Child Safeguarding at Graded

Graded is committed to providing a safe environment for all individuals in accordance with international standards and Brazilian law. Our Child Safeguarding Policy is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Brazilian Statute of the Child and Adolescent (Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente). The policy outlines proactive measures to prevent incidents and protocols for responding to suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment. All adults interacting with students must adhere to this policy and sign a Code of Conduct, affirming their commitment to student safety and fostering a positive learning environment. We ensure that staff, volunteers, and visitors receive the necessary training and resources to fulfill their safeguarding responsibilities and support students in reaching their full potential.

Graded adheres to national laws and regulations on child safeguarding, with a policy informed by international standards endorsed by leading organizations aligned with our mission. These include:

• The Brazilian Statute of the Child and Adolescent (Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente), which ensures children's rights and legal protections in Brazil.
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which outlines fundamental rights and responsibilities toward children globally.
• The Council of International Schools (CIS), in collaboration with the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) and the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP), which establishes best practices through the Education Portal to guide schools in safeguarding children from abuse and violence.

Graded upholds the principles of the Brazilian Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) and the UNCRC, recognizing that empowering students to advocate for themselves and their peers is a crucial educational lesson. To support this, Graded has developed a comprehensive approach to educate and engage all stakeholders on safeguarding concepts.

Counselors conduct Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) sessions integrated into advisory, mentoring programs, and health classes across all divisions. Students receive annual, age-appropriate safeguarding lessons that focus on awareness and advocacy in line with Brazilian legal requirements and best practices. Counselors also engage with parents to build partnerships and address any questions.

Please contact your designated school counselors and/or principals with any specific questions you may have.