Advice & Consultation
Supporting you through a child protection concern as it's happening
When child protection concerns arise, organisations need timely, independent and trusted support. Child Matters can help both individuals and organisations through a concern regarding the safety and/or wellbeing of a child or young person.
What level of support do you require?
Take into account the severity of the situation you are concerned about, if it is a one-off situation or ongoing, as well as how recently the incident or observation has occurred.
Early Advice
Get free and confidential child protection advice over-the-phone.
You may use this service if you're unsure whether a situation either you or the staff or whānau you're supporting is a child protection concern. You may also reach out if you notice worrying changes in a child’s behaviour or wellbeing, or need assurance on decision making such as when to share information or make a report.
This service can include:
One-off consultation
Risk assessment
Advice on next steps
Guidance on managing disclosures
Recommendations on whether further support or consultation is required
Incident Response Consultation
In-depth support to guide you through or manage a child protection incident as it happens.
For more complex or ongoing situations, we can tailor step-by-step guidance, or hands-on management. Particularly valuable for Designated People or professionals who carry responsibility for child protection decision-making. A fee applies for this service.
This service can include:
Guidance on responding to disclosures or allegations
Expert advice and actionable steps to manage the situation
Liaising with statutory agencies and assisting with reporting and documentation
Undertaking a risk and safety assessment
Advice on managing concerns involving staff or volunteers
Summary report and recommendations for handling future incidents
Ongoing consultation as a situation evolves
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.
