RATIONALE:
Children have the right to be in a safe, protective environment which enables them to grow and develop to their full potential.
PURPOSES:
1. To teach children a range of safe practices they can use in the home, school and community.
2. To promote a community “Keeping Safe” programme.
3. To make parents and teachers aware of their responsibilities to help children avoid abuse.
4. To encourage children who are being, or have been abused, to seek help.
GUIDELINES:
1. The “Keeping Ourselves Safe” programme will be part of the school’s health programme, once every two years.
2. Parents and caregivers will be consulted prior to the implementation of the programme.
3. The programme will be taught using the New Zealand Police Youth Education Services booklets appropriate to each level of the school.
4. Resource personnel may include the Police, Community Health Nurse, Children Youth and Family (CYFS - a service of the Ministry of Health) and parents.
5. All suspected cases of abuse will be referred to either the Principal or Deputy or Assistant Principal before carrying out further procedures.
6. The Duty Social Worker, Police, Community Health Nurse or Special Education Service member will contact parents and/or caregivers.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Identify which category of abuse is involved:
- non accidental injury (physical abuse)
- sexual abuse
- emotional abuse or physical neglect
In cases of strong suspicion, the Principal, Deputy or Assistant Principal will contact the Duty Social Worker or Police.
NON ACCIDENTAL INJURY:
Action to be taken:
1. Document and gather data to support suspicions.
2. Contact Duty Social Worker at Child Youth and Family Services..
SEXUAL ABUSE:
Action to be taken:
Disclosure will be reported immediately to the Duty Social Worker or Contact Sexual Abuse team at Central Police Station by the Principal, Deputy or Assistant Principal. Children are to be reassured, but not questioned further.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE OR PHYSICAL NEGLECT:
Action to be taken:
1. Document and gather data to support suspicions.
2. Contact Duty Social Worker at Child Youth and Family Services.
Reference to records kept should be noted on the Health and Welfare Section of the child’s record card in pencil or italicised on electronic version of Health Card.
SUMMARY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN:
1. Document and gather data to support suspicions.
2. Contact:
a) Physical abuse - Duty Social Worker at Social Child Youth and Family Services.
b) Emotional abuse and physical neglect - Duty Social Worker at Child Youth and Family Services.
c) Sexual abuse - sexual abuse team at Central Police Station.
NB: Children are to be reassured, but not questioned further.
SELF REVIEW:
1. This policy will be reviewed in accordance with the Board’s triennial programme of self-review.
2. The Board process will involve consultation with the Board, Principal and senior management.
3. The reviewed policy will be made available to members of the school community once ratified by the Board.
Chairperson’s Signature _______________________
Date ________________________
Next Review date: 2011