Alert systems in child protection - an integral part of the whole

Speakers

Miranda Ritchie, Dr Russell Wills

Organisation

(MR) Coordinator Family Violence Intervention & Child Protection Programmes, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, Hastings
(RW) Community Paediatrician, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, Hastings

Aim

To describe the process used progress a national child protection alert system in New Zealand

Background

Effective practice in child protection is made up of many parts which are mutually reinforcing. Evidence-based policies, training, resources to support practice, clinical leadership, audit and feedback are critical. A child protection alert system can be a useful aid to increase awareness when children at risk present to the Emergency Department with injuries. Alert systems have many potential legal, ethical, clinical and information technology complications however. When implemented poorly they risk falsely labelling and stigmatising parents of children with accidental injuries. Clinicians may be falsely reassured when children who lack an alert present with non-accidental injuries. The decision whether or not to inform parents that an alert has been placed on their child is a complex balance of ethical and legal issues.

Method

The working party was established in July 2005 to progress the feasibility of an national child protection alert system. The process describes the developments based on consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Results

This presentation will discuss the issues the working group identified and the progress made towards a national child protection alert system in New Zealand.

Conclusion

The findings of the national working party charged with progressing a national child protection alert system will be presented for consultation and review.

Presentation

Oral

Biography

(Miss.) Miranda Ritchie

Master of Arts (Applied) Nursing
Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing)
Registered Comprehensive Nurse
Member of College of Nurses Aotearoa
Member of Paediatric Society of New Zealand

Miranda is the Coordinator of the Family Violence Intervention (FVI) and Child Protection Programmes in the Hawke's Bay District Health Board. This regional FVI position was established in 2002 and responsibilities include the implementation and evaluation of family violence intervention within the DHB.
In 2004 Miranda was appointed the National Coordinator for DHB Family Violence Intervention Programmes. This role's responsibilities include providing support for DHBs implementing the family violence intervention, developing resources and coordinating the National Network of Family Violence intervention (Child and Partner abuse) Coordinators.