Contents

Sections

1. Purpose
2. Scope
3. Definitions
4. Principles
5. Responsibilities
6. Child Protection Procedures
7. Safe Employment of Staff
8. Training of Staff
9. Safe Working Practices
10. Dealing with allegation made against members of staff regarding inappropriate actions with children

Appendix

1. Definitions of Child Abuse
2. Responding to Child Abuse
3. Education Council Criterion for reporting Serious Misconduct

1. Purpose

1.1 The most effective way to safeguard children is to have a comprehensive and effective policy, with attached practices and guidelines. This Policy is written under the principle that children and young people attending Early Childhood on Stafford have a right to feel safe and comfortable in that contact.

1.2 The purpose of this policy is to provide Early Childhood on Stafford staff guidelines by which to identify and respond appropriately to concerns of abuse and neglect, and to understand their role in keeping children safe.

1.3 This policy has been written in accordance with the following legislation:

• Education Act 1989
• Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act, 1989
• Crimes Act, 1961
• Domestic Violence Act, 1995
• Health Act, 1956
• Health and Disability Sector Standards Regulations, 2001
• Privacy Act, 1993
• Health Information Privacy Code, 1994
• Vulnerable Children's Act, 2014
• Care of Children Act, 2004
• Employment Relations Act, 2000
• Human Rights Act

1.4 This Policy will be reviewed annually, and updated regularly in the light of operational experience and in line with changes in legislation and associated policies.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy covers all staff of Early Childhood on Stafford who have direct or indirect contact with children. This includes those staff, paid or voluntary, employed directly by Early Childhood on Stafford,

as well as those professionals contracted or invited to provide services to children in the care of Early Childhood on Stafford. This includes teaching and non-teaching staff.

2.2 This policy covers the Directors of Early Childhood on Stafford and their responsibilities in the safety and wellbeing of children.

3. Definitions

3.1 For the purposes of this Policy "Child" means a boy or girl under the age of 14 years, "Young person" means a boy or girl of or over the age of 14 years but under 17 years; but does not include any person who is          or has been married or in a civil union (Children, Young Person, and Their Families Act 1989, Section 2).

3.2 For the purpose of this Policy "Staff" means people working at Early Childhood on Stafford and includes employees, contractors, consultants, students, associates and volunteers whether working on

a full time,  part time, casual, or temporary basis.

3.3 The Children, Young Persons and their Families Act, 1989, defines child abuse as "...the harming (whether physically, emotionally, sexually), ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, or deprivation of any child or young person".

4. Principles

4.1 This Child Protection Policy confirms the commitment of Early Childhood on Stafford to the   protection of children and proceeds to:

• define child abuse
• establish what action is required when allegations are made against staff
• explore the implications for staff training

4.2 Early Childhood on Stafford will ensure that:

• Staff are carefully selected with the principles of this policy in mind.
• Staff are appropriately trained in issues of child protection.
• Staff are aware of the Child Protection Policy and accompanying procedures and/or guidelines.

4.3 Early Childhood on Stafford recognises that all staff have a full and active part to play in protecting students from harm. Overall responsibility, implementation and review of this policy rests with the Principal of Early Childhood on Stafford.

4.4 All services provided by Early Childhood on Stafford for the safety and wellbeing of children adhere to the principles of partnership, protection and participation; and the rights and responsibilities accorded by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

5. Responsibilities

5.1 Any member of staff, paid or voluntary, may directly witness child abuse or have allegations, made by a child or an adult, relayed to them. There may also be disclosures of abuse that have occurred prior to attending Early Childhood on Stafford. Sustained abuse and neglect of children, wherever it occurs, can have major long-term effects on all aspects of children's health, development and well-being and their ability to sustain stable and meaningful relationships in the future. It is the intention of Early Childhood on Stafford to ensure that all staff understand their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the safety of children at all times. This is achieved through consistent and agreed protocols regarding child protection, as well as the regular undertaking of awareness raising training.

