What is theCity of Innsbruck'schild protection concept?
The City of Innsbruck's child protection concept aims to put the well-being of children in the city's childcare facilities first. It is a clear commitment by the City of Innsbruck and all employees to prioritize child protection and to ensure that children can develop in a safe, loving and nurturing environment at all times.
Why is child welfare so important?
Child welfare encompasses the physical, emotional and social development of children - this is the basis for healthy development.
Child protection concepts are clearly aimed at ensuring this healthy development by formulating standards within a facility that, for example, safeguard children's rights in everyday life. The pedagogical concept and the content of the child protection concept must be seamlessly integrated.
All municipal kindergartens and after-school care centers have jointly developed the general part of the concept. Each facility then developed an individual part in more detail, which specifically addresses the framework conditions of the respective facility. In this process, the individual teams analyzed risks and resources and developed and documented measures to minimize risks and make optimal use of resources.
It is a central task of elementary educational facilities to create framework conditions that guarantee children a safe and positive environment. The child protection concept of the City of Innsbruck provides clear guidance and orientation for all employees in this context.
How is child protection ensured in the facilities?
Children are perceived as competent individuals who actively explore the world with curiosity and joy. The staff accompany this process and create learning spaces in which children can actively participate. Participation is a central children's right that is actively practiced in the facilities. The professionals are trained to recognize and support the individual needs of each child.
The child protection concept also provides clear responsibilities and procedures that are adhered to in the event of suspected violence. Staff receive regular training in order to remain mindful in their day-to-day work and to be able to act safely in sensitive situations.
What is the legal basis?
The child protection concept is based on the ban on violence in Austria, which has prohibited all forms of violence against children since 1989. The concept is also based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which sets out fundamental rights for all children, such as the right to protection from violence, education and a non-violent upbringing.
What are the different forms of violence?
Various forms of violence are defined in the child protection concept:
- Physical violence: This includes all forms of abuse, such as hitting or holding.
- Psychological violence : This includes emotional abuse, such as shaming or ignoring.
- Sexualized violence: This includes sexual assault or the showing of pornographic material.
- Neglect: This means that a child's basic needs are not met, for example inadequate nutrition or medical care.
- Structural violence: This form of violence is anchored in the structures of institutions and affects the system as a whole.
How is the concept put into practice?
The child protection concept is continuously evaluated and adapted to meet the changing needs of children and society. Staff and children are actively involved in the process to ensure that the concept remains practical and effective. Further training opportunities for staff and quality controls by the provider guarantee that the standards of the child protection concept are adhered to and further developed.