Introduction
SAFEGUARDING RESPONSE
He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka
A choppy sea can be navigated by the canoe.
The whakataukī reminds us that even the roughest seas can be navigated. In our communities, some individuals and whānau live under deeply challenging situations, facing violence, abuse, neglect and harm.
As a safeguarding practitioner, the work can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to see how the contributions we make, as individuals, create meaningful change. However, in these moments, it’s important to remember that we belong to a broader professional safeguarding community, one we can draw on for guidance, insight, and shared experience.
Even when situations are complex and high-risk they can be navigated through awareness, shared responsibility and timely action. These spaces should not be navigated alone but can be explored with others.
We thank you for your role in safeguarding people at risk, and we recognise the passion, knowledge, skills, experience, and mana you bring to this important kaupapa (purpose).
When we all paddle together in unison, in the same direction, we can achieve meaningful transformation in the everyday lives of individuals and whānau in our communities.
For new providers and practitioners, we hope that the information provided here, in Safeguarding Response: in Action will provide additional support to you:
particularly as you identify and assess people’s risks, navigate challenges and complexity, and develop safety plans and actions to prevent, detect and stop violence, abuse and neglect, and
as you continue to develop your own professional practices to enable effective outcomes for people.
Who needs to know this information?
The content is relevant to:
new practitioners and service providers, providing clarity on the competencies (knowledge, skills, behaviours and practices) needed for preventing, detecting and stopping violence, abuse and neglect.
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 has been designed for the Entry Level requirements of the Family Violence Entry-to-Expert Capability Framework (E2E framework), enabling new providers and practitioners in safeguarding to develop the capabilities required at this level. We hope it’s useful as a refresher for existing providers.
Safeguarding Response: in Practice builds on Safeguarding: Foundational Information which has also been designed for Entry Level capability building, 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.
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.
