PT ENGLAND SCHOOL POLICY 2006
CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
INTRODUCTION:
This policy is to assist school staff when there are contentious issues over child custody.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To safeguard children when they become pawns in adult arguments
2. To safeguard the rights of parents in contentious situations
3. To guide school staff in difficult situations
GUIDELINES:
1. If a parent is a guardian of a child they have a right to be informed of any major events in their child’s life. This includes information relating to education, medical issues & religious instruction.
2. A mother is automatically a guardian of her child. A father is only a guardian if he has been given legal custody or was married to the mother or living with the mother at the time of the child’s birth. This law is under revision.
3. In general both parents should be advised of school events, issues and other aspects of reporting unless:
i) The court has made an order that one parent is not allowed any contact with the child.
ii) The court has granted a protection order against one of the parents.
4. In the event of such an order being in place the school should request and hold a copy of the order and notify appropriate staff so that we can be alert to the situation.
5. The School is not required to enforce court orders of this kind however if it is obvious they are being infringed we can take the following action:
i) Ask the person to leave
ii) Advise the legal guardian and discuss appropriate action
iii) Arrange for a trespass order to be served
iv) Notify the police
v) Make every effort to ensure the physical & emotional safety of the child
6. The school & teachers are not liable for problems that occur between parents on the school grounds, however if there are ever serious concerns about the safety of a child, staff should notify school management who may call the police or Oranga Tamariki
Formulated 2006
Reviewed 2009
2013
2015
2018
2019
2023
2025