|
This describes what will happen when the sexual abuse of a child is reported. The programme was researched and filmed in Auckland and procedures may differ a little from region to region. However, the overall process remains the same. You should contact your nearest Department of Child, Youth and the Family Services Office - otherwise known as “Child, Youth and Family” - to ask about any variations to the process in your area.
If you suspect that a child in your care has been or is being sexually abused, then you need to know what will happen when you report this. Knowing what will happen, how it will happen and when it will happen will help you take the important step of reporting the abuse.
You also need to know what your rights and the rights of the child are and how to express your concerns if things are not proceeding the way they are meant to. And finally you need to know where you can go for help, who you can turn to for assistance and support when and if you need it.
This video outlines the procedures that begin when someone reports concerns about the possible sexual abuse of a child to the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, formerly the Children, Young Persons and their Families Agency, or CYPFA.
Child Youth and Family is the authority in New Zealand with the power and expertise to investigate the sexual abuse of children. The Service operates under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989 and it is their duty to investigate child abuse and ensure the care and/or protection of everyone under the age of 17.
The closest branch of Child, Youth and Family to you (remember it may be listed as the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Agency) will be listed with other Government Departments in the blue pages of your local telephone directory.
|
|
“WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I TELL?”
Some important things you need to know if you suspect or are considering reporting child sexual abuse
The following text was used to prepare the narration script for the video programme, “What Will Happen If I Tell?” This information will walk you through the process of reporting child sexual abuse. |
