Dear Readers,

I have a one-year-old niece and a three-year-old nephew. Those kids are my whole world, and honestly, I’d do anything to keep them safe. When the theme of “Children Matter” was suggested for this issue, it felt like a no-brainer. Children are the heart of our communities, the promise of our future, and the most precious treasures we have.

In our upcoming issue, we shine a spotlight on the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being and development in our programming and ministries. We’re going to delve into crucial aspects of ensuring their safety, nurturing their growth, and supporting their families.

The article “Falling Through the Cracks,” confronts the uncomfortable reality of weak links in children’s programming where abuse can occur. We explore why certain programs, activities, and events carry higher risks and discuss actionable steps to keep our children safe. In “A Mother’s Reflection,” Melodie Bissell offers a poignant diary-style piece, sharing her insights as a mother and grandmother. Her reflections offer valuable lessons for parents and caregivers.

“Balancing Act: Embracing Risky Play While Prioritizing Safety” tackles the challenge of fostering adventurous play while maintaining a safe environment. We delve into strategies for planning, preparing, preventing and responding to risks, ensuring children can enjoy enriching experiences while staying safe.

In our PROTECT Profile, we spotlight Peoples Christian Academy Early Learning Center, an organization dedicated to implementing Plan to Protect^®. Through their commitment to safeguarding the little ones they serve, they exemplify the importance of child protection. 

Sarah Chaudhery, a pediatric occupational therapist, shares her expertise in “Integrating Children with Disabilities.” She highlights the benefits of inclusivity in our programs and offers insights into creating environments that support all children’s unique needs. Handling difficult parents can be a challenge for anyone working in children’s programming. In “How to Handle Parents: A Survival Guide for Managing Difficult Parents,” we provide practical tips for navigating these interactions, ensuring positive relationships for the benefit of the children. 

Lastly, we shine a light on Autism in Mind, a charity dedicated to providing comprehensive support for families and children on the autism spectrum. Their story inspires us to embrace diversity and inclusion in our programs.

As we explore these important topics, our goal is not only to inform but also to inspire action and meaningful change. We invite you to engage with these articles, share your insights, and join us in creating environments where every child is valued, protected and empowered.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the well-being of our children. Together we can make a difference. Children matter!

Tori Bissell

Editor-in-Chief

PROTECT Magazine



We often remind our clients that we don’t know what we don’t know. Each year, we set high growth goals for ourselves to continuously learn and then share our learnings with you!

What about you... How are you growing in your knowledge of safeguarding? 

For example, did you know that…

• “Selfies” can be extremely hazardous? Between 2011 and 2018, 259 people died while taking or attempting to take a selfie. It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but a picture is not worth your life.

• More than 25,000 children under the age of five are admitted to the emergency room every year for accidental poisoning?

• Every Dutch police car has a teddy bear, easily available to be a comfort in an event involving a child? We should all adopt this practice!

• In 2020, nearly 19,000 people landed in the ER for grill-related injuries?

• In 2018, the age of protection increased in Ontario from 16 to 18? As a result, 16 and 17-year-olds are now eligible for the full range of child protection services!

• In Nova Scotia, everyone has a duty to immediately report even a suspicion of child abuse of those 18 years of age and younger?

• To qualify for abuse coverage, insurance companies now require you to have abuse prevention protocols in place for vulnerable adults?

• Safety signs that inform you of danger can reduce workplace accidents by up to 80%?

• You cannot continue to use Plan to Protect^® training materials if your certification was completed prior to 2021?

We believe lifelong learning is so important, so we are calling back our old training materials. We have granted trainers permission to use these materials, but they were NEVER intended to be resources for 5, 10, or 15 years. Training materials expire as do certifications.