Why do I need a Child Protection Policy?
It is important that every organization operates in ways which ensure that children and young people are protected from harm. Even if your organisation is not legally required to have a child protection policy under the Children’s Act 2014, it may still be established best practice within your industry or profession. A child protection policy ensures that the safety and well-being of children is the paramount consideration in all circumstances, placing child protection at the forefront of what you do.
For many organizations not only is a child protection policy a requirement by law, but it is also the most effective way to safeguard children and young people from harm. A comprehensive and robust child protection policy demonstrates that an organization is committed to the prevention of child abuse and to the protection of children and recognizes that keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. A child protection policy provides the framework for organizations and their staff to create safe environments for children and ensures that the welfare and best interests of the child are the prime considerations when any decision is made about suspected child abuse or neglect.
The Law
The Children’s Act 2014 aims to strengthen measures for the protection of children. It is this Act that sets out the legal requirements for an organizations child protection policy, ensuring that those working with children are safe to do so.
Under the Children’s Act 2014, selected organizations must have a child protection policy which:
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Is written
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Guides staff to identify and report child abuse and neglect
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Is reviewed a minimum of every three years
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Is made available on the Internet
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The organizations which are required to adopt a child protection policy under the Act include: The Ministries of Education, Health, Justice, Social Development, Business Innovation and Employment, Maori Development (Te Puni Kōkiri)
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The New Zealand Police
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District Health Boards
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School Boards - Including private and partnership schools (Kura Hourua);
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All providers of children’s services contracted or funded by any of the above organizations.
How can Child Matters help?
Child Matters is committed to supporting organizations with the development, review and implementation of their child protection policies to ensure that they are not only keeping children, young people, and staff safe, but are also meeting all of their legislative requirements. Child Matters offers a range of tailor-made policy services so contact us today to find out more about how our specialist team can help with your organization’s child protection policy needs.