• Our Centre is committed to the care and protection of children. The safety of children will be given primary consideration, at all times
• We acknowledge and recognise signs and symptoms of child abuse as set out in the “Prevent Child Abuse” publication by Ministry of Education 1993. - Pages 6 to 11.
• Child Abuse means the harming (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually), ill treatment, neglect or deprivation of any child.
• We are committed to supporting families and will work with them whenever possible to ensure their child is safe.

• All staff receive training on dealing with abuse at induction and yearly.  
• All staff have knowledge of the correct procedure of reporting suspected abuse.
• Staff understand this policy and have access to it at all times.
• Staff attend courses related to child abuse throughout the year.

• We will work with all agencies that help us keep children safe.
• The Police
• Child Youth and Family
• Child Protection Studies 

• Any child suspected of suffering from abuse must receive prompt attention.
• At all times children should be safeguarded against the possibility of child abuse.
• Staff should act on their concerns.
• Always believe what the child tells you and what you see rather than what adults say.
• Never work alone.  Child abuse is a complex and emotionally demanding area.
• No staff member or caregiver should deal with incidents of suspected child abuse without the consultation and support of the Supervisor or Directors.
• All information must be recorded factually and accurately as soon as possible.
• We will always support the role of the Police and/or Child Youth and Family, BUT BEFORE releasing a child we will request a warrant or court order.

The procedure for any person (parent or staff) who has reasonable cause to suspect abuse, either within the centre grounds or out of the centre, is as follows: 

The interest and protection of the child is paramount in all actions.

Your first obligation (after ensuring the child is in no immediate danger) is to immediately advise the most senior person available.  

If a child discloses abuse you should NOT ask questions (see the below section on 'interviewing') but sit and listen to the child.  Thank the child for telling you and then affirm to the child that you believe them and that they will be safe, as you are going to get help for them.  Then IMMEDIATELY tell the most senior person and record on paper immediately exactly what was done and said (as per the below section on 'Recording').

The most senior person available must contact the Supervisor and/or the Trustees who will contact the New Zealand Police and/ Child Youth and Family WITHOUT DELAY.  

The Supervisor and/or Trustees will follow all instructions given by the authorities.  The Supervisor and/or Trustees will only contact parents of any child about any suspected abuse if the authorities direct us to. It will also be up to the authorities whether the child should return home.  The centre will offer care for the child until the authorities find an alternative safe place for the child to go.

All matters related to individual cases are confidential to those directly involved and should under no circumstances be discussed with other staff, other parents, children or any other person in or outside the Centre, unless specifically authorised to do so by Management.  Failure to observe this procedure of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Full and detailed written records are to be kept (as directed by Management) of every related discussion or act or incident which involves parent, child, accused or staff member from the first instance of suspected child abuse.

Staff do not assume responsibility for action or advice beyond the level of their own expertise.

The record should reflect:

• the seriousness of risk to the child
• what appropriate follow-up action is required
• who will be responsible for actioning the decision made

 Information should include:

• type of abuse suspected
• who noticed the abuse, and their relationship to the child
• signs and symptoms, for example:-physical, emotional, sexual, behavioural
• particular incidents with dates, times and places if possible
• action taken (Report to Police and/or Child Youth and Family).
• propose further recording of situation as outlined above.

When it is alleged that abuse or ill-treatment of a child has been perpetrated by a member of staff involved with the Childcare Centre no attempt will be made to protect the staff member, or organisation, but the matter will be reported as soon as possible to Management and to the statutory authorities.

While an investigation is being conducted, the staff member under suspicion will be suspended from all duties and responsibilities where they have any contact with the children.

While an investigation is in process Management has the responsibility to ensure that the child concerned is not only safe but is also given continued appropriate support.

Similarly the organisation has the responsibility to ensure that the alleged offender is given the support they need.  This support would come from outside the organisation.  Regardless of where it comes from, the Management has the responsibility to see that the staff member receives support during the time of inquiry, and beyond.

PLEASE:

• Do not work alone
• Do not investigate the child (only Child Youth and Family and the Police have the mandate to investigate)
• Do not question or counsel the alleged offender.
• Do not make any decisions in isolation.
• Do not presume that you have any expertise unless very experienced and qualified in child-abuse work.
• Do not voluntarily release records relating to the child to the Police for prosecution purposes (this organisation will always adopt a co-operative attitude—any records sought by Police of Child Youth and Family under legislative or other authority will be willingly provided).