POLICY
CHILD PROTECTION
No: Version Date of Issue: Reviewed By: Approved By: Next Review:
CP001 5 23/08/2021 P. Jones, DON L.Webber, CEO 23/08/2023
1 . Policy Statement Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) is committed to the prevention and management of suspected child and young person abuse and/or neglect, and to the protection of children and young people, The rights, welfare and safety of the child or young person are our first and paramount consideration. As adult members of society we have a moral duty to protect children and intervene when they need our help. All WBOP PHO staff have a responsibility to report suspected, witnessed and/or disclosed child abuse. Primary care health providers play an important role in identifying abuse, and in initiating appropriate help for those in need. WBOP PHO supports the role of statutory agencies (the NZ Police and Child Youth and Family Services (CYF) in the investigation of suspected abuse and/or neglect, and the early recognition of children at risk of abuse and adults at risk of abusing children. WBOP PHO wants to ensure all children are safe within their care. A safe environment for children begins by ensuring that those who work with them are going to do no harm. It is well documented that those people who abuse children will choose to work in a child-focused environment, so it is crucial that actions are taken to ensure that all those working or volunteering in the organisation are carefully chosen. This policy must be read in conjunction with the WBOP PHO Child Protection Procedure, Family Violence Policy and Family Violence Procedure.
2. Policy Objectives 2.1
To improve detection and intervention for children at risk.
2.2
To provide a framework to identify and manage actual and/or suspected child abuse and neglect,
2.3
To ensure all WBOP PHO employees who provide clinical services to patients are appropriately trained and understand the processes to follow when they suspect a child of being abused and/or at risk of abuse. This also includes when abuse is disclosed from a third party or that a client reveals that they have perpetrated child abuse.
2.4
To provide accountability and meet government and other requirements.
2.5
To actively support WBoPPHO affiliated general practices to develop their own policy and procedures to respond to suspected child abuse.
2.6
To ensure WBOP PHO applies the highest standard in its recruitment and vetting actions to ensure the suitability and safety of candidates for working with children.
2.7
To protect and support staff in the event that any allegations of abuse are made by ensuring staff are clinically safe.
WBOP PHO Policy and Procedure: Child Protection Policy (CP 001)
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