5.2 Each member of staff must:

• be aware of, and alert to, potential indicators of abuse or neglect
• record a factual account of any concerns they have, or that are brought to their attention
• appropriately seek advice and support from their Designated Person for Child Protection who will then contact external agencies if appropriate
• work in co-operation with the parents and caregivers, unless this compromises the safety of the child.

5.3 It is the primary responsibility of staff to be vigilant, have knowledge and awareness of the indicators or neglect, potential or actual abuse and to report any concerns, suspicions or allegations of suspected abuse immediately and ensure that the concern is taken seriously and reported.

5.4 The statutory responsibility to investigate allegations of child abuse rests with Ministry of Vulnerable Children Oranga Tamariki and the Police.

Role of the Directors

5.5 The role of the Directors are to:

• Ensure the needs and rights of children come first i.e. the safety and wellbeing of each child is paramount.
• Receive information that suggests potential or actual risk of harm to a child who attends Early Childhood on Stafford, irrespective of whether the alleged abuse is current, past or likely to occur. They will advise and support staff and, on the basis of the initial detail, will make a decision as to whether or not to delegate to the Designated Person for Child Protection for further action.
• Delegate to the Designated Person for Child Protection appropriate action and responsibilities as concerns are raised.
• Make any referrals to Ministry of Children Oranga Tamariki as appropriate.
• Ensure that all allegations are managed appropriately. No investigation will occur without appropriate consultation and a decision whether a response from Ministry of Children Oranga Tamariki or the Police is required.
• Ensure that allegations or complaints are appropriately referred to the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (EDUCANZ).
• Ensure that the Child Protection Policy is effectively implemented throughout Early Childhood on Stafford.
• Ensure that all staff are aware of, and have access to, full copies of the procedures for reporting child abuse.
• Ensure that all staff are recruited and employed in accordance with the guidelines identified in the Employment Policy to identify those people safe to work with children.
• Ensure that all staff receive child protection training.

Role of the Designated Person for Child Protection

5.6 The role of the Designated Person for Child Protection is to:

• Ensure the needs and rights of children come first i.e. the safety and wellbeing of each child is paramount.
• Ensure and safeguard clear, confidential, detailed and dated records on all child protection cases. These must contain all available information relating to the cause for concern and any subsequent action taken, including when it has been decided not to make a notification to Ministry of Children Oranga Tamariki or the police. These records will be kept separate from student's records for the purpose of confidentiality.
• Establish a close link with the relevant local agencies to ensure clear and effective communication and be a recognised contact within Early Childhood on Stafford for agencies to contact regarding concerns.
• Work closely and effectively with the Directors, ensuring information is appropriately shared to effectively safeguard the child.
• Ensure that all staff are supported appropriately when dealing with child protection concerns.
• Consult with the Directors regarding all child protection concerns.

6. Child Protection Procedures

6.1 All staff will respond to concerns of child abuse by following the identified procedures,   consulting appropriately and collaborating with external agencies.

6.2 The procedures set out below will help staff with:

• the identification of abuse
• handling disclosures, whether verbal or behavioural, from a child
• reporting procedures

Identification of abuse

6.3 If the Designated Person for Child Protection is unavailable for advice and guidance then staff should consult with the Directors.  At any time staff may seek advice from Ministry of Children Oranga Tamariki (0508 FAMILY) or Police regarding child protection concerns.

Further information regarding signs and indicators of abuse is included in the Appendix.

Handling disclosures from a child

6.5 If a child makes a verbal disclosure to a member of staff it is important that staff take what the child says seriously. This applies irrespective of the setting, or the member of staff's own opinion on what the child is   saying.

Further information regarding responding to a disclosure is included in the Appendix.

Child-on-Child Harmful Behaviours

6.7 It is important to be aware that children can harm other children. These behaviours are outside of what may be considered the normal range, and can extend to bullying, violence or sexual assault. Therefore when a child alleges inappropriate harmful behaviour by another child then the child protection procedures outlined in this policy must be considered for both the children.

Suicidal Concerns or Self-Harming Behaviours

6.8 It is important to be aware that children can harm themselves or attempt suicide. When a child identifies thoughts of suicide, or self-harming behaviour, this must be immediately notified to the Designated Person for Child Protection. If immediate action is required phone {mental health team at local hospital}.

