Building and establishing a child safeguarding culture is critical to providing safe, fair and inclusive environments and experiences. It is at the heart of protecting tamariki and rangatahi from harm.
It means everyone — parents, whānau, coaches, instructors, clubs and organisations, and children and young people — can identify and respond early to potential abuse and harm.
Having a safeguarding culture at your club or organisation also keeps you safe. You understand what abuse and harm looks like to avoid misunderstandings or causing unintentional harm. It allows you to have the tools and confidence to identify, speak up and report potential harm.
Child safeguarding and child protection go hand in hand
Child safeguarding means the actions we take to prevent harm to children and young people, and promotes their overall wellbeing.
Child protection is how we respond when children and young people are or may be being harmed or abused.
What is a child safeguarding culture
A safeguarding culture is woven throughout everything an individual, group, community and organisation does.
It is the actions, values and behaviour that prevents abuse and harm, and is fully integrated into the club or organisation’s culture.
There are strong relationships and connections built from a shared commitment and understanding between clubs and organisations, parents and caregivers, friends and whānau, and tamariki and rangatahi themselves on what good looks like.
It’s an environment that encourages everyone to speak up early on if there are concerns. Issues are dealt with quickly, professionally and privacy is fully respected.
It creates a safe and positive experience for tamariki and rangatahi. It’s everyone’s responsibility.
What it looks like in practice
Respect: Everyone, but especially children and young people, are respected for who they are no matter their age, gender, capability, what they look like, or where they come from.
How to create a child safeguarding culture in sport and recreation
Creating a safeguarding culture is inclusive and involves everyone, including tamariki and rangatahi. The safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi is at the centre.
Communicate your safeguarding values, beliefs, policies and procedures and set expectations for everyone. Make it a normal part of conversation by communicating this consistently, clearly and often. Involve staff, volunteers, parents and caregivers, and children and young people.
Identify the safeguarding risks in your club or organisation and develop policies and guidance to manage them. Look at the risks on and off the field. For example, when you’re travelling or at an event, taking images, using social media or recruiting staff.