CHILD PROTECTION POLICY HANDBOOK
Pupotsan National High School
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Rationale
1.2 Legal Bases
1.3 Definition of Terms
2. Objectives
3. Scope and Application
4. Child Protection Committee (CPC)
4.1 Composition
4.2 Roles and Responsibilities
5. Prohibited Acts
6. Preventive Measures
6.1 Capacity Building and Awareness
6.2 Positive Discipline Approach
6.3 Peer Support Programs
7. Intervention Measures
8. Reporting and Referral System
8.1 Reporting Flowchart
8.2 Confidentiality and Anonymity
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
10.Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions
11.Annexes
1. Introduction
1.1 Rationale
This handbook is created to promote a safe, child-friendly, and supportive school
environment. It outlines the standards, procedures, and guidelines for addressing
child protection concerns, as required by the Department of Education (DepEd)
and aligned with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(CRC).
1.2 Legal Bases
The policy is anchored on the following laws and regulations:
Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse,
Exploitation, and Discrimination Act)
Republic Act No. 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013)
DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 (Child Protection Policy)
Republic Act No. 11058 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards)
1.3 Definition of Terms
Child: A person below 18 years old or those over but unable to protect
themselves due to physical or mental disability.
Child Abuse: Acts that cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm to a
child.
Bullying: Intentional aggressive behavior causing harm to another
individual.
2. Objectives
1. To ensure the safety and well-being of students by preventing and addressing
abuse, exploitation, and bullying.
2. To establish a Child Protection Committee that will enforce and oversee child
protection mechanisms.
3. To train teachers and staff on positive discipline and child-sensitive practices.
4. To provide clear procedures for reporting and responding to incidents of
abuse or bullying.
3. Scope and Application
This policy applies to all students, school personnel, parents, and stakeholders
within the jurisdiction of [School Name]. It includes actions occurring within the
school premises, during school-related activities, and in situations impacting the
child’s safety or well-being.
4. Child Protection Committee (CPC)
4.1 Composition
The CPC is composed of:
Chairperson: School Principal
Vice Chairperson: Guidance Counselor/Teacher
Members:
o Designated Teachers
o Parent-Teacher Association Representative
o Barangay Representative
o Student Representative
4.2 Roles and Responsibilities
1. Advocate for child protection policies within the school.
2. Monitor and address child abuse, bullying, and other violations.
3. Organize awareness programs for students, parents, and staff.
4. Ensure confidentiality and proper handling of reports.
5. Prohibited Acts
The following acts are strictly prohibited:
1. Physical, verbal, or emotional abuse of students.
2. Bullying or cyberbullying.
3. Discrimination on any basis (e.g., gender, religion, disability).
4. Sexual harassment or exploitation.
5. Any act causing harm, injury, or neglect to a student.
6. Preventive Measures
6.1 Capacity Building and Awareness
Regular seminars and training for teachers and staff on child protection laws,
positive discipline, and conflict resolution.
Peer-led sessions for students on bullying prevention and mental health.
6.2 Positive Discipline Approach
Promote non-violent and constructive methods of addressing student
behavior.
Encourage a rewards-based system to reinforce good conduct.
6.3 Peer Support Programs
Establish peer counseling groups to address students’ social and emotional
needs.
Train student leaders on conflict mediation and child rights advocacy.
7. Intervention Measures
1. Immediate assistance to victims through counseling and first aid, if
necessary.
2. Referral to appropriate government agencies (e.g., DSWD, PNP-Women and
Children Protection Desk) for cases requiring legal action.
8. Reporting and Referral System
8.1 Reporting Flowchart
1. Incident reported to the Class Adviser or Guidance Counselor.
2. Class Adviser reports to the CPC.
3. CPC conducts investigation and ensures confidentiality.
4. If necessary, referral to external agencies for further action.
8.2 Confidentiality and Anonymity
Reports and investigations are treated with utmost confidentiality.
Anonymous reporting mechanisms are made available to encourage students
to report violations.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation
The CPC will conduct quarterly evaluations to assess the effectiveness of child
protection policies. Feedback from students, parents, and staff will be incorporated
into policy improvements.
10. Sanctions and Disciplinary Actions
1. Students who violate this policy will face disciplinary measures aligned with
the school’s Code of Conduct and DepEd policies.
2. Staff found guilty of child abuse or violations will face administrative and
legal consequences.
11. Annexes
Sample Incident Report Form
Code of Conduct for Teachers and Staff
Detailed Reporting Guidelines
A. Child Protection Policy Handbook
[Name of School]
Department of Education, Republic of the Philippines
Article I: General Provisions
Section 1. Title
This document shall be known as the Child Protection Policy Handbook of
[Name of School], hereinafter referred to as the "Policy."
