Child Protection Policy
08 August 2022
Statement of Commitment
Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service recognises and respects the rights of all children. Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service has a commitment to the prevention of child abuse and by having a robust Child Protection Policy in place, is ensuring public confidence in its safe practices. This policy reinforces that when any decision is made by Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service about known or suspected child abuse, it will always be the welfare and best interests of the child which are the paramount considerations.
Section One
Introduction
Ø Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this policy is to promote the wellbeing of children and to ensure that those people working for, at, and with, Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service (“MSASS”) operate in ways which protect children from all forms of harm. This includes being able to recognise and identify signs of abuse and to know how to respond appropriately.
1.2 This Child Protection Policy confirms the commitment of MSASS to the protection of the children and proceeds to:
o outline the standards and principles by which all staff will abide
o define abuse
o outline the action to be taken by staff where any form of abuse or neglect is known or suspected
o outline expected behaviour of staff.
o establish what action is required when allegations are made against staff
Ø Guiding Principles
1.3 Working with children and families and whānau where child protection is a concern raises complex issues of values, rights and potentially conflicting interests. It is therefore important to be guided by a set of principles as well as by professional knowledge.
1.4 The decisions and actions of MSASS in response to any protection concern will be guided by the principle of “the welfare and best interests of the child”.
1.5 MSASS asserts that all children have equal rights to protection from abuse and exploitation regardless of their gender, race, religious or political beliefs, age, physical or mental health, sexual orientation, family or social background, culture, economic status or criminal background.
1.6 All services provided by MSASS for the safety and wellbeing of the children adhere to the principles of partnership, protection and participation, and the rights and responsibilities accorded by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
1.7 All services provided by MSASS for the safety and wellbeing of children have regard to mana tamaiti (tamariki) – the intrinsic value and inherent dignity derived from a child’s whakapapa and their belonging to a whānau, hapū, and iwi; ensuring the upholding, and protection, of Māori rights and interests, in accordance with the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
Ø Scope
1.8 This policy applies to all MSASS staff.
Ø Legislation
1.9 This policy has been written with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in mind and in accordance with the following legislation:
o Care of Children Act, 2004
o Children’s Act, 2014
o Crimes Act, 1961
o Education Act 19891.
o Employment Relations Act, 2000
o Family Violence Act 2018
o Health and Safety Act 1956
o Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
o Health and Disability Sector Standards Regulations, 2001
o Health Information Privacy Code, 2020
o Human Rights Act, 1993
o New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000
o Oranga Tamariki Act, 1989
o Privacy Act, 2020
Ø Review
1.10 This Policy will be reviewed one (1) year following its implementation. This policy will then be reviewed a minimum of every three (3) years thereafter, and updated regularly, to ensure it is kept up to date with changes that may have been made to legislation, related policies and procedures, and in light of operational experience.
1.11 The overall responsibility for this policy rests with the MSASS Practice Lead, in their role as the designated person for child protection, in consultation with the MSASS Chief Vision Officer (“CVO”) and the Board of Trustees.
Ø Definitions
1.12 For the purposes of this policy the following definitions apply:
“Child” means any person under the age of 18 years
“Child Abuse” can involve ongoing, repeated or persistent abuse, or may arise from a single incident. Abuse of children may take many forms but it can be categorised into four different types:
i. Physical Abuse
ii. Sexual Abuse
iii. Emotional Abuse
iv. Neglect
“Designated Person for Child Protection” is a person within MSASS who is responsible for the safeguarding of children. This person is required to undergo regular child protection training and is responsible for ensuring that child protection is a key focus within MSASS both at a strategic level and on a day to day basis.
As at the date of this policy the Designated Person for Child Protection for MSASS is the Practice Lead
“Emotional Abuse” is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effect on the child’s self-esteem and 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 and their social competence undermined or eroded over time. A child can also experience emotional abuse by being exposed to a dysfunctional environment which includes seeing or hearing the ill treatment of others, including but not limited to being exposed to family violence.
“Family Violence” can take many forms and may include, but is not limited to, actual physical violence (to a person, pet or property), threats of physical violence (to a person, pet or property), psychological, economic or sexual abuse. Children are always affected either emotionally or physically where there is family violence even if they are not personally injured or physically present.
