FAQs
Answering some of our most asked questions
General Questions
What is child protection?
Child protection is the process of safeguarding children and young people from abuse, neglect, and harm. It involves creating safe environments, recognising concerns early, responding appropriately, and supporting the wellbeing and safety of children and young people.
What are some indicators that abuse may be occurring?
Signs may include unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fearfulness, poor hygiene, frequent absences, lack of appropriate clothing, hunger, or concerning interactions with adults and/or peers. No single sign confirms abuse or neglect, but patterns or combinations of concerns should always be taken seriously. Read more here.
Who is responsible for child protection within an organisation?
Everyone within an organisation shares responsibility for child protection. While Designated Persons or Child Protection Leads may coordinate responses and procedures, all staff and volunteers play an important role in helping keep children safe.
What should I do if a child discloses abuse to me?
Stay calm, listen carefully, and reassure the child they have done the right thing by speaking up. Avoid asking leading questions or making promises of secrecy. Record the information accurately and follow your organisation’s child protection procedures as soon as possible. Read more here.
Do you provide services nationwide?
Yes. Child Matters provides services throughout New Zealand; we can travel to you.
Who can report concerns about a child?
Anyone can report concerns if they are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person. You do not need proof to raise a concern - it is important to act on reasonable concerns and follow appropriate reporting pathways. Download the Report of Concern Template.
What happens after a concern is reported to a statutory agency?
Once a concern is reported, the information is assessed to determine the level of risk and what support or intervention may be required. This may involve referral to appropriate agencies and services.
Will my report be anonymous?
In many situations, reports can be made confidentially or anonymously. However, processes may vary depending on the organisation involved. Protecting the safety and wellbeing of the child remains the priority.
Training Questions
Who should attend Child Matters training?
Our training is designed for anyone working with or supporting children and young people, including educators, healthcare professionals, social services, community organisations, sports clubs, faith-based organisations, volunteers, and even parents who want to remain vigilant.
Can I complete my training online?
How long do courses take to complete?
Course lengths vary depending on the topic and delivery format. Some online courses can be completed in under an hour, while more in-depth studies take place over multiple sessions spanning up to a year for our Diploma.
Are the courses suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our training is designed to support people at all levels of experience, from those new to child protection through to experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge and practice. We recommend starting with our foundational training.
Do participants receive a certificate of completion?
Yes. Participants receive an electronic certificate of completion for most of our training courses and webinars.
Do you provide in-house training?
Yes. We offer in-house training for organisations and teams, both in person and online, depending on your requirements and location.
Can training be tailored to my organisation?
Yes. We can tailor training to reflect your organisation’s sector, services, policies, and learning needs to ensure the content is practical and relevant.
Are discounts available for charities?
We aim to support the wider community sector wherever possible and offer discounted in-house training for registered charities. Terms and conditions apply.
How often do I need to renew or advance my child protection training?
Regular refresher training is recommended to ensure knowledge is current and staff remain confident in recognising and responding to concerns. You should refer to your Child Protection Policy to see what the expectation is within your organisation. Failing that, Child Matters recommends that training is refreshed every 2-3 years.
Are webinars live or recorded?
Can I book for multiple staff members?
Yes. Organisations can register multiple staff members for workshops, webinars, or eLearning programmes. Depending on how many people you would like to register, it may be more cost effective to host in-house training.
Policy & Compliance Questions
What is a child protection policy?
A child protection policy is a formal document outlining an organisation’s commitment, responsibilities, and procedures for keeping children and young people safe from harm. It provides guidance for preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting concerns of child abuse.
Is it a legal requirement to have a child protection policy?
In New Zealand, organisations that provide government-funded services to children are legally required to have child protection policies in place. This includes but is not limited to schools, early childhood education centres, and healthcare providers. Even where not legally required, having a clear policy is considered best practice.
What should a child protection policy include?
Policies should include everything within the scope of the workplace and wellbeing of the child/ren. From recruitment practices and staff training to clear procedures for identifying, responding to and reporting abuse. Our Child Protection Policy template is a helpful tool for establishing your child protection policy.
How often should policies be reviewed?
Under the Children’s Act 2014, selected organisations must review their child protection policy every three years at a minimum. However, it is best practice to review policies more regularly to ensure they remain practical, effective, and aligned with current legislation.
What is a child protection audit?
A child protection audit is a review of an organisation’s policies, procedures, and practices when it comes to child safety. We complete a customised assessment containing clear and practical recommendations that help your organisation meet best practice standards.
Investigation & Consultancy Questions
When should an organisation seek an external investigation?
Organisations may seek an external child protection investigation if a report of concern has not met the threshold for NZ Police or Oranga Tamariki to investigate. Concerns could involve serious safeguarding matters, conflicts of interest, complex allegations, or situations where independent oversight is important.
Are investigations confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality and professionalism are prioritised throughout investigations and consultancy processes, while still ensuring appropriate information-sharing where required to protect children and young people.
Who carries out the investigation?
Richard Corbidge leads our investigation and process review service. He is a skilled and empathetic investigator with vast experience in the field of child abuse prevention and detection.
What is the difference between an investigation and a process review?
An investigation focuses on gathering and assessing information about a specific child protection concern or incident. A process review examines how an organisation responded to a concern, identifying strengths, lessons learned, and opportunities to improve future practice. In some situations, organisations may benefit from both.
What happens after we contact Child Matters?
We'll start with a confidential discussion to understand your situation and the support you need. From there, we'll recommend the most appropriate approach, outline the scope of work, and provide clear guidance on the next steps.
Have a question that wasn't answered here?
Contact us
Phone:
(07) 838 3370
Email:
info@childmatters.org.nz
