Child Protection

Policy

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm and abuse. We understand our responsibilities under:

• Children's Act 2014
• Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
• Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017
• Privacy Act 2020
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

We take concerns about children' safety seriously:

• There is a clear process for reporting suspected abuse
• New staff are trained to recognise and respond to suspected abuse as part of their induction and orientation.
• We ensure all new staff are safety checked before employment is confirmed. Existing children's workers are safety checked every three years.

Q77

The designated child protection person at our practice is the lead clinician. If abuse or neglect is suspected, detected, or disclosed, practice staff have a professional obligation to report any concerns about child wellbeing and safety to that person, or another senior general practitioner (unless there is a conflict of interest).

Under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and Family Violence Act 2018, health professionals may proactively disclose patient information to another agency, e.g. police or Oranga Tamariki, if someone's safety is at risk. See also Disclosing Patient Information.

Responding to disclosures or suspected child abuse

For physical and behavioural indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect in children, and adult behaviour that may indicate abuse, refer to Child Matters: How can I tell? Recognising child abuse.

It is not the practice's role to interview the child and family if abuse is suspected. This should be done by Oranga Tamariki and/or police.

Family violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence IPV

Resources

Body Map - Safeguarding Children

Guidance for Sharing Information – Oranga Tamariki

Handling Disclosures of Child Abuse - Child Matters

Information Sharing Provisions – Safeguarding Children

Report of Concern – Safeguarding Children