Reporting procedures

6.9 All concerns of potential, suspected or alleged abuse must be brought to the attention of the Designated Person for Child Protection. If the Designated Person for Child Protection is unavailable then consultation should occur with the Directors. A decision will be made as to whether to seek further advice or notify Ministry of Children Oranga Tamariki.

When reporting an incident staff should:

• Inform the Designated Person for Child Protection as soon as possible
• Record in writing all conversations and actions taken

6.10 Effective documentation, including referrals and notifications, must include the following:

• Record of facts, including observations, with time and date
• What was said and by whom, using the person's words
• What action has been taken, by whom and when

Keeping the child's family informed and involved

6.11 Although the parent or caregiver of the child will usually be informed of concerns, there may be times when those with parental responsibility may not be initially informed. This may happen when:

• the parent or caregiver is the alleged perpetrator
• it is possible that the child may be intimidated into silence
• there is a strong likelihood that evidence will be destroyed
• the child does not want their parent or caregiver involved and they are of an age when they are competent to make that decision

Sharing Information and Confidentiality

6.12 The safety of a child is paramount.  At times a child is unable to speak for or protect themselves.  Therefore Early Childhood on Stafford has a greater responsibility to know when and how to share appropriate information with external agencies to protect the safety and well-being of children.

6.13 Giving information to protect children better is not a breach of confidentiality. Wherever possible the family/whanau should be kept informed of what information has been shared and to which agency, and for what purpose. Principle 11 of the Privacy Act, 1993, states "disclosure of the information is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat".

1. Early Childhood on Stafford be contacted with a requested for information or access to interview a child then the following procedure will be followed:

• Confirm identity and credentials of person requesting information
• Notify the Directors and Designated Person for Child Protection
• Identify specific information required and purpose
• Check information held -- does Early Childhood on Stafford have the information requested
• Directors to identify way forward and provide permission
• Depending on the reason for the request, and risk to children as judged case by case, inform the family that information has been requested, by whom and seek permission.  If this is a child protection issue, permission from the family is not required.

Document all steps in process. Ensure that all documentation is placed on the child's child protection file.

Action to be taken by the Designated Person for Child Protection

6.15 Concerns regarding alleged or suspected abuse will first be raised to the Designated Person for Child Protection. If further guidance is required then consultation will occur with the Directors. A decision will be                 made whether this information needs to be escalated to Ministry of  Children Oranga Tamariki.

6.16 All decisions taken, including if the concern does not require notifying Ministry of Children Oranga Tamariki, must be recorded in writing and kept securely in a Child Protection file with the reasons clearly identified and explained.

REPORTING PROCESS FOR CHILD ABUSE

1. Abuse observed, suspected or disclosed
2. Immediately Inform Director and/or Designated Person for Child Protection or Ministry of Children [0508 326 459](tel:0508 326 459] or Police 111**
3. Are you a staff member?
4. Are you in charge?

Prepare Written Record

Record:

• Date, time and place of observation/reporting of abuse
• Names of anyone present
• What the child says -- exactly
• Any physical or behavioural signs of abuse

GIVE THIS TO DESIGNATED PERSON OR DIRECTOR OR POLICE OR M.O.CHILDREN

Respond to Child's needs

• Ensure child is safe from immediate harm. Call Police 111 if child is in immediate danger
• Attend to any physical or emotional distress in the child -- take to hospital if appropriate
• Listen to the child

Person in charge

Gather Information

Ensure you have a full report from the person who identified the abuse. Offer them support. Get them to sign the report. Tell them what actions you will take. Ring Ministry of Children (0508 326 459) or Plunketline (0800 933 92) and discuss your concerns. MOC will tell you if you need to do a formal report about your concerns.