“Forensic Examination” is a medical assessment, carried out by a trained and authorised physician, that is undertaken for the purpose of gathering and preserving evidence of sexual abuse in a manner suitable for use in a Court of law.
“Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children” formally known as Child Youth and Family. Oranga Tamariki is a Government Ministry dedicated to supporting children in New Zealand whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm now, or in the future.
“Neglect” is characterised as the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological need. This can occur through direct and deliberate action or by omission or deliberate inaction to care for and/or protect the child. It may also include neglect of a child’s basic or emotional needs.
“Physical Abuse” is a non-accidental act 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.
“Sexual Abuse” is an act or acts that result in the sexual exploitation of a child, whether consensual or not. Sexual abuse can be committed by a relative, a trusted friend, an associate, or someone unknown to the child. Sexual abuse includes situations where the a person seeks to have the child touch them for a sexual purpose, and where they involve the child in pornographic activities or prostitution.
“Staff” refers to any person working at, for, or on behalf of, MSASS and includes, but is not limited to, persons employed directly by, or contracted to, MSASS, irrespective of whether they are paid or voluntary, or whether they are working on a full time, part time, casual, or temporary basis. For the purposes of this policy, the term “staff” also refers to the MSASS Board of Trustees.
Section Two
Roles and Responsibilities of Staff
2.1 MSASS recognises that all staff have a full and active part to play in protecting children from harm. It is the primary responsibility of staff to be vigilant, maintain professional boundaries and safe working practices, have knowledge and awareness of the indicators of neglect and abuse, whether actual or potential, and to report any concerns, suspicions or allegations immediately. Staff have a responsibility to ensure that any concern, suspicion or allegation raised is taken seriously.
2.2 Each member of MSASS staff must:
o ensure that the needs and rights of children come first, as the safety and wellbeing of each child is the paramount consideration in all circumstances.
o be familiar with the MSASS Child Protection Policy and its procedures, including being aware of, and alert to, potential indicators of abuse or neglect
o record a factual account of any concerns they have, or that are brought to their attention
o appropriately seek advice and support from the designated person for child protection, manager/supervisor, or a clinical colleague and contact external agencies where appropriate
o ensure that cases of abuse, or suspected abuse, are reported to Oranga Tamariki and the NZ Police
o ensure that there is no internal investigation without appropriate consultation and a decision whether a response from Oranga Tamariki and/or the Police is required.
o work in co-operation with Oranga Tamariki, the New Zealand Police, and trained medical sexual assault clinicians
o work in co-operation with the parents and caregivers, unless this compromises the safety of the child.
2.3 The statutory responsibility to investigate allegations of child abuse rests with Oranga Tamariki and the NZ Police. MSASS staff are not permitted or mandated to investigate allegations of abuse.
Section Three
Child Protection Procedures
3.1 The procedures set out in section three of this policy provide MSASS staff with guidelines to assist in identifying and responding appropriately to concerns of abuse and neglect, whether these concerns are their own or are the concerns of a third party, and to understand their role in keeping children safe.
3.2 The procedures set out below will help staff with:
o understanding their role in keeping children safe
o the identification of abuse
o handling disclosures from a child
o reporting procedures
Ø Identification of Abuse
3.3 MSASS staff are uniquely placed to recognise and respond to concerns for the wellbeing of children, particularly in relation to concerns of sexual abuse. Any member of staff may directly witness child abuse, have allegations, made by a child, or an adult, relayed to them, or recognise the signs and indicators through their professional knowledge and experience.
3.4 MSASS staff should be alert and aware of the fact that abuse can occur in many different settings and forms and may come to light in a variety of different ways. These can include, but are not limited to:
o Direct or indirect disclosure by the child;
o Direct or indirect disclosure from someone known to the child;
o Suspicions of abuse by those involved with the child;
o Allegations and/or direct observations or signs displayed in the child’s physical or emotional behaviour;
o Direct witnessing of abuse.
3.5 The signs and indicators of abuse may not be immediately obvious or identifiable. Appendix One of this policy sets out a non-exhaustive list of signs and indicators to help identify abuse of children.
