Ethical Decision-Making in Safeguarding
SAFEGUARDING RESPONSE
In Aotearoa New Zealand
disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori
experience higher rates of violence, abuse, and neglect
than the general population.
Ethical decision‑making in safeguarding is the process of making careful, well‑reasoned choices that protect people from harm while respecting their rights, dignity, culture, and autonomy. It’s about balancing safety with self‑determination.
A strong ethical approach to safeguarding is:
Person‑directed – centred on the disabled person and what matters to them.
Rights‑based – grounded in human rights frameworks and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Culturally responsive – respecting identity, culture, whānau, and community connections.
Proportionate and risk‑responsive – matching the response to the level and likelihood of harm.
Informed and reflective – guided by law, policy, evidence, professional judgement, and consultation.
Ethical decision‑making is not a one‑off event. It is an ongoing, reflective practice that benefits from collaboration, supervision, and the support of multi‑agency teams - especially where tensions, uncertainty, or ethical dilemmas arise.
Ultimately, ethical decision‑making in safeguarding aims to do no more harm, uphold dignity, and support people to live safe, self‑directed lives wherever possible.
Safeguarding in New Zealand emphasises the need to be aware of and responsive to situations where an adult may be at risk of harm. This includes ensuring the person is listened to carefully and is respected and heard, while maintaining their right to make (informed) decisions about their own life.
Source: Disability Support Network.
What is ethical decision-making,
in a safeguarding context?
Safeguarding adults involves protecting people’s rights
while supporting their autonomy, safety, and wellbeing.
It requires ethical, culturally informed, person-directed decision-making.