Every organisation caring for, educating, or providing services for children and young people, must be aware of local and national child protection policies. The Fr. Ray Foundation currently has more than eight hundred children and disabled students in its care, and has a dedicated department of social workers who are devoted to the protection of the children.

The Fr. Ray Office of Child Development and Social Welfare is responsible for the protection of the children and students living at the Foundation, and is also available for advising and helping vulnerable youngsters living in the local community. The office is also responsible for informing new employees of the local policies and guidelines that they are expected to follow, as well as keeping all staff up to date on any changes or updates in the law relating to child protection.

In early May staff members from the Fr. Ray Children’s Home, Fr. Ray Children’s Village, Fr. Ray Drop-In Center, Fr. Ray Day Care Center, Pattaya School for the Blind and the Redemptorist Vocational School for People with Disabilities, attended a three day seminar and workshop where they discussed ways of recognising abuse and dealing with situations where a child may be at risk of harm. The guest speakers also suggested ways of dealing with naughty and disobedient children, and students at the Foundation, where corporal punishment is prohibited.

The Fr. Ray Foundation teaches its workers ways of dealing with children by not using the stick, not slapping a child, and not using harsh words, but instead they learn how to sort out problems in a caring manner. The Fr. Ray Foundation opens its doors and invites vulnerable, abused, orphaned and abandoned children to find a home and be part of a family. Children must feel safe, free from harm and free from the risks of danger, they must be able to live their life as children.

The protection of children is not just the work of teachers, social workers and organisations such as the Fr. Ray Foundation, but everyone in society must take responsibility. If we as members of the public witness any abuse or ill-treatment of children and young people it is our duty to report it to the proper authorities.

You can find more information on the work of the Fr. Ray Foundation and how you can help at www.fr-ray.org or email info@fr-ray.org