How a national memorandum of understanding has structured and improved relationships between police, health and the statutory child protection service in New Zealand

Introduction Effective child protection intervention requires a collective response from multiple agencies; how agencies work together determines the outcomes. The organisations’ culture, roles and operational systems are... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction
Effective child protection intervention requires a collective response from multiple agencies; how agencies work together determines the outcomes. The organisations’ culture, roles and operational systems are diverse; without a collective agreement the effectiveness is dependent on individuals.

Objective
The objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New Zealand Police, Child Youth and Family (CYF) (statutory child protection service) and all (20) district health boards (DHB) (public health service) was to establish a national child-centred protocol for child protection interagency collaboration. The MOU is the overarching document that schedules (specific protocols) are attached.

Method
The development of the MOU and the associated schedules will be described. Each party needed to allocate resource, commit to remaining grounded in frontline practice and appreciate the differences and similarities of the three parties. The MOU and initial schedule (management of children admitted to hospital with suspected/actual non-accidental injury) were the culmination of eighteen months’ work.

Results
The MOU was signed at parliament in 2011; in 2012 the document was endorsed by all parties. In 2013, a second schedule for the placement of a CYF social worker in DHBs was also signed by all parties. The feedback from the parties is that it has strengthened the way the organisations work together with improved information sharing. In the event that issues arise there is a defined process to follow. The process is responsive to need; in 2016 two additional schedules are being progressed; 1) management of children exposed to clandestine laboratories and 2) management of children who are having their medical care neglected.

Conclusion
Formalised processes for interagency collaboration describing the expected roles and responsibilities reduce reliance on individuals and enhance the collective response, improving services for children, young people and their families.