Child protection policy (NSW)

Details about the right to object to processing

Z Staffing is committed to providing a child safe environment where children’s safety and wellbeing is supported and children feel respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Z Staffing embeds the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and promotes a culture of safety and wellbeing to minimise the risk of child abuse or harm to children whilst promoting children’s sense of security and belonging. We will ensure all employees understand the meaning, importance and benefits of providing a child safe environment and critically, understand their obligations and requirements for ‘mandatory reporting’ under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW).

At all times, management, and staff will treat children with the utmost respect and understanding. Z Staffing believes that:

Children are capable of the same range of emotions as adults.
Children’s emotions are real and need to be accepted by adults.
A reaction given to a child from an adult in a child’s early stages of emotional development can be positive or detrimental depending on the adult’s behaviour.
Children who enhance their understanding of their body’s response to a situation are more able to predict the outcome and ask for help or evade a negative situation.

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS)

QUALITY AREA 2: CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY
2.2	Safety	Each child is respected.
2.2.1	Supervision	At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.
2.2.2	Incident and emergency management	Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practiced and implemented.
2.2.3	Child Protection	Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect.

EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES NATIONAL REGULATIONS
84	Awareness of child protection law
86	Notification to parents of incident, injury, trauma and illness
87	Incident, injury, trauma and illness record
147	Staff records
155	Interactions with children
168	Education and care service must have policies and procedures
175	Prescribed information to be notified to Regulatory Authority
176	Time to notify certain information to Regulatory Authority
S162 (A)	Persons in day-to-day charge and nominated supervisors to have child protection training
S165	Offence to inadequately supervise children
S167	Offence relating to protection of children from harm and hazard

LEGISLATION

Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW)	Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) (The Care Act)
Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW)	Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)

RELATED POLICIES

Child Safe Environment Policy

Code of Conduct Policy

Family Communication Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Interactions with Children, Family and Staff Policy

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

Staffing Policy

Respect for Children Policy

Responsible Person Policy

Staffing Arrangements Policy

Student and Volunteer Workers Policy

Supervision Policy

Work Health and Safety Policy

PURPOSE

At Z Staffing, our mission is to identify and mitigate potential risks of harm to children and young people. We are committed to protecting children from all types of abuse and neglect and will adhere to our moral and legislative obligations at all times.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, and any other individuals representing Z Staffing who may work in or visit childcare centres.

MANDATORY REPORTING

Mandatory reporting is the legislative requirement for selected classes of people to report suspected child abuse and neglect to government authorities. In NSW, mandatory reporting is regulated by the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW).

Classes of people who must undertake mandatory reporting include:

people who otherwise professionally work in fields that deliver health care, welfare, education, children’s services and other related services;
a person in a religious ministry or providing religious-based activities to children;
a registered psychologist providing professional services as a psychologist; and
any other classes of people contemplated by section 27 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW).

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse is any action towards a child or young person that harms or puts at risk their physical, psychological, or emotional health or development. Child abuse can be a single incident or can be a number of different incidents that take place over time.

NSW Communities and Justice identify different forms of child abuse which include- neglect, sexual, physical and emotional abuse or psychological harm. [See: Child at risk of harm and neglect for further definitions.]

INDICATORS OF ABUSE

There are common physical and behavioural signs that may indicate abuse or neglect. The presence of one of these signs does not necessarily mean abuse or neglect. Behavioural or physical signs, which assist in recognising harm to children, are known as indicators. The following is a guide only. One indicator on its own may not imply abuse or neglect. However, a single indicator can be as important as the presence of several indicators. Each indicator needs to be deliberated in the perspective of other indicators and the child’s circumstances. A child's behaviour is likely to be affected if he/she is under stress. There can be many causes of stress and it is important to find out specifically what is causing the stress. Abuse and neglect can be single incidents or ongoing and may be intentional or unintentional.

