTNERS

All partner organizations, individuals, agencies, schools, etc. should be


oriented and provided a copy of the Child Protection Policy. They should
act in accordance with the guidelines set by this agency.

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VI. MONITORING AND ADJUSTING

A CPP team will be organized to include but not limited to MSWDO, MLGOO,
MPDO, PNP WCPD, HR, PESO, MHO, NGO/CSO for the monitoring and
adjusting. The CPP shall be reviewed at a minimum of three (3) years. A child
protection risk analysis shall be conducted which will enable the LGU to
determine any appropriate updates to its Child Protection Policy.

The Local Council for the Protection of Children shall establish an appropriate
feedback mechanism to ensure that employees, partners and children will
have the means to provide feedbacks on the implementation and content of
the Child Protection Policy even if it is not yet time for its formal policy review.

REFERENCES:

CWC
Stairway Foundation
Valenzuela City Child Protection Policy

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