Section 2. Legal Basis
This Policy is in compliance with the following:
1. Republic Act No. 7610 – Special Protection of Children Against Abuse,
Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
2. Republic Act No. 10627 – Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.
3. DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 – Child Protection Policy.
Section 3. Coverage
This Policy applies to all students, teachers, non-teaching personnel, school
administrators, parents, and other stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in
school operations.
Section 4. Declaration of Policy
The school is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for
all students by preventing and addressing child abuse, bullying, exploitation, and
other forms of harm.
Article II: Objectives
Section 5. General Objective
To promote and uphold the rights of the child and ensure their protection from all
forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and bullying within the school
premises and during school-related activities.
Section 6. Specific Objectives
1. To establish mechanisms for preventing, reporting, and addressing child
protection concerns.
2. To develop programs that promote a child-friendly and safe environment.
3. To strengthen collaboration among school personnel, parents, and
stakeholders to ensure the welfare of children.
4. To build the capacity of teachers and staff in handling child protection cases
through training and seminars.
Article III: Definitions of Terms
Section 7. Child
Refers to a person below 18 years of age or those over 18 but unable to fully take
care of themselves due to a disability or condition.
Section 8. Child Abuse
Refers to any act that results in harm, injury, or endangerment of a child’s physical
or emotional health.
Section 9. Bullying
As defined under RA 10627, refers to any severe or repeated use by one or more
students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture,
directed at another student that causes harm or creates a hostile environment.
Section 10. Neglect
Refers to the failure of a caregiver to provide a child’s basic needs such as food,
shelter, education, and medical care.
Article IV: Preventive Measures
Section 11. Capacity-Building Programs
1. Conduct regular training and orientation for teachers, staff, and students on
child protection laws and policies.
2. Organize awareness campaigns on children’s rights, anti-bullying, and child
safety.
Section 12. Creation of a Child Protection Committee (CPC)
1. The school shall establish a Child Protection Committee composed of the
following:
o Chairperson: School Head
o Members: Guidance Counselor, Teacher Representative, Parent-Teacher
Association (PTA) Representative, Barangay Official, and Student
Representative.
2. The CPC shall develop and implement child protection mechanisms and
procedures.
Section 13. Code of Conduct
The school shall enforce a Code of Conduct for students, teachers, and staff to
promote respect, discipline, and positive behavior.
Article V: Reporting and Handling of Cases
Section 14. Reporting Mechanism
1. Any case of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying must be reported
immediately to the CPC or the School Head.
2. The identity of the complainant and respondent shall remain confidential to
protect their privacy.
Section 15. Investigation Procedures
1. The CPC shall conduct an initial inquiry into the complaint within 48 hours of
reporting.
2. Proper documentation of the case must be maintained for transparency and
accountability.
Section 16. Referral to Authorities
Cases that warrant further action, such as criminal offenses, shall be referred to the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police
(PNP), or other appropriate agencies.
Article VI: Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Section 17. Support for Victims
1. Provide counseling and psychological support to victims of abuse and
bullying.
2. Ensure reintegration programs for students affected by child protection
concerns.
Section 18. Disciplinary Measures for Offenders
1. Implement corrective measures aligned with the school’s Code of Discipline.
2. Provide intervention programs to address the behavior of offenders.
Article VII: Monitoring and Evaluation
Section 19. Monitoring
The CPC shall regularly monitor the implementation of child protection measures
and evaluate their effectiveness.
Section 20. Feedback Mechanism
Establish a feedback mechanism to gather inputs from stakeholders for continuous
improvement of child protection policies.
Article VIII: Final Provisions
Section 21. Amendments
This Policy may be revised or amended as necessary, subject to the approval of the
School Head and consultation with stakeholders.
Section 22. Effectivity
This Policy shall take effect immediately upon approval and dissemination.
B. Handbook for Public Secondary Schools in the Philippines
Article I: Child Protection Policy
Section 1. Title This section shall be known as the "Child Protection Policy" of
[School Name], pursuant to the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 40, s.
2012, also known as the "Child Protection Policy".
Section 2. Declaration of Policy The school is committed to creating a safe,
nurturing, and inclusive environment for all students. It shall uphold the rights of
every child to education, safety, and dignity and protect them from all forms of
abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and bullying.
Section 3. Objectives
1. To establish mechanisms to protect students from harm and abuse.
2. To promote the holistic development and well-being of students.
3. To strengthen partnerships between the school, parents, and community in
fostering a safe environment.