General indicators of abuse and neglect may include:

marked delay between injury and seeking medical assistance
history of injury
the child gives some indication that the injury did not occur as stated
the child tells you someone has hurt him/her
the child tells you about someone he/she knows who has been hurt
someone (relative, friend, acquaintance, and sibling) tells you that the child may have been abused.

NEGLECT

Child neglect is the continuous failure by a parent or caregiver to provide a child with the basic requirements needed for their growth and development, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care, and adequate supervision. Some examples are:

inability to respond emotionally to the child
child abandonment
unable or unwilling to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical attention safe home conditions
depriving or withholding physical contact
failure to provide psychological nurturing
treating one child differently to the others

Indicators of Neglect in children:

low weight for age and failure to thrive or develop
child not adequately supervised for their age
poor standard of hygiene leading to social isolation
scavenging or stealing food
extreme longing for adult affection
lacking a sense of genuine interaction with others
acute separation anxiety
self-comforting behaviours, e.g., rocking, sucking
delay in development milestones
untreated physical problems, such as sores, serious nappy rash and urine scalds, dental decay

SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse is when someone involves a child in a sexual activity by using their authority over them or takes advantage of their trust. Children are often bribed or threatened physically and psychologically to make them participate in the activity.

Sexual abuse includes:

exposing the child to the sexual behaviours of others
coercing the child to engage in sexual behaviour with other children or adults
verbal threats of sexual abuse
exposing the child to pornography or prostitution or using a child for pornographic purposes
previous conviction or suspicion of child sexual abuse

Indicators of Sexual Abuse

bruising or bleeding in the genital area
bruising to buttocks, lower abdomen or thighs
injuries such as tears to the genitalia
the child describes sexual acts
direct or indirect disclosures
age-inappropriate behaviour and/or persistent sexual behaviour
self-destructive behaviour- self-mutilation
regression in developmental achievements
child being in contact with a suspected or known perpetrator of sexual assault

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical abuse is when a child has suffered, or is at risk of suffering, non-accidental trauma or injury, caused by a parent, caregiver or other person. Examples include but are not limited to hitting, shaking, burning, excessive physical discipline, attempted suffocation. Educators will be particularly aware of looking for possible physical abuse if parents or caregivers:

make direct admissions about fear of hurting their children
have a family history of violence
have a history of their own maltreatment as a child
make repeated visits for medical assistance
use excessive discipline

Indicators of Physical Abuse

facial, head and neck bruising
lacerations and welts
drowsiness, vomiting, fits or pooling of blood in the eyes that may suggest head injury
explanations are not consistent with injury
bruising or marks that may show the shape of an object
adult bite marks or scratches
multiple injuries or bruises

ingestion of poisonous substances, alcohol or drugs
sprains, twists, dislocations
bone fractures
burns and scalds
general indicators of female genital mutilation, such as having a ‘special operation’.

EMOTIONAL or PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE

Psychological harm occurs where the behaviour of the parent or caregiver damages the confidence and self-esteem of the child, resulting in serious emotional deficiency or trauma. In general, it is the frequency and duration of this behaviour that causes harm. Some examples are:

constant or excessive criticism, condescending, teasing of a child or ignoring or withholding admiration and affection
excessive or unreasonable demands
persistent hostility, severe verbal abuse, and rejection
belief that a specific child is bad or ‘evil’
using inappropriate physical or social isolation as punishment
exposure to domestic violence
intimidating or threatening behaviour.

Indicators of emotional or psychological abuse

DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE (DVF)

Domestic and family violence (DVF) refers to any behaviour in a domestic relationship, which is violent, threatening coercive or controlling and causing a person to live in fear for their own or someone else’s safety. or intimate partner violence, is a violation of human rights. It involves violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour carried out by an adult against a partner or former partner to control and dominate that person.

Domestic and family violence causes fear, physical, and/or psychological harm. It is most often violent, abusive, or intimidating behaviour by a man against a woman, but can also be these behaviours by a woman against a man. Living with domestic violence has a profound effect upon children and young people and therefore constitutes a form of child abuse. (The NSW Domestic and Family Violence Action Plan 2022-2027).

