The Office of the Children's Commissioner is launching an investigation into the safety of children who have been hospitalised with injuries where there have been allegations of abuse.
Children's Commissioner Dr Cindy Kiro said the investigation followed two recent incidents where hospitalised children were alleged to have been assaulted by family members.
Dr Kiro said the investigation would determine what protocols were in place between District Health Boards, Child Youth and Family and police to ensure hospitalised children are safe.
She said it was important to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each organisation in relation to the safety and wellbeing of the child at this time.
"We need to clarify which organisation has legal responsibility for a hospitalised child's safety when there are allegations of abuse."
The review will include an analysis of current protocols in place in each DHB, a review of overseas procedures used to protect children in hospital and an analysis of best practice models (national and international).
Guidelines, which use examples of best practice, will be identified, so DHBs can implement protocols in their hospitals.
In addition the investigation will review the two recent cases to determine what took place, the effectiveness of protocols between CYF, the DHBs and police at that time, and any changes that have been implemented since the incidents.
A report on the investigation's findings will be provided to those organisations and is due for completion in May 2005.
- NZPA
Investigation into safety of children in hospital
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