Child Protection
Policy
We are committed to safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of children and young people in our practice community, irrespective of whether they are directly or indirectly connected to a service we offer. We take steps to create and maintain a culture that supports the safeguarding of children, starting with a zero-tolerance for child abuse and neglect.
Staff are expected to act professionally at all times to create a safe environment for children. This includes complying with our staff code of conduct, and the professional standards relevant to their role.
We safety check all staff and 
volunteers as needed for their role. All staff are trained to recognise and respond to children who experience abuse, or who are vulnerable to, or at risk of abuse and neglect.
Posters communicating our culture of safeguarding children, and information for patients, are placed in the waiting area and throughout the practice.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
We commit to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles for the health sector as articulated by the Courts and the Waitangi Tribunal. We recognise the importance of involving family/whānau in decision-making where appropriate, and provide support to children within a culturally safe environment.
Clinical governance
Child protection is discussed at clinical governance meetings. Any concerns regarding implementation of the policy are documented so that quality improvement or staff training initiatives can be put in place if necessary.
Roles and responsibilities
We have a designated child protection lead, who is responsible for all matters relating to child protection. This includes reporting all concerns, and having oversight of safety checking for all staff. The child protection lead supports staff in understanding the requirements of the Child Protection policy, and answers any questions they may have about how to implement it. This includes recognising and responding to child protection concerns.
Our child protection lead is the lead clinician.
If our child protection lead is not available or a concern involves this person, a second designated staff member is able to receive and respond to child protection concerns. If both of these people are unavailable, staff should speak to another senior staff member or experienced colleague.
Training
All team members receive training in child protection at induction and every two-to-three years, with updates as required. Child protection leads complete training every year.
We maintain a record of team training.
Team members are trained to understand the concepts of cultural competency and cultural safety, so that they can be sensitive to the needs of other cultures.
Requirements
Related policies
Disclosing Patient Information
Identifying and Responding to Disclosures of Abuse or Neglect
Resources
Mana Mokopuna | Children's Commissioner: Rights of Children and Young People