3.6 If a member of MSASS staff is unsure about what might constitute abuse of a child, they should ask for advice and guidance from the designated person for child protection. If the designated person for child protection is unavailable for advice and guidance, then staff should consult with the manager/supervisor, a clinical colleague, or an Oranga Tamariki Duty Social Worker (0508 326 459).
Ø Specialist Advice and Support
3.7 Authorised MSASS staff may provide specialist advice and support for those who seek help when concerned about a child who has, or may have, suffered sexual harm.
3.8 If it is considered that a Report of Concern or referral needs to be made to the New Zealand Police and Oranga Tamariki, authorised staff will advise the third party to report their concerns, and how to go about doing so. In a situation where MSASS believe that a third party is not prepared to secure the safety of that child by contacting a statutory service, the staff member, in consultation with the designated person for child protection, manager/supervisor, or a clinical colleague, will inform Oranga Tamariki and the Police of their concerns.
Ø Responding to Abuse/Suspected Abuse
3.9 MSASS staff will respond to allegations of abuse in a manner which ensures that the child’s safety is the first and paramount consideration.
3.10 When abuse of a child is suspected, disclosed or witnessed, everything must be done to ensure the ongoing safety of the child concerned, along with the ongoing safety of any other child who is in close connection to the alleged offender. In all cases, the child is the primary concern and all other concerns (including the guilt or innocence of the alleged offender) must be secondary. This does not mean that the alleged offender is to be considered guilty without due investigation, but that the safety of the child comes first.
3.11 In a situation where any a member of MSASS staff believes that a child is in immediate danger, or in a situation where they believe that a third party is not prepared to secure the safety of that child by contacting a statutory service, the staff member, in consultation with the designated person for child protection, manager/supervisor, or a clinical colleague, will inform Oranga Tamariki and the Police of their concerns. MSASS staff will not collude to protect an adult or an organisation. Records of any reports made to statutory authorities will be kept securely on the child’s file, or on a specific, secure, electronic file.
3.12 Protection procedures must be followed regardless of whether the alleged offender is a member of the public, a client, or a member of MSASS staff.
3.13 Staff will not act alone about concerns of abuse but will consult with either the designated person for child protection or their manager/supervisor. Advice may also be sought from appropriate clinical colleagues or an Oranga Tamariki Duty Social Worker.
3.14 All concerns and information will be recorded factually and held confidentially. All documentation relating to concerns and information will be held securely on the child’s file, or on a specific, secure, electronic file.
3.15 Refer to the “Child Protection Procedure Flowchart” below on page 16 of this policy.
Ø Responding to Disclosures
3.16 Disclosures of abuse may come directly from a child. It is important that staff take what the child says seriously, and respond in a calm, caring and sensitive manner. This applies irrespective of the setting, or the staff members own opinion on what is being said. If there is information disclosed regarding actual or suspected abuse MSASS staff must:
o stay calm
o listen and hear
o give time to the child to say what they want
o reassure them that they were right to tell
o tell the child that they are being taken seriously and that they are not to blame
o explain that they have to pass on what the child has told them as soon as they are aware that the child or young person is making a disclosure
o provide an explanation to the child of what they can expect to happen next
o record in writing what was said as soon as possible, using the child’s own words where possible.
o Report the concern to the designated person for child protection
MSASS staff must not:
o make the child repeat the story unnecessarily
o promise to keep secrets
o enquire in to the details of the alleged abuse
o ask leading questions
3.17 Under no circumstances should a member of staff attempt to conduct an investigation or deal with concerns of abuse themselves.
Ø Suicidal Concerns and Self-Harming Behaviour
3.18 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 taken seriously and the designated person for child protection or manager/supervisor notified. If an immediate response is required to ensure the child’s safety, contact the NZ Police and the local Mental Health Crisis Team.
Ø Reporting Procedures
3.19 All MSASS staff must report concerns or allegations of abuse to the designated person for child protection or their manager/supervisor at the first possible opportunity to best ensure the safety of the child. If the designated person for child protection and the manager/supervisor are unavailable, then consultation should occur with a clinical colleague or a Duty Social Worker at Oranga Tamariki. If an immediate response is required to ensure the child’s safety, staff should contact Oranga Tamariki and the NZ Police directly.
3.20 When reporting an incident MSASS staff should:
o Inform the designated person for child protection or manager/supervisor as soon as possible
o Record in writing all conversations and actions taken and keep these records securely on the child’s file, or on a specific, secure, electronic file.
