Introduction: context and foundations

SAFEGUARDING FOUNDATIONS

This context and foundational information 
underpin the purpose of safeguarding,
and will inform your safeguarding policies,  
procedures and practices.

Helping providers meet the Disability Abuse Prevention and Response (DAPAR) service specifications

The topics outlined here directly relate to, and meet the requirements of, DAPAR service specification 10.4.ii.a: Foundational information on disability-specific safeguarding contexts and risks. All DAPAR service providers funded by MSD/DSS need to be aware of this information and apply it in your work / mahi. 

Who else needs to know this information

The content is relevant to:

  • new practitioners and service providers, for foundational knowledge and to support induction

  • existing service providers and practitioners, both as a refresher and for ideas for continuous improvement (key considerations are highlighted in various sections)

  • all people and services who support disabled people experiencing (or at risk of) violence, abuse and neglect

  • tāngata whaikaha Māori, disabled people and their families and whānau, who might like to know more about these topics.

Entry to Expert (E2E) framework

The content will assist new providers in achieving Entry Level of the Family Violence Entry-to-Expert Capability Framework (E2E framework), enabling you to learn about Aotearoa New Zealand’s safeguarding / whakahaumarutia context and risks, and encouraging you to apply this knowledge as you develop and implement your own safeguarding approach and practices. 

How has the information been developed?

This subject matter / kaupapa has been shaped by:

  • The content draws on research, surveys, strategies, and policy or guidance material from several government departments, including the Ministry of Social Development (particularly, its Disability Support Services function - DSS), Whaikaha / the Ministry of Disabled People, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice, Oranga Tamariki, and Statistics New Zealand. References are provided throughout.

  • The content outlines relevant legislation, treaties and conventions, along with other fundamental rights-based frameworks and principles that are needed for effective safeguarding practice.

  • The content shows how good safeguarding practice aligns directly with the New Zealand Disability Strategy (NZDS) and Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence .

    It references the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the Waitangi Tribunal, enabling you to consider how you can apply key learnings in your own workplace and safeguarding practice. 

    It draws on experience and materials from other national and international organisations. References are included throughout.

  • This subject matter / kaupapa has been informed by the voices of disabled people, including those with lived experience of family violence and sexual violence (FVSV) as accessed and heard through VisAble’s Kaitiakitanga Te Hapori approach, Whaikaha, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, and the Treaty Tribunal. 

  • The content has been finalised with the expertise of safeguarding practitioners and kaimahi with lived experience of disability and/or family violence and sexual violence (FVSV).

Access to training

VisAble offers interactive training to help you develop a deeper understanding of these topics and why they’re important.  

The training also enables you to explore how to apply the information at your place, with your staff (kaimahi) and in your services, to make a difference for disabled people.  

We can also provide training for tāngata whaikaha Māori, disabled people, families, whānau and caregivers. 

Find out more about our training and resources Or contact us at info@visable.co.nz.

Next steps

Choose which topics you wish to explore, below.

We hope you find the information practical and relevant to your business.

We’d welcome your feedback – as this helps us improve our own services.