Reporting of Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Neglect

Introduction

Southland Adventist Christian School is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. The following procedure and guidelines will assist boards of trustees, principals and school staff in dealing with child abuse and neglect, and the management of child abuse allegations against board employees.

As part of its responsibilities OT promotes, by education and publicity, awareness of child abuse, the unacceptability of child abuse, the ways in which child abuse may be prevented, the need to report cases of child abuse, and the ways in which child abuse may be reported.

This procedure does not provide guidelines for addressing bullying in schools. That information can be found on the Ministry of Education website. If further clarity around this is required a discussion with a OT social worker is recommended.

Purpose

To ensure that all children and young people at Southland Adventist Christian School are kept safe and protected from abuse and neglect, and that all staff understand their responsibilities in identifying, responding to, and reporting any concerns about child welfare.

This procedure is informed by the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, the Children’s Act 2014, and the Ministry of Education’s Child Protection Policy Guidelines. The welfare and best interests of the child are the first and paramount consideration.

Definitions

• Child: A person under the age of 14 years.

• Young person: A person aged 14 years or older but under 18 years.

• Child abuse: Any act or omission that results in harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to a child or young person. It includes:

  • • Physical abuse

    • Emotional abuse

    • Sexual abuse

    • Neglect

Guidelines for Reporting Child Abuse/ Neglect

• The child’s safety should always be the paramount consideration in the notification process.

• No decisions or actions in respect of suspected or actual child abuse are to be made by any staff member in isolation unless there are concerns for the immediate safety of the child.

• A consultative approach is essential to ensure the safety of the child and the staff member. Staff must discuss their concerns with the principal or nominated person/advocate. Where applicable follow the board’s complaint policy.

• Decisions about informing parents or caregivers should be made after consultation between the school and OT.

Procedure

1. Identifying Concerns

• Staff must be alert to signs of abuse, disclosures, or behaviour that causes concern.

• If a child discloses abuse, the staff member must:

  • Stay calm and listen carefully.

  • Reassure the child they did the right thing by telling.

  • Avoid interviewing the child or asking leading questions.

  • Record the child’s exact words, date, time, and observations.

  • Inform the Principal (or their delegate) immediately.
    
    

2. Consultation and Reporting

• Any staff member with a concern must consult with the Principal or a designated senior staff member without delay.

• The Principal or delegated staff member will:

  • Assess the concern.

  • Determine whether to report to Oranga Tamariki (OT) or the New Zealand Police.

  • If a report is made, this will be done promptly and confidentially.

• In an emergency or if the child is in immediate danger, staff must call 111 and notify the Principal afterwards.
  
  

3. Contact Information

• Oranga Tamariki Contact Centre: 0508 326 459 (24/7)

• Police (non-emergency): 105 or local station

• Emergency: 111
  
  

4. Confidentiality

• All reports and records are confidential and stored securely.

• Only relevant staff and agencies will be informed.

• Whānau or caregivers will only be informed if it is safe to do so, and in consultation with OT or Police.
  
  

5. Reporting When Staff Are Involved

• If an allegation involves a staff member:

  • The Principal must immediately notify the Presiding Member of the Board of Trustees.

  • The school will follow the dual process of ensuring child safety and meeting employment obligations, keeping these processes separate.

  • A report to OT or Police will still be made if the threshold is met.
    
    

6. Records

• A factual, signed, and dated record must be made, including:

  • What was said by the child (verbatim if possible)

  • Any observed behaviour or signs

  • Action taken

• All records are to be filed confidentially in the Principal’s office.
  
  

7. Ongoing Support

• The child’s wellbeing remains a priority after a report is made.

• Appropriate support will be provided through school services and/or external agencies as needed.
  
  

Additional Resources

• NZSTA and MOE resources for managing allegations involving staff.

• Staff training in recognising and responding to abuse is provided regularly.