CP Investigation Policy and Procedure

Question 1

Child

Definition

Answer 1

Any child or young person under the age of 18 years at the time of their referral but does not include any person who is or has been married (or in a civil union).

Question 2

Child Abuse

Definition

Answer 2

The harming (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually), ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, or deprivation of any child or young person.

Of note

Child abuse includes:

• physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse
• neglect
• presence in unsafe environments
• cyber crime exploiting children
• child trafficking.

Question 3

Determining seriousness of physical abuse

3 points

Answer 3

• the action (of the abuse)
• the injury inflicted (outcome or result)
• the circumstances (factors in the case).

Question 4

Determining seriousness of physical abuse

Any of these actions (methodology, how it was done):

Answer 4

• blow or kick to head
• shaking of an infant
• strangulation
• use of an object as a weapon
• attempted drowning.

Question 5

Determining seriousness of physical abuse

Any of these injuries (outcome or result):

Answer 5

• a bone fracture
• burn
• concussion or loss of consciousness
• any injury that requires medical attention
• any bruising or abrasion when the child is very young, and/or the position and patterning make it unlikely to be caused by play or another child or accident.

Question 6

Determining seriousness of physical abuse

Circumstances

Answer 6

• The vulnerability of the child
• Nature and level of concern from the notifier
• Location of the incident
• History of abuse
• A high degree of violence
• The offender’s history and background
• More than one offender

Question 7

KPP 2

Initial attendance

Initial Action from ROC with Child

Answer 7

• DO NOT question the child in depth at this stage.
• DO NOT ask the child again what has happened to them if a clear disclosure has already been made and an adult present can give you the information.
• If it is unclear what the child has said and there are no urgent safety issues, DO NOT question the child any further.
• If it is absolutely necessary to speak to the child to ascertain their safety, ask open ended questions, e.g. “Tell me what happened?” “When did that happen?” DO NOT continue to question the child if it becomes clear while speaking to them that an offence has occurred.

Question 8

KPP 2

Initial attendance

Recording details in NIA

Answer 8

Code 6C must be entered in NIA to indicate that the attendance related to a report of concern about a child.

Question 9

KPP 2

Initial attendance

Options for removing a child

Answer 9

S39 OT Act 1989- Place of safety warrant
S40 OT Act 1989 - With warrant
S42 OT Act 1989 - Without warrant

Question 10

KPP 5

Consultation and joint investigation planning with Oranga Tamariki

Initial joint investigation plans. The IJIP must consider the following:

Answer 10

• the immediate safety of the child involved and any other children who may be identified as being at risk
• referral to a medical practitioner and authority to do so
• the management of the initial interview with the child
• collection of any physical evidence such as photographs
• if a joint visit is required due to the risk of further offending, loss of evidence, the likelihood of the alleged offender being hostile, or any concerns for staff safety
• any further actions agreed for Police and/or Oranga Tamariki including consideration as to whether a multi-agency approach is required.

Question 11

Oranga Tamariki Timeframes

Answer 11

Critical 24hrs

No safety or care identified; mokopuna is at risk of serious harm, and requires immediate involvement to establish safety.

Very urgent 48hrs

At risk of serious harm but has some protective factors present for the next 48 hours. However, as the present situation and/or need is likely to change, high priority follow up is required.

Urgent 7 days

At risk of harm or neglect and the circumstances are likely to negatively impact on mokopuna. Options of safety and supports have been explored but remain unmet. Vulnerability and pattern exists which limits the protective factors.

Question 12

KPP 2

Initial attendance

What details to obtain:

Answer 12

• Brief details of the ROC in order to make a risk assessment, should include
• Details of informant/complainant/child
• Details of offender
• Brief circumstances
• Timings and scene