October 15, 2012

Schools and Education

Policy and Procedure Development for Schools and Educational Institutions

Michelle Peterson Consulting (MPC) works with schools and other educational institutions to create custom policies and procedures for the prevention of child abuse.

Many schools and educational organizations lack the time and expertise to put together comprehensive and effective policies and procedures for abuse prevention. Michelle brings knowledge and expertise in the field of child abuse and provides schools and educational institutions with the most effective tools for the prevention of abuse or misconduct within the organization. It is important that policy initiatives aim to prevent abuse and protect the school or organization, while also providing guidance for responding and reporting. These policies must be based on facts and not myths. Objectivity and understanding of offender population nuances are critical in order to protect children from abuse.

MPC will create child-safe policies and procedures for teachers, administrators, volunteers, students, and parents that, when followed, will minimize risk and create a safer, more effective, and enjoyable learning environment for all. Our policy and procedure documents outline abuse and misconduct prevention strategies, appropriate behavior for all stakeholders, and effective response to concerns.

We hope you will join MPC’s growing list of satisfied clients. Working together, we will help keep your school safe!

The following is a sample list of topics covered by our policy and procedure development process:

  • Analysis of Current Policies and Procedures Around Abuse Prevention – We will review your current policies and procedures around abuse prevention.
  • Development of School Code of Ethics – We will develop a code of ethics that emphasizes the importance of safety and the welfare of all stakeholders.
  • Development of Individual Codes of Conduct (COC) – We will develop clear guidelines for all stakeholders to encourage high standards for safety and appropriate behavior to reduce the risk of abuse. Documents will include:
    • Teacher COC
    • Parent COC
    • Student COC
    • Volunteer/Outside Consultant COC
  • Safe Social Media Guidelines for Teachers and Students – Social media is a popular communications tool for students and teachers, but it is also a place where abuse and misconduct can occur. We will develop policies and procedures for appropriate use to help minimize potential problems. Documentation will include guidelines for:
    • Facebook
    • Texting
    • Email
    • Twitter
  • Bathroom and Changing Area Guidelines – We will develop essential guidelines to reduce the risk of abuse and misconduct and provide support to teachers in this compromising location.
  • One-on-One Guidelines – For times when a one-on-one situation is necessary, we will develop clear guidelines for appropriate behavior.
  • Reporting and Responding to Abuse and Misconduct – Even with policies and procedures in place, a school or educational institution has the responsibility to report and respond immediately and effectively to misconduct or allegations of abuse. An institution’s response can have potential effects on the investigation, the alleged victim, students, teachers, volunteers, staff, and the institution itself.
  • Hiring Guidelines – To ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to protect the organization and its students and staff, we will develop policies and procedures that promote effective hiring practices and prevent unsuitable people from working with children.
  • Physical Contact Guidelines – We will develop clear guidelines to ensure that adults working with children are aware of what is appropriate with regard to physical contact with children.
  • Photographic and Video Recording Guidelines – With cell phones and other video recording capabilities readily available, we will develop clear guidelines regarding appropriate usage.

Additional Services:

MPC will also provide these additional services:

  • Training for implementation of policies and procedures
  • Training for teachers, staff, parents, volunteers, and others around the dynamics and prevention of abuse
  • Assistance with responses to internal abuse allegations or investigations, including coordination, planning, and execution of:
    • Community meetings
    • Media releases
    • Association or board-of-directors responses
    • Law enforcement/investigative agency communications