Advice & Consultation

Practical guidance when you need it most

When child protection concerns arise, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Our Advice and Consultation service is here to support you with clear, practical recommendations - whether you're seeking reassurance, navigating a complex situation, or managing an active concern.

Free Expert Advice

Our experienced team provides free, confidential advice on all aspects of child protection. This service is designed to help you think through concerns, understand your responsibilities, and take safe, appropriate next steps.

You might reach out to us if you are:

Unsure whether a situation is a child protection concern

Noticing worrying changes in a child’s behaviour or wellbeing

Unsure how or when to share information or make a report
Wanting to sense-check your response or decision-making

Supporting staff, volunteers, or whānau through a concern

Our advice is grounded in best practice and the New Zealand child protection context, helping you feel more confident and supported.

In-Depth Consultations

For more complex or ongoing situations, we offer in-depth consultation services. These provide tailored support to help you manage child protection concerns safely, lawfully, and with care for everyone involved.

Consultations may include:

Guidance on responding to disclosures or allegations

Support with risk assessment and safety planning

Advice on managing concerns involving staff or volunteers

Assistance navigating reporting, documentation, and next steps

Ongoing consultation as a situation evolves

This service is particularly valuable for organisations, designated people, leaders, and professionals who carry responsibility for child protection decision-making. A fee of $180/hour applies for this service.

Our Expertise

The Child Matters team consists of knowledgeable experts who have extensive experience across a range of sectors including social services, education, investigation, and frontline practice. We understand the real-world pressures people face when concerns arise and provide advice that is practical, grounded, and empathetic to any given situation.

We focus on clear, confident decision making to deliver a child-centred, trauma-informed, and most importantly, safe response.