Family Focused Tutors maintain a goal of creating a safe environment where all students are protected and treated with respect and dignity. When given reasonable cause to suspect that the rights of children are violated, we will seek all available resources to assess and correct the situation. No FFT employee should engage in any activity at any time constituting child abuse or neglect. Tutors are obligated to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.

When abuse is disclosed or reported, the adult must treat the reporting person with an attitude of respect and belief. Any employee, parent, or child who 1) has an indication of concern regarding child safety, 2) receives a disclosure of harm, or 3) discovers alleged abuse amongst staff and/or students regardless of where it may have occurred must contact Hannah Thomas with any concerns. In the case of serious abuse, Hannah Thomas will collect detailed notes about the incident and will take necessary steps to protect the safety of the child. Follow-up steps include:

- Notifying the parents of abuse if they are not involved with the abuse.

- Notifying the school of abuse if there is a direct partnership with the school.

- Notifying the police if the child is in immediate danger.

Abuse will not be tolerated, whether the abuse occurs child-to-child or adult-to-child.

Tutors are required to notify the police if the child is in immediate danger.

Each of the following safeguards further improves safe interactions within the tutoring sessions. Family Focused Tutors management will plan and implement relevant training for employees to ensure student safety. A Biblical Basis determines how we view students and education. We strive to approach situations with love, care, and respect. A scripture that drives this approach is:

1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Discipline should be used to teach and correct rather than punish. Our educators will use effective teaching strategies to redirect poor behavior and take away privileges when the need arises. Communication should always be wholesome and above reproach. Our tutors will speak to students in a calm manner when students are misbehaving.