IF ANY CONCERNS ABOUT CHILD SAFETY RING POLICE 111

Report Abuse

Ring MOC on 0508 326 459 and tell them

• Your own name and contact details
• Name of child/children(also known as/nicknames)
• Date of birth if known
• Ethnicity if known
• Name of caregivers, parents and other family members and current living situation
• Current legal custodians
• Reasons why it is believed child has been abused
• Other significant background information
• Any concerns for your physical safety in making this notification

Ask what happens next -- and get a timeframe

Work with the Ministry of Children to decide how and when parents are told

Inside ECOS

• Maintain close liaison with MOC/the Police and discuss any actions you want to take with them first
• Discuss with MOC/Police who will tell the suspected abuser of the allegation and whether the suspected abuser should remain on the premises
• Recommend the suspected abuser seeks support from their union or lawyer
• Ensure records are kept of any comments or events relating to the complaint(s) and/or allegations and follow-up action is taken and documented
• Get employment/ legal advice where appropriate

Outside ECOS

• You are most likely to suspect the alleged abuse is by a parent but you cannot assume this.  If you are concerned about the child going home , tell MVC or the Police this
• While the child is in your care, ensure the child is safe and not at any further risk

Attend To Healing Of Your Community

If there is disruption to ECOS and/or its community, negative impacts on other children and/or staff, or media interest contact Special Education Traumatic Incident coordinator for support [0800 84 83 26](tel:0800848326]

7. Safe Recruitment of Staff

7.1 All appointments (permanent, fixed term, student, casual or volunteer) to positions that have direct and/or frequent contact with children or young people will be conditional on a safety checks, including a Police check.

7.2 Further information regarding Safety Checking, including vetting and screening procedures, is found in the Employment Policy.

8. Training of Staff

8.1 All staff will receive child protection training at the level appropriate to their role.  The Designated Person for Child Protection will undertake more intensive training.  These persons will be accessible to staff to provide advice and support.

8.2 All staff will be given appropriate training covering basic awareness of child protection. This will include an overview of signs and indicators of abuse, and also the procedure for responding to actual or suspected abuse. This training will include:

• Roles and responsibility of staff regarding child protection
• Recognising and responding to the signs and indicators of actual or suspected abuse
• Ensuring staff understand and can follow the Child Protection Policy and the procedures for reporting a concern

8.3 All staff will receive updated training every three years as a minimum.

Induction

8.4 All new staff will receive child protection training as part of their induction.

8.5 All new staff will be given a copy of this policy as part of the induction process.

9. Safe Working Practices

9.1 A relationship between an adult and a child or young person cannot be a relationship between equals. There is a potential for exploitation and harm of vulnerable young people. Adults have a responsibility to ensure that an unequal balance of power is not used for personal advantage or gratification.

9.2 Adults should always maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid behaviour which might be misinterpreted by others. Adults who work with children must therefore act in a way that is considered to be to be safe  practice.

9.3 Communication between children and adults, by whatever method, should take place within clear and explicit professional boundaries. This includes the wider use of technology such as mobile phones, text messaging, emails, digital cameras, videos, web-cams, websites, social networking and blogs. Adults should not share any personal information with a child or young person. They should not request, or respond to, any personal information from the child or young person other than that which might be appropriate as part of their professional role. Adults should ensure that all communications are transparent and open to scrutiny.

9.4 Any sexual activity between an adult and a child or young person will be regarded as a criminal offence and will always be a matter for disciplinary action.

9.5 When physical contact is made with a child this should be in response to their needs at the time, of limited duration and appropriate to their age, stage of development, gender, ethnicity and background. Adults should use their professional judgement at all times, observe and take note of the child's reaction or feelings and use a level of contact and/or form of communication which is acceptable to the child for the minimum amount of time necessary.

9.6 All staff are expected to behave in manners consistent with the Early Childhood on Stafford Expectations.

10. Dealing with allegations made against members of staff regarding inappropriate actions with children

10.1 Early Childhood on Stafford has a duty of care to the children it provides services to. A failure to report a significant concern about a child is a breach of that child's human rights.

10.2 Anyone who has reason to make a complaint will be made aware of the Early Childhood on Stafford complaint process. There is potential that an issue raised as a complaint may also constitute an allegation of abuse. Any such complaint that raises a child protection issue will be referred directly to the Directors.