Some indicators of Domestic and Family Violence – children and young people

eating and sleeping disturbances
physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches
unexplained physical injuries or excused as ‘accidents’
arms and legs are covered by clothing in warm weather
find it hard to manage stress
overly compliant behaviour
aggressive or violent behaviour towards friends and school mates, or avoids peers
feel guilt or blame themselves for violence
develop phobias and insomnia
defiant and possible manipulative, particularly with female teachers

NSW Department of Education – Wellbeing unit

CARER CONCERN RELATED TO SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Misuse of substances can cause high risk to children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Children can be at high risk of neglect. Even before birth, babies may experience adverse effects of substance misuse.

The Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) provides further information on substance misuse.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

People working or volunteering with children in New South Wales must, by law, have a Working with Children Check (WWCC). The Office of the Children’s Guardian provides checks of workers and volunteers to organisations, contributing to creating safe environments for children and other vulnerable people.

A WWCC is an assessment of whether a person poses an unacceptable risk to children. As part of the process, the Office of the Children’s Guardian will look at criminal history, child protection information and other information.

Working with Children Checks are valid for five years. Cleared applicants are subject to ongoing monitoring and relevant new records may lead to the clearance being revoked. If new information about a person means they pose a risk to children's safety, that person’s check will be re-assessed and, if necessary, they will be prohibited from working with children. The Office of the Children’s Guardian will inform both the person affected and any organisations they're linked to about the change in status.

Organisations need to be registered with the Office of the Children’s Guardian to verify employees Working with Children Checks. Working with Children Checks must be verified BEFORE the employee begins working with children.

DEFINITIONS

Mandatory reporting is the legislative requirement for selected classes of people to report suspected child abuse and neglect to government authorities.

Maltreatment refers to non-accidental behaviour towards another person, which is outside the norms of conduct and entails a substantial risk of causing physical or emotional harm. Behaviours may be intentional or unintentional and include acts of omission and commission. Specifically abuse refers to acts of commission and neglects acts of omission. Note that in practice, the terms child abuse and child neglect are used more frequently than the term child maltreatment.

Risk of Significant Harm (ROSH) refers to circumstances causing concern for the safety, welfare and wellbeing a child or young person present to a significant extent. This means it is sufficiently serious to warrant a response by a statutory authority irrespective of the family’s consent. Mandatory reporters should report their concern to the Child Protection Helpline within 24 hours.

What is significant is not minor or trivial and may reasonably be expected to produce a substantial and demonstrably adverse impact on the child's or young person's safety, welfare, or wellbeing. In the case of an unborn child, what is significant is not minor or trivial and may reasonably be expected to produce a substantial and demonstrably adverse impact on the child.

Immediate Risk of Significant Harm (IROSH) is a term used in the Mandatory Report Guide to tell reporters that they must report immediately to Communities & Justice.

Reasonable Grounds refer to the need to have an objective basis for suspecting that a child may be at risk of abuse and neglect based on:

First-hand observation of the child or family
What the child, parent or other person has disclosed
What can reasonably be indirect based on observation, professional training and/ or experience

CHILDSTORY REPORTER COMMUNITY

If a child is at immediate risk and police or medical assistance is required, educators/staff must contact emergency services immediately on 000.

Mandatory reporters in NSW should use the Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) if they have concerns that a child or young person is at risk of being neglected or physically, sexually or emotionally abused. The MRG assists in providing mandatory reporters with the most appropriate reporting decision. It is not designed to determine whether the matter constitutes risk of significant harm (ROSH). This is done at the Child Protection Helpline through the Screening and Response Priority (SCRPT) tool.

The MRG supports mandatory reporters to:

determine whether a report to the Child Protection Helpline is needed for concerns about possible abuse or neglect of a child (including unborn) or young person
identify alternative ways to support vulnerable children, young people and their families where a mandatory reporter’s response is better served outside the statutory child protection system

It is recommended that mandatory reporters complete the MRG on each occasion they have risk concerns, regardless of their level of experience or expertise. Each circumstance is different, and every child and young person is unique.

