Plea for mandatory vetting by police

WELLINGTON: A child advocacy group is calling for changes to the law to make it mandatory for anyone who works with children to be vetted by police.

Vetting is not compulsory at present unless the organisation fell under the Children's Act.

Child Matters chief executive Jane Searle said it was important police checks were carried out not only for paid employees, but for volunteers as well.

Child Matters offers child protection training .

Any organisation working with children needed a comprehensive child protection policy, Ms Searle said.

They should have a robust recruiting and vetting process for anyone who was interacting with children or their families or whanau.

‘‘Best practice is common sense that will reduce the risk.''

Even if a person was vetted it did not mean they were safe.

‘‘What that means is they are not showing any convictions of concern.

‘‘It is only a baseline check and one that is really necessary, but we still need other really good policies and procedures in place to protect children.''

Ms Searle said good process and policy in a workplace was what actually protected children.

‘‘There is just too much at stake if we don't,'' she said.

Ms Searle said she would like changes in the legislation.

‘‘Mandatory training for organisations, government departments, teachers, nurses, doctors that are interacting with children.

‘‘We also need more robust vetting for people working with children.'' — RNZ