INTERNATIONAL KARATE ORGANIZATION KYOKUSHINKAIKAN, CANADA

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 

(Revised October 2007) 

Introduction 

The IKOK-C recognizes that child protection should not be treated in isolation. To ensure a consistent and effective approach we will: 

·        The Board of Directors will take guidance given by Local Authorities and Child Protection Agencies;

·        We will ensure that all instructors are properly vetted. This procedure will require criminal records check;

·        We may ask for the names of two references that are prepared to provide written affidavits for the instructor. The references may be contacted personally by the IKOK-C Board of Directors.

·        All instructors agree to adhere to the direction in the IKOK-C Child Protection Policy. (October 2007)

 

Statement of Purpose

The IKOK-C believes that every child, regardless of age, has at all times and in all situations a right to feel safe and protected from any situation or practice that results in a child being physically or psychologically damaged. If we have suspicions about a child's physical, sexual, or emotional well being we will take action. 

What is child abuse? Child abuse can take many forms.  

Physical abuse

·        Physically hurting or injuring a child;

·        When the nature and intensity of training exceeds the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body;

Neglect

·        Failure to provide a training environment that caters for a child’s basic physical needs (e.g. lighting, heating, toilet facilities);

·        Leaving a child unsupervised;

·        Exposing a child to undue risk of injury; 

　

Sexual abuse

·        Inappropriate physical contact with a child;

Emotional abuse

·        Shouting at, or verbally abusing a child;

·        Inappropriate criticism of a child;

·        Creating unrealistic pressure to perform to high expectations;

·        Where there is neglect, sexual or physical abuse.

 

 

Child Protection  

IKOK-C members are expected to reduce situations for abuse of children by adhering to good practice.

         It does not make sense to:

·        Spend excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others;

·        Take children alone in a car on journeys, however short;

·        Take children to your home alone.

 

You should never:

·        Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games;

·        Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form;

·        Allow children to use inappropriate language;

·        Make sexually suggestive comments to or in front of a child;

·        Let allegations a child makes go unchallenged or unrecorded;

·        Do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves (if a child is young or disabled it may be necessary to assist in such things, but this should be done with full parental consent).

 

IKOK-C members are also in a position to recognize signs of a child being abused outside of classes. It is your responsibility to act if you have concerns with regards to the well being of a child. 

 

Signs, which may indicate abuse, include:

·        Unexplained bruising or injuries;

·        Sexually explicit language or actions;

·        Sudden changes in behavior;

·        Something a child has said;

·        A change observed over a long period of time (e.g. loss of weight, or becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt);

If you have concerns you should

·        Discuss your concerns with the child’s parents, guardian or care-givers;

·        Contact the police or social services (these services have a duty under legislation to ensure children are protected and to help those that have been abused);

·        Advice can be obtained from the Help Line for Children by dialing 0 and asking the operator for Zenith 1234. (Toll free 24hrs). There is also a counseling and referral phone number for children called the Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.

 

To Summarize

1. Instructors should understand what child abuse is;
2. Avoid situations for abuse of children by adhering to good practice;
3. Recognize the signs of a child being abused outside of your classes;
4. If you have concerns, do something.