Child protection

Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is defined as any intentional action that physically, emotionally or sexually harms or injures a child. Abusers are commonly people trusted by the child or the family, and can be adults or young adults. Child abuse can happen to any children regardless of age, gender or race and sometimes can be difficult to identify.

Healthcare providers should consider and suspect child abuse in cases where there are risk factors for vulnerability, indicators of neglect and concerning features of child–caregiver interaction. Some of the signs include but are not limited to:

  • unexplained bruises, cuts or abrasions
  • burns marks
  • unexplained fractures or dislocations
  • behavioural concerns of the child such as emotional withdrawal or anxiety
  • developmental delays
  • poor child–caregiver interaction including adults hitting or yelling
  • children mentioning that they have been hurt by the caregiver or being fearful.

Other family risk factors include:

  • history of abuse or suspected abuse
  • family violence
  • severe social stress or lack of support
  • mental health problems in parents
  • drug or alcohol problems
  • children left home alone or being neglected
  • children repeatedly not attending school.

Who should have a child protection policy?

Under The Children's Act 2014, all organisations or providers of child services contracted by the Ministry of Health and DHBs including GP clinics must have a child protection policy. Read more about children’s worker safety checking and child protection policies.

What should be in a child protection policy?

A child protection policy should outline a step-by-step procedure or guide on actions to keep children safe in an organisation. It also shows the organisation's commitment to child protection and provides trust to the public in safeguarding children. 

What should I do if I have concerns about a child?

As a general rule of thumb, always seek help if you have concerns about a child. Call the Police on 111 if you think the matter requires urgent attention. A Report of Concern can be made by calling 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459) or by email to contact@ot.govt.nz.

Information that will be helpful for the Police or Oranga Tamariki when you call includes:

  • the name of the child
  • date of birth (if known) or even approximate age
  • address of the child/whānau (if known)
  • contact telephone numbers (if known)
  • names of other children in the household/whānau/group/team
  • names of parents/carers
  • names of adults in the household
  • names of adult you are concerned about and their relationship/jobs connected to the child
  • school or groups attended
  • name of GP and Plunket nurse
  • what you are concerned about
  • what you have seen or heard
  • who was present when you noticed something
  • if it is an injury, draw it on a drawing of a body, or use a body map if you have one (indicate left and right)
  • when it happened
  • what the child said (do not ask the child questions)
  • what the adult said or did that concerned you
  • whether it is a one-off incident or always occurring
  • what you have already done to safeguard/protect the child
  • who else is aware of your concerns or shares your concerns.

Pass on any information if you think making the Report of Concern will increase the risk to the child (eg, violence/abduction). Also provide:

  • your name
  • your job title/relationship to the child
  • your contact number and organisation.

If you want to remain anonymous, please indicate on the Report of Concern.

The following information taken from Auckland HealthPathways, NZ can be used as a guide to clinicians:

  • If immediate protection of the child is required, inform the caregiver, if safe to do so, and seek urgent intervention from Police and Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children, formerly CYF).
  • If the child is currently safe but there are significant concerns for their ongoing safety or welfare, phone Oranga Tamariki.
  • If unsure about the risk to children, seek advice from Vulnerable Children's Hub or Canterbury DHB Child and Family Safety Service.
  • If the child is safe but there are concerns about parenting skills or lack of support, request child community support services or consider referral to Vulnerable Children's Hub.

Where can I get training in protecting children?

The links below include training to help you understand child abuse and neglect, the impact on children and young people and how you can help.

Learn more

Safeguarding Children NZ
Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children, NZ
Puawaitahi – child protection multi-agency centre NZ Police 
Child abuse and neglect Auckland HealthPathways, NZ
Child Matters NZ 

References

  1. Safeguarding Children NZ
  2. Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children, NZ
  3. Child abuse and neglect Auckland HealthPathways, NZ
Credits: Health Navigator Editorial Team .