[see: NSW Child Protection MRG Support Guide- Child Care Centre Desktop]

IMPLEMENTATION

Z Staffing strongly opposes any type of abuse against a child and endorses high quality practices in relation to protecting children. Educators have an important role to support children and young people and to identify concerns that may jeopardise their safety, welfare, or wellbeing. To ensure best practice, all educators will attend approved Child Protection training certified by a registered training organisation. Educators will continue to maintain current knowledge of child protection and Mandatory Reporter requirements by completing Child Protection Awareness Training.

Z Staffing ENSURE:

all Z Staffing educators’, Working with Children Checks (WWCC) are validated unless the person meets the criteria for exemption from a WWCC. See exemption factsheet
a record is kept and updated of WWCC number and expiry date
all Z Staffing Educators are:

provided with a copy of the current Child Protection and Child Safe Environment Policies as part of the induction process at the Service
aware of their mandatory reporting obligations and responsibilities to report suspected risk or significant risk of harm to the NSW Child Protection Helpline on 132 111
clear about their roles and responsibilities regarding child protection
aware of indicators showing a child may be at risk of harm or significant risk of harm.

training and development are provided for all educator in child protection on an annual basis
educators are provided with a reporting procedure and professional standards to safeguard children and protect the integrity of educators, staff and volunteers
educators are provided with training and ongoing supervision to ensure they understand that child safety is everyone’s responsibility, and they adhere to the Child Safe Standards

access is provided to all staff regarding relevant legislations, regulations, professional standards to safeguard children and protect the integrity of educators, staff and volunteers

records of abuse or suspected abuse are kept in line with our Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
to notify the regulatory authority through the NQA-ITS (within 7 days) of any incident where it is reasonably believed that physical and/or sexual abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service
to notify the regulatory authority through the NQA-ITS (within 7 days) of any allegation that sexual or physical abuse of a child has occurred or is occurring while the child is being educated and cared for by the Service
to comply with legislation for Reportable Conduct Scheme and ensure the Office of the Children’s Guardian is notified within 7 business days of becoming aware of any allegations and/or convictions of abuse or neglect of a child made against an employee or volunteer and ensure they are investigated, and appropriate action taken.

EDUCATORS WILL:

contact the police on 000 if there is an immediate danger to a child and intervene if it is safe to do so.
be able to recognise indicators of abuse
respect what a child discloses, taking it seriously and following up on their concerns through the appropriate channels
comprehend they are mandatory reporters under the legislation and their requirement to report any situation where they believe on reasonable grounds that a child is at risk of significant harm to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 (available 24 hours/7 days a week)
have completed online training to understand the child protection reporting process and use of the Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) https://reporter.childstory.nsw.gov.au/s/mrg
complete the MRG on each occasion they have concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing
follow the advice provided by the MRG outcome and submit an eReport through ChildStory Reporter website if required see: Responding to incidents, disclosures and suspicions of child abuse or harm NSW
refer families to appropriate agencies where concerns of harm do not meet the threshold of significant harm. These services may be located through CWU (Child Wellbeing Units) or/and FRS (Family Referral Services) at https://www.familyconnectsupport.dcj.nsw.gov.au/ Family consent will be sought before making referrals.

promote the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of children at the Service
provide a child safe environment for all children
allow children to be part of decision-making processes where appropriate
prepare accurate records recording exactly what happened, conversations that took place and what was observed to pass on to the relevant authorities to assist with any investigation
understand that allegations of abuse or suspected abuse against them are treated in the same way as allegations of abuse against other people
NOT investigate suspicion of abuse or neglect but collect only enough information to substantiate concerns and pass on to the Child Protection Helpline or appropriate authority.

