Did you know our school has a Child Protection Officer?

Although students often find counselors to get some advice for college applications and future career paths, we tend to forget the primary responsibility of the counseling officers – to offer students mental and physical protection, assistance, and guidance. In the Counseling Office, Ms. Kimberly Grace‘s job as a Child Protection Officer (CPO) is the least known to the student body, but she has been tasked with safeguarding our physical well-being and mental health.

According to Ms. Grace, her main purpose as a CPO is to investigate “allegations of abuse or neglect, ensure that the guardians are notified immediately, unless doing so would put the child to further risk, and to help families through providing follow-up services when designated by the Child Protection Team.” Ms. Grace encourages students to approach her for any pressing concerns, including issues like cyber-bullying, discrimination, and physical abuse. She also emphasizes that “we are here and trained to help you with other situations [besides] these as well.” With the increasing size of the student body and the school, young students (who have been under-represented) are more vulnerable to abuse and left without counseling resources. One step in the right direction, however, has been the addition of a Child Protection Officer.

Ms. Grace acknowledges that some students may not be comfortable with opening up a discussion about their struggles; however, these issues are difficult to handle alone and can be effectively resolved with a trusted adult, like the CPO. “If you are experiencing or know of anyone that is experiencing an issue of abuse–mentally, physically, or emotionally–I would advise you to seek help from a trusted adult.”

Ms. Grace and the counseling team hope that students can understand that they are here as a resource for all students and faculty. Therefore, if you feel that an issue of abuse needs to be addressed, “Ms. Grace has office hours set aside specifically for counseling from 1:15-1:50 and is more than willing to give you a pass back to class.” Whether it is a small, folded piece of concern in the drop box outside of the counseling office or a conversation with the teachers themselves, the counseling team encourages students to visit them whenever guidance or a word of encouragement is needed.

Featured Image – Featuring Ms. Grace Courtesy of Jennifer Kwon