Child Protection Policy

Read our other policies:
Safeguarding Policy
Privacy Policy
Complaints Policy

 

Purpose

This policy applies to Habitat For Humanity New Zealand (“HFHNZ”) personnel, affiliates personnel, and partner NGO personnel, both domestically and internationally. This policy has been designed by Child Matters for Habitat for Humanity New Zealand and meets the legislative requirements of a child protection policy. No modifications are to be made to this policy without first obtaining specialist child protection advice from Child Matters, ensuring that any such modifications are in keeping with legislative requirements and in light of best practice knowledge. Child Matters takes no responsibility for any modifications made without, or contrary to, its advice.

Statement of Commitment

Habitat for Humanity New Zealand values all children, and believes that wherever a child lives, and whatever their circumstances may be, they have a right to be protected and to be free from all forms of harm.

Purpose

1.1  The most effective way to safeguard children is to have a comprehensive and effective Child Protection Policy.  
 
1.2  The purpose of this policy is to promote the wellbeing of children and to ensure that all persons working for, with, or on behalf of Habitat for Humanity New Zealand (“HFHNZ”) operate in ways which protect children from all forms of harm.  
 
1.3  HFHNZ acknowledges that interactions with children, families, and whānau are a part of the organisation’s work and therefore a Child Protection Policy is of the utmost importance. This Child Protection Policy confirms the commitment of HFHNZ to the protection of children and proceeds to: 
 
– Outline the standards and principles by which all personnel will abide define abuse 
– Outline the action to be taken by personnel where any form of abuse or neglect is known or suspected 
– Establish what action is required when allegations are made against personnel 
– Outline expectations regarding personnel training 

– Outline expected behaviour of personnel.

 

Guiding Principles

1.4  HFHNZ asserts that abuse of children is unacceptable in all forms, and in all circumstances.  
 
1.5  HFHNZ affirms that all children have equal rights to protection from abuse and exploitation regardless of their gender, race, religious or political beliefs, age, physical or mental health, sexual orientation, family or social background, culture, economic status or criminal background. 
 
1.6  The decisions and actions of HFHNZ in response to any protection concern will be guided by the principle of “the welfare and best interests of the child.”  
 
1.7  All services provided by HFHNZ for the safety and wellbeing of children adhere to the principles of partnership, protection and participation, and the rights and responsibilities accorded by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  
 

1.8  All services provided by HFHNZ for the safety and wellbeing of children have regard to mana tamaiti (tamariki) – the intrinsic value and inherent dignity derived from a child’s whakapapa and their belonging to a whānau, hapū, and iwi;  ensuring the upholding, and protection, of Māori rights and interests, in accordance with the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.  

Legislation and Policies 

1.10  This policy has been written with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in mind and in accordance with the following legislation and HFHNZ policies:  
 
– Background Screening Policy, HFHNZ 
– Care of Children Act, 2004 
– Children’s Act, 2014 
– Child Complaints Process, HFHNZ 
– Child Labour Policy, HFHNZ 
– Complaints and Complaints Handling Policy, HFHNZ 
– Crimes Act, 1961 
– Education Act 1989 
– Employment Relations Act, 2000 
– Family Violence Act 2018 
– Health and Safety Act 1956 
– Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 
– Health and Disability Act 2000 
– Health and Disability Sector Standards Regulations, 2001 
– Health Information Privacy Code, 1994 
– Human Rights Act, 1993 
– International Minors Policy, HFHNZ 
– Oranga Tamariki Act, 1989 
– Police Checking Policy, HFHNZ 
– Privacy Act, 2020 

– Safeguarding Policy, HFHNZ

 

Review

1.11  This policy will be reviewed annually and updated regularly, to ensure it is kept up to date with changes that may have been made to legislation, related policies and procedures, and in light of operational experience.  
 
1.12  The overall responsibility for this policy rests with the HFHNZ Group CEO and the Child Protection Officers. 
 

Definitions

1.9 This policy applies to all personnel, working both domestically and internationally.