10.3 It must be remembered that making a disclosure or a complaint against someone in a position of power and authority is always difficult. The person making the disclosure may reconsider and express a wish to retract their allegation. At the outset it must be clearly communicated with the child or adult that their concern is being taken seriously and will be responded to in accordance with this policy.

10.4 Allegations, suspicions or complaints of abuse against staff, volunteers or representatives of other agencies must be taken seriously and reported to the Directors who will deal with them immediately, sensitively and expediently within the procedures outlined in this policy. Concerns may be raised a number of ways e.g.:

• Directly by staff hearing or observing issues of concern or behaviour of concern
• Direct disclosure by the child or young person
• Indirect disclosure e.g. through written or art work or through friends
• Complaint from a parent or caregiver or whanau member
• Reports by other colleagues or agencies
• As an anonymous report

10.5 If the allegation is against either of the Directors then this must be reported directly to the Ministry of  Children Oranga Tamariki or Police.

10.6 It is **NOT **the responsibility of staff to investigate allegations of child abuse. Allegations against staff will be discussed with the The Directors of Early Childhood on Stafford where a decision will be made if a notification to Ministry of  Children Oranga Tamariki is appropriate.

10.7 In all child protection cases Early Childhood on Stafford will co-operate fully with both Ministry of  Children Oranga Tamariki and the Police in their investigations and assessments.

10.8 If the Police decide to undertake a criminal investigation then the member of staff may be suspended, without prejudice, as a precautionary measure. It is important that no internal investigation is undertaken, and no evidence gathered that might prejudice the criminal investigation.

10.9 If there is insufficient evidence to pursue a criminal prosecution, then a disciplinary investigation may still be undertaken if there is reasonable cause to suspect that abuse or inappropriate behaviour may have occurred. The allegation may represent poor practice by a member of staff which needs to be considered under internal disciplinary procedures.

10.10 A complaint or allegation against a member of staff may require a report to Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (EDUCANZ). Further information regarding the thresholds for reports to EDUCANZ is in the Appendix.

10.11 All staff have a responsibility to understand what constitutes appropriate behaviour in relation to children and young people. All staff have a responsibility to maintain appropriate standards of behaviour and to report lapses in these standards by others.  Any concerns or reasonable suspicions of abuse should be reported to the Directors.

10.12 A person tendering his or her resignation, or ceasing to provide their services, will not prevent an allegation of abuse against a child being followed up in accordance with these procedures.

Adopted: September 2020

Review: September 2022

Child Protection Policy -- Appendix

Definitions of Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effect on the child's emotional development. This can include a pattern of rejecting, degrading, ignoring, isolating, corrupting, exploiting or terrorising a child. It may also include age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. It also includes the seeing or hearing the ill treatment of others.

Physical Indicators:

• Bed wetting or bed soiling with no medical cause
• Frequent psychosomatic complaints (e.g. headaches, nausea, abdominal pains)
• Non-organic failure to thrive
• Pale, emaciated
• Prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Malnutrition
• Dressed differently to other children in the family

Behavioural Indicators:

• Severe developmental lags with obvious physical cause
• Depression, anxiety, withdrawal or aggression
• Self-destructive behaviour. This can include self-harm, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse
• Overly compliant
• Extreme attention seeking behaviours or extreme inhibition
• Running away from home, avoiding attending at school
• Nightmares, poor sleeping patterns
• Anti-social behaviours
• Lack of self esteem
• Obsessive behaviours
• Eating disorders

Caregiver Indicators:

• Labels the child as inferior or publicly humiliates the child (e.g. name calling)
• Treats the child differently from siblings or peers in ways that suggest dislike for the child
• Actively refuses to help the child
• Constantly threatens the child with physical harm or death
• Locks the child in a closet or room for extended periods of time
• Teaches or reinforces criminal behaviour
• Withholds physical and verbal affection
• Keeps the child at home in role of servant or surrogate parent
• Has unrealistic expectations of child
• involves child in adult issues such as separation or dispute over child's care
• Exposes child to witnessing situations of arguing and violence in the home

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, causing long term serious harm to the child's heath or development.  It may also include neglect of a child's basic or emotional needs. Neglect is a lack: of action, emotion or basic needs.

