The goal of child protection organisation CPS is for “a community where everyone looks out for children”, says Chief Executive Anthea Simcock.
Since CPS (originally named Institute for Child Protection Studies) was formed in 1994, 12,805 people have attended a programme or training on child protection.
CPS works with anyone who has a role with children, including social workers, educators, whanau and sports coaches. Eighteen social service agencies have made it mandatory for all their staff to go through their child protection 5-day programme.
Course participant Maxine Osterman, from Tamahere Model Country School, says it challenges myths and fears. “It is so practical and it gives us power to change things for children.”
Many people have taken action as a result of attending the programmes. This varies from notifying authorities of a case of serious abuse to “fronting up” to a parent who hasn’t strapped their child into the car seat.
“We teach people strategies to know what to do, who to call, why not to act on their own and where to get help to take the next step if they’re concerned about a child,” says Anthea.
CPS encourages community collaboration for child safety. In 2004, The Tindall Foundation committed 3 years funding to CPS-led, community-based child protection programmes in South Taranaki and Whakatane.
For further information contact:
Anthea Simcock, Chief Executive, CPS
Email: info@cps.org.nz
Website: www.cps.org.nz