Section 4. Definitions
Child: Refers to individuals below eighteen (18) years old or those over
eighteen (18) but are unable to fully care for themselves.
Abuse: Refers to physical, emotional, sexual harm, or neglect inflicted upon
a child.
Bullying: Any severe or repeated use of written, verbal, or electronic
expression, or physical act that causes physical or emotional harm to the
child.
Section 5. Responsibilities of the School
1. Designate a Child Protection Committee (CPC) composed of:
o School Head (Chairperson)
o Guidance Counselor/Teacher
o Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Representative
o Student Representative
o Barangay Representative
2. Develop and implement a reporting and response mechanism for child abuse
cases.
3. Conduct regular child protection training and awareness activities for
teachers, staff, and students.
4. Maintain confidentiality in handling child protection cases.
Section 6. Reporting and Handling of Cases
1. Any incident or suspicion of child abuse must be reported immediately to the
CPC.
2. The CPC shall conduct an initial assessment and, if necessary, refer the case
to appropriate government authorities (DSWD, PNP Women and Children
Protection Desk, etc.).
3. The school shall ensure that victims receive adequate support, including
counseling and medical assistance.
Section 7. Prohibited Acts
1. Corporal punishment or any form of physical harm.
2. Verbal abuse, discrimination, or humiliation.
3. Bullying in any form, whether physical, verbal, or cyber.
Article II: Admission and Enrollment Procedures
Section 1. Title This section shall be referred to as the "Admission and Enrollment
Procedures" for [School Name].
Section 2. Scope The procedures outlined here apply to all incoming and
continuing students seeking admission or enrollment at [School Name].
Section 3. General Guidelines
1. Admission is open to all Filipino citizens who meet the academic and age
requirements set by DepEd.
2. The school shall not discriminate against students based on gender, religion,
ethnicity, or economic status.
3. Enrollment shall follow the DepEd-prescribed calendar and guidelines.
Section 4. Requirements for Admission
1. Incoming Grade 7 Students:
o Photocopy of Birth Certificate (PSA/NSO)
o Report Card (Form 138) from the last grade level completed
o Certificate of Good Moral Character
o 2x2 ID photos (2 pieces)
2. Transferees:
o Photocopy of Birth Certificate (PSA/NSO)
o Report Card (Form 138)
o Certificate of Transfer or Honorable Dismissal
o Certificate of Good Moral Character
o 2x2 ID photos (2 pieces)
3. Continuing Students:
o Updated Report Card (Form 138)
o Updated 2x2 ID photo (1 piece)
Section 5. Enrollment Procedure
1. Step 1: Submission of Requirements
o Applicants or their guardians must submit all required documents to
the school’s Admissions Office.
2. Step 2: Screening and Validation
o The school shall verify the authenticity of submitted documents and
check for completeness.
3. Step 3: Assessment and Interview
o For transferees and new enrollees, a brief assessment or interview may
be conducted by the Guidance Office.
4. Step 4: Registration
o Accepted applicants will receive their Learner Reference Number (LRN)
and be officially registered in the DepEd Learner Information System
(LIS).
5. Step 5: Issuance of Class Schedule
o Students will be provided with their class schedules and section
assignments.
Section 6. Special Considerations
1. Late enrollees must secure approval from the School Head and provide a
valid reason for the delay.
2. Indigenous Peoples (IP) students, learners with disabilities, and other
marginalized groups shall be given appropriate support and accommodations
during the admission process.
3. No child shall be denied admission due to lack of documents; provisional
enrollment may be granted while pending submission.
Section 7. Fees and Other Contributions
1. Public secondary schools shall not collect tuition fees from students, in
accordance with Republic Act No. 6655 (Free Public Secondary Education Act).
2. Voluntary contributions (e.g., PTA contributions) shall be allowed but must not
hinder the enrollment of any student.
C. Handbook for Public Secondary Schools in the Philippines
Article I: Academic Guidelines and Implementation
Section 1: Curriculum Framework
The school shall adhere to the K-12 Curriculum prescribed by the Department of
Education (DepEd) under Republic Act No. 10533, the "Enhanced Basic Education
Act of 2013." This curriculum aims to produce graduates who are holistically
developed, equipped with 21st-century skills, and ready for higher education,
employment, or entrepreneurship.
Section 2: Class Scheduling and Attendance
Classes shall be conducted following the calendar set by DepEd Order No. 034, s.
