Safeguarding and child protection – is there a difference?

Safeguarding is a proactive approach to help prevent abuse or neglect from occurring in the first place. It also includes early intervention to minimise the impact on a child if abuse or neglect has taken place. Getting tamariki the help and support they need early increases the likelihood of a better outcome for their future.

Establishing a safeguarding culture within an organisation promotes prevention and enables early intervention if abuse and neglect is recognised. This can be achieved through child centred practice which includes safe recruitment of staff, implementing and adhering to child protection policy and procedures, working in accordance with safeguarding codes of conduct, regular safeguarding and child protection training and ensuring children have a voice when it comes to their safety and wellbeing.

Child protection is the action taken to address suspected or known cases of child abuse or neglect. A reactive approach, it is part of the safeguarding process but details the action to follow when a child is or likely to experience harm.

Through safeguarding and child protection education, systems and strategies you can create a safer organisation and community for our tamariki. Safeguarding Children can help you on this journey.