Physical Indicators:

• Dressed inappropriately for the season or the weather
• Often extremely dirty and unwashed
• Severe nappy rash or other persistent skin disorders
• Inadequately supervised or left unattended frequently or for long periods
• May be left in the care of an inappropriate adult
• Does not receive adequate medical or dental care
• Malnourished - this can be both underweight and overweight
• Lacks adequate shelter
• Non-organic failure to thrive

Behavioural Indicators:

• Severe developmental lags without an obvious physical cause
• Lack of attachment to parents/caregivers
• Indiscriminate attachment to other adults
• Poor school attendance and performance
• Demanding of affection and attention
• Engages in risk taking behaviour such as drug and alcohol abuse
• May steal food
• Poor social skills
• No understanding of basic hygiene

Caregiver Indicators:

• Puts own need ahead of child's
• Fails to provide child's basic needs
• Demonstrates little or no interest in child's life - does not attend school activities, social events
• Leaves the child alone or inappropriately supervised
• Drug and alcohol use
• Depressed

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a non-accidental act on a child that results in physical harm. This includes, but is not limited to, beating, hitting, shaking, burning, drowning, suffocating, biting, poisoning or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical abuse also involves the fabrication or inducing of illness.

Physical Indicators (often unexplained or inconsistent with explanation given):

• Bruises, welts, cuts and abrasions
• Burns - small circular burns, immersion burns, rope burns etc
• Fractures and dislocations - skull, facial bones, spinal fractures etc
• Multiple fractures at different stages of healing
• Fractures in very young children

Behavioural Indicators:

• Inconsistent or vague explanations regarding injuries
• Wary of adults or a particular person
• Vacant stare or frozen watchfulness
• Cringing or flinching if touched unexpectedly
• May be extremely compliant and eager to please
• Dresses inappropriately to hide bruising or injuries
• Runs away from home or is afraid to go home
• May regress (e.g. bedwetting)
• May indicate general sadness
• Could have vision or hearing delay
• Is violent to other children or animals

Caregiver Indicators:

• Inconsistent or vague explanations regarding injuries
• May appear unconcerned about child's wellbeing
• May state the child is prone to injuries or lies about how they occur
• Delays in seeking medical attention
• May take the child to multiple medical appointments and seek medical treatment without an obvious need

Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities (penetrative and non-penetrative, for example, rape, kissing, touching, masturbation) as well as non-contact acts such as involving children in the looking at or production of sexual images, sexual activities and sexual behaviours.

Physical Indicators:

• Unusual or excessive itching or pain in the genital or anal area
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• Bruises, lacerations, redness, swelling or bleeding in genital, vaginal or anal area
• Blood in urine or stools
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Pregnancy
• Urinary tract infections
• Discomfort in sitting or fidgeting as unable to sit comfortably

Behavioural Indicators:

• Age-inappropriate sexual play or language

• Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge

• Refuses to go home, or to a specific person's home, for no apparent reason

• Fear of a certain person

• Depression, anxiety, withdrawal or aggression

• Self-destructive behaviour. This can include self-harm, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse

• Overly compliant

• Extreme attention seeking behaviours or extreme inhibition

• Dresses inappropriately to hide bruising or injuries

• Eating disorders

• Compulsive behaviours

Caregiver Indicators:

• May be unusually over-protective of the child
• Accuses the child of being sexually provocative
• Misuses alcohol or drugs
• Invades the child's privacy (e.g. during dressing, in the bathroom)
• May favour the victim over other children

Intimate Partner Violence or Family Violence

Intimate Partner Violence includes threatening to harm people, pets or property, and causes family members to live in fear. Children are always affected either emotionally or physically where there is family violence even if they are not personally injured or physically present.

While some men experience violence from partners and family members, women and children are the most likely victims of family violence.