2022. Students must attend at least 80% of the total number of school days to be
eligible for promotion, except in cases justified by medical or valid reasons as
certified by appropriate authorities.
Section 3: Assessment and Grading System
The grading system shall follow DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015, using a standards-
based assessment. Grades shall reflect learners’ mastery of competencies, with
quarterly summative assessments and performance tasks contributing to the final
grade.
Section 4: Academic Support Programs
Remedial and enrichment programs shall be implemented to support learners who
face academic challenges. These programs shall follow guidelines provided in
DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2018, ensuring inclusive education for all.
Article II: Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities
Section 1: Purpose and Scope
Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are essential components of holistic
education. These programs are aligned with DepEd Order No. 66, s. 2017, which
emphasizes the importance of student leadership, civic consciousness, and life skills
development.
Section 2: Clubs and Organizations
Students shall participate in recognized school clubs and organizations such as
Science Clubs, English Clubs, Sports Teams, and the Supreme Student Government
(SSG), following the constitution and by-laws provided by the DepEd Youth
Formation Program.
Section 3: School Events and Competitions
The school shall conduct annual events like Intramurals, Science Fairs, and Cultural
Presentations, aligned with national celebrations. Students shall be encouraged to
represent the school in local and national competitions, adhering to DepEd Order
No. 47, s. 2014.
Section 4: Integration with Academic Goals
All co-curricular and extra-curricular activities must align with academic objectives
and promote values enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, such as
patriotism, respect for human rights, and environmental stewardship.
Article III: Peace Education
Section 1: Legal Basis
Peace Education shall be integrated into the curriculum in compliance with
Executive Order No. 570, s. 2006, and DepEd Memorandum No. 435, s. 2008,
promoting peace-building and conflict resolution skills among learners.
Section 2: Implementation Strategies
Peace Education shall be embedded in Araling Panlipunan, Values Education, and
other related subjects. Activities such as workshops, role-playing, and community
engagement projects shall be organized to foster a culture of peace.
Section 3: Monitoring and Evaluation
Schools shall establish a Peace Education Committee to monitor and evaluate the
effectiveness of peace initiatives. Reports shall be submitted to the Division Office
annually.
Article IV: Canteen Implementation
Section 1: Legal Basis and Objectives
The implementation of the school canteen shall comply with DepEd Order No. 13, s.
2017, to ensure the provision of safe, nutritious, and affordable food to students.
The canteen also serves as a venue for promoting healthy eating habits.
Section 2: Operational Guidelines
The canteen shall prioritize the sale of healthy food and beverages listed in the
"Pinggang Pinoy" standards. Junk food and sugary drinks are strictly prohibited.
Regular inspections shall be conducted to ensure compliance.
Section 3: Income Utilization
Revenues from the canteen shall be utilized for student welfare projects, as stated
in DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2007. Transparency in financial reporting is mandatory,
with quarterly audits conducted by the School Governing Council.
Article V: Guidance and Counselling Process
Section 1: Legal Basis
Guidance and counseling services shall be implemented in accordance with
Republic Act No. 9258, the "Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004," and DepEd
Order No. 30, s. 2017.
Section 2: Roles and Responsibilities
The Guidance Counselor shall assist students in academic, personal, and social
development. Teachers and parents shall collaborate with the counselor in
identifying and addressing students’ needs.
Section 3: Implementation
Regular counseling sessions, career guidance programs, and mental health
awareness campaigns shall be conducted. A referral system for specialized cases
requiring external intervention shall be established.
Article VI: Incentives and Rewards System
Section 1: Legal Basis
The school’s incentive and reward system shall adhere to the principles of
recognition under DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2016, promoting positive reinforcement
for student achievements.
Section 2: Academic and Non-Academic Awards
Awards such as "With Honors," "Best in Subject," and "Leadership Award" shall be
granted based on established criteria. Non-academic recognitions like "Best in
Sports" and "Most Active Club Member" shall also be encouraged.
Section 3: Incentives for Teachers and Staff
Incentives for exemplary performance by teachers and staff shall be implemented,
in line with the Results-Based Performance Management System (RPMS). These
incentives may include monetary rewards, professional development opportunities,
and certificates of appreciation.
Section 4: Monitoring and Transparency
The implementation of the incentive and reward system shall be monitored by the
Awards Committee. Results and criteria shall be made transparent to all
stakeholders to ensure fairness and integrity.
Final Provisions
This handbook shall be distributed to all students, parents, and staff to ensure
awareness and compliance. Any amendments to the provisions shall be
communicated through official school channels and approved by the School
Governing Council in consultation with the DepEd Division Office.
