Keeping babies and toddlers safe

That's why we're introducing a whole package of programmes to help keep vulnerable infants safe.

We are keen to hear any ideas and thoughts about how we can work together to protect New Zealand’s most vulnerable children. Let us know what you think.

Send your ideas to: vulnerablechildren@cyf.govt.nz

Caring for babies and toddlers is a big job, and we all need a helping hand at times. If you're a parent who would like some help, check out our section on information for parents. There are lots of people you can talk things through with. You have the power to protect your baby.

Every year, around 60 children under the age of two are admitted to hospital with shocking injuries.  More than a third of these children have been shaken. Four will die.

We work with families and people in the community to protect children and keep them safe from harm.  Every New Zealander has a role to play in looking out for the children who can't look out for themselves. By speaking out, we all have the power to protect.

We are working with experts in the child protection field to strengthen the way we protect vulnerable infants. Read on to find out more about what we are doing together to keep babies safe.

On 6 December 2009, we began a multi-media campaign aimed at educating parents and caregivers about why you must never shake a baby.  This involves television, radio and print advertising, online ads, mall and bus shelter banners in our main centres, supported by strong community action.

Our aim is to reach all new parents, in particular young, first-time mums and dads, with messages about the dangers of shaking a baby, and how to get help.

Every year around 23 babies are put in hospital as a result of being shaken. International research shows that inconsolable infant crying is a key trigger for shaking and physical abuse, typically when babies are between six weeks to four months.

Often people don't understand just how little it takes to damage a baby's brain, and the results can be devastating.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is easy to prevent - simply by walking away when you feel frustrated or at breaking point. We all have the power to protect.

For more information, or to get help, visit www.powertoprotect.net.nz

We are investing $280,000 over the next two years into the Auckland District Health Board's ‘preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome' programme, where lead maternity carers will talk with every new parent about how to look after a crying baby, and why you must never shake them.

Overseas studies have shown this programme to reduce Shaken Baby Syndrome by 40 percent.

Led by child abuse expert Dr Patrick Kelly, this programme expects to reach 4,000 new parents over the next two years, as well as raising awareness widely through pre-natal programmes and wellchild care in the Auckland District Health Board region.

Face to face discussions will be backed up with information resources such as a DVD and pamphlets.

We expect to have this initiative up and running in early 2010.

Multi agency care plans will bring together Child, Youth and Family, Police, and Health professionals to ensure there is a clear, safe plan established for all children admitted to hospital as a result of abuse. This is about making sure children have a safe home to go to when they leave hospital, and there is an agreed process for monitoring their continued safety and wellbeing.

The care plans include details about who will care for the child, any health issues, additional supports needed for the child and their family, and clear definitions around the roles and responsibilities of each professional involved in their case. Care plans will also outline the process for ongoing monitoring of the child's progress and safety.

While this already happens in many areas, this initiative formalises the process.

Each year we receive around 51,000 family violence notifications from Police, who notify us every time they attend a family violence call-out where children are in the home. This equates to 46 percent of all notifications to Child, Youth and Family.

While many of these notifications don't need Child, Youth and Family involvement, they are an opportunity to give the family support, and make sure the children are safe and well cared for.

First response is a joint programme between Police, Child, Youth and Family, and community organisation SHINE. It will see a SHINE social worker visit the family within two days of the family violence call-out. They will provide support, help the family keep everyone safe and link them up with services in the community. If there are any concerns for the child's safety they will make a referral to Child, Youth and Family.

This programme is being piloted in central Auckland from mid November 2009.

Child, Youth and Family social work practice leaders are joining six hospitals around the country, where they will be on hand to support hospital staff caring for children who have been abused.

As part of their role, practice leaders will attend multi-agency safety plan meetings, provide a link between the hospital and Child, Youth and Family sites, and work alongside health professionals and Police.

Social work practice leaders will be joining Counties Manukau, Waikato, Wellington, Hutt, Canterbury and Dunedin hospitals from December this year.

Read the latest news on where we're at with the vulnerable infants initiatives in our e-newsletter. If you'd like to be added to the list, or have ideas about protecting babies and infants that you'd like to share, email us at vulnerablechildren@cyf.govt.nz