Especially during this period of distance learning due to the coronavirus, the Movement Against Child Abuse offers teachers, school leaders and administrators the opportunity to map out suspicions of child abuse. This can be done by following the steps in the app and using the specific information available in the app. The new assessment framework is also included in the app. The app is accessible, anonymous and intended for use in the daily practice of schools.
With the app, teachers and school leaders can go through the steps of each route in the protocol ‘child abuse and sexually transgressive behaviour’. The protocol ‘child abuse and sexually transgressive behaviour’ for education and childcare has three routes:
- Reporting code for domestic violence and child abuse in the home situation.
- Mandatory reporting in the event of suspected violence or sexual offences by an employee.
- Sexually transgressive behaviour between children.
With this structure, the user sees only the information and steps from the reporting code that apply to them at that moment. Additional explanation can be requested at each step. Throughout the process, a progress bar shows how far you have progressed through the step-by-step plan. The app is particularly suitable for use in practice, if necessary in the group, with a phone or tablet in hand.
Assessment framework
The reason for developing the app was the new assessment framework. This part of the reporting code is particularly suitable for interactive use (translated into the app). The assessment framework consists of five assessment questions. The questions are answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. With a few clicks, the user receives answers to two assessments:
- Is reporting to Veilig Thuis necessary?
- Is it also possible to provide assistance?
Use of the assessment framework has been mandatory since 1 January 2019.
Information, tips, examples and downloads in the app
In addition to the reporting code, the app also contains general information about child abuse and sexually transgressive behaviour. This includes:
- a description of the responsibilities of the teacher, school leader or administrator
(legal) obligations - an explanation of different forms of abuse
- possible signs of abuse or sexually transgressive behaviour
- preventive measures
- general information about children’s sexual development and sexually transgressive behaviour
- tips for conversations with parents and children
- tips for dealing with the media.
Observation and signs checklists can be downloaded from the app, as well as a social map containing contact details of relevant organisations. The app includes frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the reporting code for child abuse and Veilig Thuis. Finally, the app contains recognisable examples from practice.
Accessible and anonymous
Child abuse is a sensitive subject. The app makes it accessible for teachers, school leaders and administrators to use, as general information can first be looked up before deciding to apply the reporting code. They can briefly review the steps and content of the reporting code. In this way, the app’s developers hope that teachers and school leaders will recognise signs of child abuse earlier, apply the reporting code and decide whether or not to report it. Vulnerable children will then come to attention sooner and the necessary help can be provided.
No account needs to be created to use the app. No cookies are stored. The app can therefore be used completely anonymously. The Reporting Code
Child Abuse app can be downloaded from the App Store and Play Store.
Movement Against Child Abuse
The education reporting code app is based on the improved reporting code. Commissioned by the General Association of School Leaders (AVS), VO-Raad and PO-Raad, the app was developed by BOinK, the Association of Parents in Childcare. The education organisations consider it important to contribute to tackling child abuse. That is why they are part of the Movement Against Child Abuse. ‘The Movement’ is a collaboration between education and childcare aimed at bringing children who are (possibly) victims of child abuse or sexually transgressive behaviour to attention and encouraging professionals to act appropriately. The education app is an extension of the reporting code app for childcare. That app was previously developed by the three BTK childcare members (BOinK, BK and BMK). For professionals working with children from 0 to approximately 18 years of age, the app ensures that the reporting code is always directly available and applicable.
About child abuse
In the Netherlands, an estimated 119,000 children are confronted with domestic violence. On average, one child per school class is abused. That is one too many. Schools play an important role in identifying child abuse. A survey by the PO-Raad among 284 administrators in primary education shows that 80 percent of schools are aware of children in vulnerable home situations. Especially now that education is largely being provided remotely, this seems more difficult to see. The AVS therefore conducted a survey this week among one thousand school leaders about vulnerable pupils. It shows that for 74 percent of school leaders, the number of reports has remained the same; for 14 percent it has increased, and for 12 percent it has decreased.
Downloads and links
Download the Reporting Code childcare app (iOS)
Download the Reporting Code childcare app (Android)