3.21 Effective documentation, including referrals and notifications, must include the following:
o A record of facts, including observations, with time and date
o What was said and by whom, using the person’s words
o What action has been taken, by whom and when
3.22 All decisions, including if the concern does not require notifying the Police, must be recorded in writing and kept securely in the Child Protection file with the reasons clearly identified and explained.
Ø Keeping Family and Whānau Informed and Involved
3.23 Although the family and whānau of the child will usually be informed of concerns for the safety and wellbeing of a child, there may be times when those people may not be initially informed. This may happen in circumstances when:
o A member of the family or whānau is the alleged offender
o It is possible that the child may be intimidated into silence
o There is a strong likelihood that evidence will be destroyed
o The child does not want their family or whānau involved and they are of an age, and mental capacity, when they are competent to make that decision. Any decision not to inform the child’s family or whānau based solely on the child’s wishes should be made with careful consideration and in consultation with the designated person for child protection, manager/supervisor, or a clinical colleague.
3.24 Where MSASS staff do engage with family and whānau in circumstances where abuse is suspected, witnessed or disclosed, they must inform them of this policy and the procedures contained therein. In these circumstances staff must ensure that, wherever possible, they work in partnership with the family and whānau and support them throughout the process.
Ø Confidentiality and Information Sharing
3.25 Under the Privacy Act 2020, the giving of information to protect children is not a breach of confidentiality. Principle 11 of the Privacy Act 2020, states that the sharing of personal information is allowed if "disclosure of the information is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat".
3.26 The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 places the wellbeing and best interests of a child as the first and paramount consideration when it comes to the sharing of information. This principle takes precedence over any duty of confidentiality that is owed to the child, or their family and whānau, or any person with whom the child is in a domestic relationship with.
3.27 Under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, if a member of MSASS staff raises a legitimate concern in good faith about the suspected abuse of a child, which proves to be unfounded on investigation, no civil, criminal or disciplinary proceedings may be brought against MSASS, or the individual staff member in question.
Ø Relationships with Statutory and Specialist Agencies
3.28 MSASS will maintain good working relationships with agencies that have the statutory powers and skills to intervene in cases of abuse of children. This includes maintaining a good working relationship with Oranga Tamariki and the NZ Police, and be familiar with the laws that serve to protect children from abuse. MSASS staff will consult with other appropriate agencies that have specialist knowledge to help protect children from abuse.
3.29 MSASS will maintain relationships with NGO’s and organisations that provide services to children, and their families and whānau, throughout the country.
Section Four
Safe Recruitment and Training
Ø Recruitment
4.1 MSASS is committed to applying rigorous recruitment, employment and selection processes which emphasise the importance of protection of children, and which ensure that every member of MSASS staff is safe and suitable to be associated with an organisation committed to the protection of children, regardless of whether the position is paid, voluntary, permanent, part time or casual.
4.2 Before making any appointment, MSASS will complete a robust safety checking process to ascertain the candidate’s suitability and safety to work for, at, or with MSASS. This process includes, but is not limited to:
o Identity verification check
o Employment verification check
o Reference check
o Professional membership check
o New Zealand Police vetting check
o Interview/s with the applicant
Ø Police Vetting
4.3 Police vetting of all staff will be carried out a minimum of once every three (3) years. All new offers of employment and employment agreements, regardless of whether these are for paid or voluntary, permanent, part time or casual positions, will remain conditional on receiving satisfactory results from Police vetting.
4.4 If the applicant has spent any time in the last five years in another country they must supply a background check conducted in that country.
4.5 Until such time as the Police vetting process has been completed and the results have been received, all newly appointed MSASS staff working with children will be supervised in their role and will not be permitted to work alone.
Ø Training
4.6 MSASS will ensure that all staff will be given appropriate training in order to protect children and to recognise and respond when children are at risk.
4.7 All staff will be given a copy of this policy, as part of the induction process. Staff will be required to sign and acknowledge that this policy has been read and has been understood.
Section Five
Safe Working Practices
5.1 All staff have a responsibility to understand what constitutes appropriate behaviour in relation to children. All staff have a responsibility to maintain appropriate standards of behaviour and to report lapses in these standards by others.
