// Child Protection Module FOR EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS

Good child protection starts before anything happens. This seminar is designed for educators who want to take on the role of child protection officers in their institutions and prepare themselves – legally, practically, and personally – for this responsibility. Children’s Rights and Legal Foundations We clarify key terms and laws in Austrian child protection, define the role of child protection officers, and address different forms of violence – including structural and institutional dynamics. Recognising Risk Factors How does endangerment to a child’s wellbeing show itself? We discuss typical warning signs and strengthen awareness for identifying them. Options for Action What to do when something feels wrong? We outline concrete steps in case of suspicion, legal requirements, and cooperation within the support system. Preventive measures such as protection concepts and clear team procedures are also covered. Practice Reflection Through case studies and role plays, participants deepen their knowledge. We reflect on how to handle uncertainties, emotional challenges, and team tensions in a professional way. Child protection begins with knowledge – and lives through attitude. This seminar supports educators in taking responsibility, facing uncertainties, and actively shaping a culture of protection.

Child protection is rarely straightforward – especially in ambiguous, challenging, or ethically complex cases. In such situations, educators need to remain cautious, well-informed, and capable of taking action. This seminar is aimed at professionals with prior experience in child protection who want to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their ability to respond effectively. Participants will: expand their knowledge of safeguarding concepts and risk assessments for vulnerable groups (e.g. children with disabilities or in challenging life situations) analyse complex case developments and reflect on professional ways of dealing with uncertainty, ambiguity, and emotional strain work hands-on through role plays, improvisation, and small-group tasks that mirror real-life challenges The aim is to strengthen confidence in action – even when there are no easy solutions. A seminar for all who want to act responsibly, stay well connected, and never lose sight of the child in difficult situations.

Child endangerment can occur anywhere – even in well-intentioned educational contexts. Organisations working with children carry a particular responsibility: not only outwardly, but also by critically examining their own structures, processes, and blind spots. This seminar is designed for educators and teams who want to identify risks early, reflect on institutional vulnerabilities, and embed effective prevention in their daily work. Core topics include: Forms of child endangerment: physical, emotional, sexualised – and through structures or behaviours within the organisation Legal and ethical foundations for educators in Austria Risk analysis: Where do potential dangers lie within my institution – and within myself? Recognising warning signs and risk factors in everyday practice Developing clear guidelines, procedures, and safeguarding frameworks for emergencies Cooperation with authorities and specialised services in the spirit of child protection Through case studies, reflection prompts, and practical exercises, participants learn how prevention can be anchored in everyday practice – and how educational organisations can create structures where children are accompanied safely, protected, and with respect.

Statistically, in every classroom there is at least one child who has experienced sexualised violence – often without anyone knowing. The number of unreported cases is high, the silence immense – and the responsibility placed on professionals correspondingly heavy. This seminar aims to inform, break taboos, and provide practical skills to identify, establish, and implement safeguarding structures. Core contents: Fundamentals of sexualised violence: forms, dynamics, risk factors, and offender strategies Impacts on affected children and young people – psychological, social, and educational Debunking common myths and misinformation Prevention through relationships, structure, and participation Building blocks of effective safeguarding concepts in educational organisations How to respond to signs of suspicion and be approachable for those affected Methodologically, the seminar combines input, casework, reflection, and training in communication. It creates space for uncertainty – while offering guidance to act with greater confidence when it matters most.

Compassion is a vital resource in educational work – whether in responding sensitively to a distressed child or building trust through empathy. Yet sometimes compassion can tip into its opposite: when we over-identify, merge children’s feelings with our own, or take challenging behaviour personally. This seminar addresses exactly that point: it supports educators in better understanding emotional reactions, avoiding psychological boundary violations, and dealing professionally with feelings of helplessness – especially in moments of stress, strain, or overwhelm. Key themes: Understanding and avoiding emotional projection – how attribution errors affect everyday practice Recognising and interpreting one’s own feelings – reflecting on emotional triggers and behaviour patterns Boundaries and self-protection – methods to strengthen inner stability Handling helplessness – staying present even when you cannot “fix” the situation Through reflection exercises, small group work, case examples, and self-care tools, the seminar offers practical strategies for everyday work. It is designed for professionals in child protection who want to gain emotional clarity – for greater confidence in action and a mindful approach to both themselves and the children they support.