Working With Young People and Children

Purpose of Policy

To  ensure that the work that Lifehack undertakes is done with the wellbeing of all individuals, especially that of young people, at the fore.

To support all employees, volunteers and people who undertake Lifehack work in all capacities, to work collectively to notify agencies at the earliest possible point if we observe or suspect a young person or child is in harm’s way.

If we observe or suspect a young person’s wellbeing to be compromised:

If any of Lifehack’s employees, contractors or volunteers observe or suspect a young person’s wellbeing to be compromised as a result of harmful behaviour (whether of a physical, emotional, or sexual nature), ill-treated, abused, neglected, or deprived we will take all or some of the following steps in a timely manner:

  • First, discuss in strict confidence with a colleague, then collaboratively make the decision whether or not to make contact with CYFS.
  • If we have decided to contact CYFS, notify them on 0508 326 459 or cyfcallcentre@cyf.govt.nz where a trained social worker will establish the urgency of the situation and advise next steps
  • If a young person is in imminent danger contact Police on 111 immediately.
  • A report will be submitted with details of the situation, steps taken, and any outcomes. This will be tabled to the Directors and Management of Lifehack.
  • Any documentation or communication about this event, including the report, will be held in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

We define a child according to the definition used in the Vulnerable Children Act 2014

Lifehack will undertake to have all employees and volunteers to complete the following as part of the on boarding process:

  • Police screen prior to appointment.
  • Training within the first 6 months in how to identify child abuse/neglect and then refresher every 2 years.

Anyone with serious convictions will be declined employment/engagement with Lifehack, in accordance with the Privacy Act, Children, Young Persons and their Families Act, Health information Act and other statutes.

Relevant Legislation:

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All Lifehack staff and volunteers must act within the legal requirements of the Privacy Act, Children, Young Person’s and their Families Act, Health information Act and other statutes. There are provisions within each of these acts for sharing information needed to protect children and enable other people to carry out their legitimate functions.