5.2 MSASS staff members interacting with children are in a position of trust and confidence. Staff should ensure that children are treated with integrity and respect at all times.
5.3 Staff should always maintain a professional relationship when working with children and avoid behaviour which might be misinterpreted by others. Clear boundaries are important in maintaining professional behaviour and staff must act in a way that is considered to be safe practice. This includes, but is not limited to:
o Avoiding, where practicable, situations where they are alone with a child;
o Ensuring, where practicable, that they are visible to others when with a child;
o Using an open door policy where practicable;
o Avoiding circumstances where their behaviour (both verbal and physical) may be misinterpreted as hostile, suggestive, inappropriate, offensive, or neglectful;
o Not transporting a child alone at any time other than in an emergency situation
o Monitoring visitors to MSASS at all times;
o Not taking, or displaying, images of children unless they have consent to do so from the child’s parents or caregivers, and from the child themselves if appropriate.
Ø Physical Contact
5.4 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 stage of development, gender, ethnicity and background. Staff 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.
5.5 Any sexual activity between a member of staff and a child will be regarded as a criminal offence, reported to Police and/or Oranga Tamariki, and a matter for immediate disciplinary action.
Ø Communication
5.6 Communication with children, by whatever method, should take place within clear and explicit professional boundaries. This includes the wider use of technology such as mobile phone, text messaging, emails, digital cameras, videos, web-cams, websites, social networking and blogs. Staff should ensure that all communications with children are transparent and open to scrutiny.
Section Six
Allegations Against MSASS Staff
6.1 MSASS has a duty of care to the children that access its services. A failure to report a significant concern about a child is a breach of that child’s human rights.
6.2 Concerns may be raised regarding MSASS staff. These may be as a result of behaviour within the workplace, or of behaviour within their home environment.
6.3 All staff have a responsibility to understand what constitutes appropriate behaviour in relation to children and to maintain this behaviour.
6.4 Allegations, suspicions or complaints of abuse against staff will be taken seriously and reported to the CVO who, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, will deal with them immediately, sensitively and expediently within the procedures outlined in this policy.
6.5 Any concern of abuse of a child will follow the procedures outlined in this policy.
6.6 When there are suspicions of abuse by a member of staff, both the staff member’s and the child’s rights are to be attended to. This means that the safety of the child is of first concern, and that the staff member must have access to legal and professional advice, in accordance with the Employment Relations Act.
6.7 Any staff member against whom an allegation is made will be immediately stood down until all investigations and assessments have been complete.
6.8 In all protection cases, MSASS will co-operate fully with Oranga Tamariki and the Police in their investigations and assessments.
6.9 It is important that no internal investigation is undertaken, and no evidence gathered that might prejudice any outside investigation. If there is insufficient evidence to pursue a criminal prosecution, then an internal disciplinary investigation may still be undertaken subject to internal disciplinary procedures. In these circumstances the CVO will inform the complainant of the process to be followed, what information will be taken into consideration, and when the internal investigation is likely to be complete.
6.10 A staff member tendering his or her resignation, or ceasing to provide their services to MSASS, will not prevent an allegation of abuse against a child being followed up in accordance with these procedures.
Appendix One
Indicators of Abuse
The indicators for child abuse and neglect fall into three general categories:
Ø Physical indicators: Injuries to a child that are severe, occur in a pattern or occur frequently. These injuries range from bruises to broken bones to burns or unusual lacerations and are often unexplained or inconsistent with the explanation given.
Ø Behavioural indicators: The child’s actions, attitudes, and emotions can indicate the possibility of abuse or neglect. Behavioural indicators alone are much less reliable than physical indicators, as a child’s behaviour may be the result of a variety of other problems or conditions. When observing changes in behaviour, look for the frequency and pattern of the new behaviour, as well as a child’s age and stage of development. For example, it is normal for younger children to be wary of adults, as they may have been taught not to talk to strangers. Look for a combination of physical and behavioural indicators.