DOCUMENTING A SUSPICION OF HARM

If educators have concerns about the safety of a child, they will:

seek guidance from the Nominated Supervisor/Responsible Person
record their concerns in a non-judgmental and accurate manner as soon as possible
record their own observations as well as precise details of any discussion with a parent (who may for example explain a noticeable mark on a child)
not endeavour to conduct their own investigation

document as soon as possible so the details are accurate including:

child’s personal details (name, address, DOB, details of siblings)
time, date and place of the suspicion
full details of the suspected abuse
date of report and signature

[see: Child Protection Notification- Observation Record]

DOCUMENTING A DISCLOSURE

A disclosure of harm emerges when someone, including a child, tells you about harm that has happened or is likely to happen. When a child discloses that he or she has been abused, it is an opportunity for an adult to provide immediate support and comfort and to assist in protecting the child from the abuse. It is also a chance to help the child connect to professional services that can keep them safe, provide support and facilitate their recovery from trauma. Disclosure is about seeking support and your response can have a great impact on the child or young person's ability to seek further help and recover from the trauma.

WHEN RECEIVING A DISCLOSURE OF HARM, THE NOMINATED SUPERVISOR, RESPONSIBLE PERSON OR EDUCATOR WILL:

give the child or young person their full attention
remain calm and find a private place to talk
not make promises that can't be kept. For example, never promise that you will not tell anyone else
honestly tell the child or young person what you plan to do next
tell the child/person they have done the right thing in revealing the information but that they’ll need to tell someone who can help keep the child safe
only ask enough questions to confirm the need to report the matter because probing questions could cause distress, confusion and interfere with any later enquiries
let the child or young person take his or her time
let the child or young person use his or her own words
not attempt to conduct their own investigation or mediate an outcome between the parties involved
not confront the perpetrator
document as soon as possible so the details are accurately captured including:

time, date and place of the disclosure
‘word for word’ what happened and what was said, including anything they (the staff member/educator) said and any actions that have been taken
date of report and signature.

CONFIDENTIALITY

It is important that any notification remains confidential, as it is vitally important to remember that no confirmation of any allegation can be made until the matter is investigated. The individual who makes the notification should not inform the suspected perpetrator (if known). This ensures the matter can be investigated without contamination of evidence or pre-rehearsed statements. It also minimises the risk of retaliation on the child for disclosing.

INDICATORS

All reporters are protected against retribution for making or proposing to make a report under amendments to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) effective 1 March 2020. The identity of the reporter is protected by law from being disclosed, except in certain exceptional circumstances. Provided the report is made in good faith:

the report will not breach standards of professional conduct
the report cannot lead to defamation and civil and criminal liability
the report is not admissible in any proceedings as evidence against the person who made the report
a person cannot be compelled by a court to provide the report or disclose its contents
the identity of the person making the report is protected.

A report is also an exempt document under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW).

SHARING OF INFORMATION

Chapter 16A of the NSW Children and Young Person (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW)provides for the exchange of information and cooperation between prescribed bodies, if the information relates to the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or young person.

Sharing personal information about children and their families must be lawful, which means either gaining consent, or working within relevant legislation. Information sharing by consent, where possible, is important to meaningful work with families to facilitate change. Consent may be obtained verbally or in writing; however, you should not seek consent if doing so might compromise the safety of a child or any other person.

Information can only be shared between prescribed bodies. Prescribed bodies or organisations include:

NSW Police
public service agencies or public authorities
private and public schools, and TAFE establishments
health care providers
OOHC providers
organisations that have direct responsibility for, or direct supervision of, the provision of health care, welfare, education, children’s services, residential services or law enforcement, wholly or partly to children or their parent/s.

To provide or request information it must relate to the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a particular child or class of children. The information must be for the purposes of assisting a prescribed body to:

make any decision, assessment or plan or to initiate or conduct any investigation, or to provide any service, relating to the safety and welfare of the child or class of children, or
manage any risk to the child or class of children that might arise in the prescribed body’s capacity as an employer or designated agency.