Indicators in the Child:

• Physical injuries consistent with the indicators of Physical Abuse
• Absenteeism from school
• Bullying or aggressive behaviour
• Complaints of headaches or stomach aches with no apparent medical reason
• Talking or describing violent behaviours

Indicators in the Victim:

• Physical Injuries including: bruising to chest and abdomen, injuries during pregnancy
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Inconsistent explanations for injuries
• Fearful
• Submissive

Indicators in the Perpetrator:

• Isolates and controls partner and children
• Threatens, criticises, intimidates, uses aggressive and physical abuse towards partner and children
• Minimises and denies own behaviour, or blames victim for the perpetrators own behaviour

Child Protection Policy -- Appendix

Responding to Child Abuse

Guidelines for responding when a child tells of his or her abuse

It is important that you as the adult remain calm and confident when a child tells you what has been happening to him or her.  Every child is different in how, when and where they will tell an adult about abusive experiences so it will most likely happen when you are least expecting it!  Your facial expressions and your tone of voice are as important as what you actually say to the child.

Stay calm, listen, reassure the child and at times you may need to clarify what the child has said so that you can take the appropriate action.  If a child see's that you are upset or not able to cope with what he or she is telling you,  he or she may not continue to tell you what has been happening or take back (i.e. retract) the original statements they have made.

DO

• Listen, allow the child to tell as much as they want without interrupting (remember listening is not questioning)
• Respond reassuringly to the child
• If you do ask a question avoid asking leading questions, ask only open questions that seek clarification so that you can decide what action you need to take
• Most importantly "BELIEVE WHAT THEY SAY"
• Document what the child said and the responses that you made and any clarifying questions asked (word for word and remember to put the date, time, place and who was present)

DON'T

• Question in a way that introduces words, phrases, people's names or concepts
• Indicate that you disbelieve the child
• Try to correct, confront, change, challenge or influence what they say
• Respond by saying "You should have told me sooner" or "Why did you let him/her do that?"

Disclosures that indicate an abusive experience

Those working with children know not to "question the child" if a disclosure of abuse is made.  This is correct - questions should not be asked if the child makes what could be considered a "clear disclosure" of abuse e.g. "Mum punched me in the head and made my nose bleed", or "Uncle got into my bed and put his hand in my bum".  These types of disclosures require (1) a reassuring response by an adult and (2) the adult to take immediate action by contacting MVC and/or Police.

Child Protection Policy -- Appendix

Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

The criterion for reporting serious misconduct is that an employer suspects on reasonable grounds that a teacher has engaged in any of the following:

• the physical abuse of a child or young person (which includes physical abuse carried out under the direction, or with the connivance, of the teacher)
• the sexual abuse of a child or young person (which includes sexual abuse carried out under the direction, or with the connivance, of the teacher)
• the psychological abuse of a child or young person, which may include (but is not limited to) physical abuse of another person, or damage to property, inflicted in front of a child or young person, threats of physical or sexual abuse, and harassment
• being involved in an inappropriate relationship with any person under the age of 16 years
• being involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student with whom the teacher is, or was when the relationship commenced, in contact with as a result of his or her position as a teacher
• the neglect or ill-treatment of any child or young person in the teacher's care
• the neglect or ill-treatment of any animal in the teacher's care
• theft, or fraud
• involvement in the manufacture, cultivation, supply, dealing, or use of controlled drugs
• permitting, or acquiescing in, the manufacture, cultivation, supply, dealing, or use of controlled drugs by any child or young person
• viewing, accessing, or possessing pornographic material while on school premises or engaged on school business
• viewing, accessing, or possessing pornographic material that depicts children or young persons or that depicts animals engaged in sexual acts with humans
• breaching the school's standards or rules concerning the use of alcohol at the school or while on school business
• any other act or omission that could be the subject of a prosecution for an offence punishable by imprisonment for a term of 3 months or more
• any act or omission that brings, or is likely to bring, discredit to the profession.

Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse is reportable whether it occurs as:

• a single act; or
• a number of acts forming part of a pattern of behaviour, even if some or all of those acts, viewed in isolation, would be minor or trivial.