Ø Caregiver indicators: Caregivers who abuse, neglect or exploit children are either unable or unwilling to provide care and protection in an appropriate way. Those who are unable to provide care and protection may be physically unable due to their own medical or health condition. They may be overly stressed, tired, or working under the influence of drugs or alcohol which limits their abilities. Caregivers who are unwilling to provide children with the appropriate level of care and protection are more aware that what they are doing is wrong but continue to act in that way. These caregivers may not view the child as someone who has feelings and emotions and often have the need to control others or have displaced aggression towards weaker persons.
The indicators alone do not prove child abuse or neglect. Likewise, the absence of indicators does not exclude the possibility that abuse is occurring. If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of a child, seek advice from your designated person for child protection, manager/supervisor, or from a duty social worker at Oranga Tamariki.
Ø Emotional Abuse Indicators
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø 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 disputes over child's care
· Exposes child to situations of arguing and violence in the home
Ø Neglect Indictors
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø 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
· Depression
Ø Physical Abuse Indicators
Ø Physical Indicators:
· 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
Ø Behavioural Indicators:
· Inconsistent or vague explanations regarding injuries
· Wary of adults or a particular person
· Vacant stare or frozen watchfulness
· Cringing or flinching if touches 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
Ø 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
Ø Sexual Abuse Indicators
Ø 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
· Discomfort in sitting or fidgeting as unable to sit comfortably
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø Family Violence Indicators
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø Indicators in the Offender:
· 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
Appendix Two:
Child Protection Overview - Responding to Abuse:
Abuse is “... the harming (whether physically, emotionally, sexually), ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, or deprivation of any child or young person” - Section 2, Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
Child abuse can involve ongoing, repeated or persistent abuse, or it may arise from a single incident. Child Abuse may take many forms but it can be categorised into four different types:
o Physical Abuse
o Sexual Abuse
o Emotional Abuse
o Neglect
Child abuse can occur in many different settings and forms and may come to light in a variety of different ways. These can include, but are not limited to:
o Direct or indirect disclosure by the child or someone known to the child;
o Suspicions of abuse by those involved with the child;
o Allegations and/or direct observations or signs displayed in the child’s physical or emotional behaviour;
o Direct witnessing of abuse.
When disclosures of abuse come directly from a child, it is important that you take what the child says seriously. This applies irrespective of the setting, or your own opinion on what is being said. When a child tells you what has been happening to them, or when you witness or suspect child abuse, it is important that you, as the adult, remain calm and confident.
RESPOND: Respond to the person (adult or child) – Believe what they tell you and/or what you see.
SAFETY: Ensure the safety of the child. Always take action in the short term to ensure the immediate safety of the child. This will mean contacting Oranga Tamariki (0508 326 459) or the Police (111) if you think there is an immediate risk to the child.
RECORD: Record immediately all initial statements, observations and concerns to avoid misinterpretations or confusion at a later date.
CONSULT: Do not make decisions alone. Consult with your Child Protection Policy and your designated person for child protection or manager/supervisor. Oranga Tamariki is always available to give advice.
REPORT: Decide to act on your concerns. If you have told the person you believe is responsible for taking action and they do not act, take further action yourself.
SUPPORT: Seek support for yourself. Responding to a child protection issue can be stressful.
Think “what if I’m right?” …. Not “what if I’m wrong?”
Appendix Three
Safe Working Practices Agreement
As a member of MSASS staff, I WILL:
Ensure that I am fully aware of, and adhere to, the MSASS Child Protection Policy.
Treat all children with respect at all times, regardless of their gender, race, religion, political beliefs, age, physical or mental health, sexual orientation, family and social background, and culture, economic status or criminal background.
Promote an environment where children feel safe and comfortable in my care and contact.
Act professionally and maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
Avoid circumstances where my behaviour (both verbal and physical) may be misinterpreted as hostile, suggestive, inappropriate, offensive, suggestive or neglectful.
Act swiftly to ensure that any perceived risk to a child is immediately reported in consultation with the MSASS designated person for child protection, manager/supervisor, or a clinical colleague.
Inform the designated person for child protection or the manager/supervisor of breaches in safe working practices, regardless of whether this has resulted in the harm of a child.
Not engage in any unwarranted or inappropriate touching of a child.
Ensure that all communications with children, by whatever methods, are transparent and open to scrutiny.
I certify that I have read, understood, and will comply with, the MSASS Child Protection Policy:
Name: _____________________________________________
Signature: ________________________ Date: ________________