BREACH OF CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

All educators and staff working with children have a duty of care to support and protect children. A duty of care is breached if a person:

does something that a reasonable person in that person’s position would not do in a particular situation
fails to do something that a reasonable person in that person’s position would do in the circumstances
acts or fails to act in a way that causes harm to someone the person owes a duty of care.

MANAGING A BREACH IN CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Management will investigate the breaches in a fair, unbiased and supportive manner by:

discussing the breach with all people concerned and advising all parties of the process
giving the educator/staff member the opportunity to provide their version of events
documenting the details of the breach, including the versions of all parties
recording the outcome clearly and without bias
ensuring the matters in relation to the breach are kept confidential
reach a decision based on discussion and consideration of all evidence.

OUTCOME OF A BREACH IN CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Depending on the nature of the breach outcomes may include:

emphasising the relevant element of the child protection policy and procedure
providing closer supervision
further education and training
providing mediation between those involved in the incident (where appropriate)
disciplinary procedures if required
reviewing current policies and procedures and developing new policies and procedures if necessary.

REPORTABLE CONDUCT SCHEME- ALLEGATIONS AGAINST EDUCATORS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS or STUDENTS (or contractors)

The Approved Provider has the legislative obligation under the Reportable Conduct Scheme to notify the Office of the Children’s Guardian of reportable allegations and convictions against their employees (including volunteers and contractors), investigate the allegation and advise the Office of the outcome. In addition, the Approved Provider must take appropriate action to prevent reportable conduct by employees.

All educators and staff members of Z Staffing have an obligation to report relevant allegations of a child protection nature as part of the Reportable Conduct Scheme to the Approved Provider or OCG. This reportable conduct may have occurred either within work hours or outside work hours. A child is anyone under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged conduct occurred.

In addition, the Approved Provider must take appropriate action to prevent reportable conduct by employees. The Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW) (the Act), effective 1 March 2020, defines the head of an organisation as a ‘relevant entity’. An approved education and care service is listed at Schedule 1 of the Act as an ‘entity’.

The Approved Provider must notify the Children’s Guardian within seven (7) business days and conduct an investigation into the allegations. 7-day notification form Reportable Conduct Directorate: (02) 8219 3800. (Monday – Friday). A final report of the investigation must be ready to submit within 30 calendar days or provide information about the progress of the investigation to the Children’s Guardian. 30 Day interim report form.

The Approved Provider must send a report to the Office of the Children’s Guardian that enables the Office of the Children’s Guardian to determine whether the investigation was completed satisfactorily and whether appropriate action was or can be taken. The Approved Provider must ensure an appropriate level of confidentiality of information relating to the reportable allegations as per the Act or other legislation. The heads of relevant entities have obligations under section 57 of the Act to disclose ‘relevant information’ to the following persons unless they are satisfied that the disclosure is not in the public interest:

a child to whom the information relates
a parent of the child
if the child is in out-of-home care- an authorised carer that provides out-of-home care to the child.

[See: Office of the Children's Guardian for further information.]

The Children’s Guardian will monitor the entity’s response and may conduct their own investigation. The Children’s Guardian Act 2019 (NSW) defines reportable conduct as:

a sexual offence has been committed against, with or in the presence of a child
sexual misconduct with, towards or in the presence of a child
ill-treatment of a child
neglect of a child
an assault against a child
behaviour that cause significant emotional or psychological harm to the child

EDUCATING CHILDREN ABOUT PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR

Our program will educate children

about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and what is appropriate and inappropriate contact at an age-appropriate level and understanding
about their right to feel safe at all times
to say ‘no‘ to anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable
about how to use their own knowledge and understanding to feel safe
to identify feelings that they do not feel safe
the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ secrets
that there is no secret or story that cannot be shared with someone they trust
that educators are available for them if they have any concerns
to tell educators of any suspicious activities or people
to recognise and express their feelings verbally and non-verbally
that they can choose to change the way they are feeling.