Child Protection Policy

The following is a summary of our complete Child Protection policy. Contact admin@dayspring.org.nz for the complete policy document.

Purpose

This document outlines our organisation’s commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring their safety in all services we provide. It aims to ensure that potential and actual abuse, neglect, and general concerns about a child’s wellbeing are identified and appropriately addressed.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Children we engage with through our service provision.

• Children of tangata wha ora/tangata whaikaha who are parents or guardians.

• Children of clients using our services.

• Children in households visited by our staff for service provision.

• Healthcare workers we employ or contract.

Staff and Volunteer Requirements

• Student placements must fulfil all safety check requirements and will not provide services to children independently.

• Volunteers are not permitted to provide direct services to children.

Commitment to Safeguarding

• The safety and security of children is our highest priority.

• Our organisation is culturally responsive in all safeguarding processes.

• We acknowledge the increasing awareness of child abuse and neglect and are committed to making a positive impact in addressing these issues.

• We promote a workplace culture where staff can confidently raise concerns or challenge poor practices without fear of reprisal.

• A designated role leads our child protection processes.

• Staff who observe or receive disclosures of abuse or neglect are provided with debriefing and support.

• We follow the Safeguard New Zealand Framework: Recognise, Respond, Report, Refer, Review, Renotify, and Reflect.

Legislation and References

This policy aligns with the following legal frameworks:

• Children’s Act 2014

• Children’s (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children’s Workers) Regulations 2015

• Crimes Amendment Act 2007

• Family Violence Act 2018

• Oranga Tamariki Act 1989

• Privacy Act 2020

Additional resources include:

• Child Matters

• Disclosing Information. Oranga Tamariki.

• Introduction To Principles Guiding Provision Of Health & Disability Services. KidsHealth

• Oranga Tamariki: Children’s Teams.

• Real Skills Plus ICAMH/AOD Competency Framework. Whāraurau

• Requirements under the Children’s Act

• Safeguarding Children – Tiakina ngā tamariki

• Working together to keep children and young people safe

Definition of a Child

A child is defined as:

• A person under the age of 18 years.

• A person under 21 years who has been placed in care.

• A person under 25 years receiving transition support from Oranga Tamariki under Part 7 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

(Children’s Act 2014, Version 1 July 2023)