New Zealand Diploma in Child Protection

The New Zealand Diploma in Child Protection aims to contribute to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by promoting the rights of tamariki and rangatahi through child-centred practice and advocacy.

Students are encouraged to become child protection champions and are able to take proactive leadership roles in their organisations and communities regarding child protection issues. We recommend organisations identify key people to complete the Diploma programme who can then give guidance and support to other staff.

Graduates will be able to…

• implement evidence-based and child-centred practice to protect and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi in a range of environments
• apply advanced strategies to identify, prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect, and promote the safety of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau
• model best-practice in child protection in organisation and community settings to encourage consistent and safe responses to the needs of tamariki and rangatahi
• engage with and support families and whānau from diverse cultural contexts in a child-centred way to promote the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi

Email [email protected] for an information pack.

Application process:
Please use the Register button to submit your application.  You will also be asked to email a copy of your CV, proof of NZ Citizenship or Residency, and a character reference.  Your manager will also be contacted directly to give a reference.  From there, the Child Matters National Services Manager will review your application and let you know if you have been accepted onto the Diploma programme.  You will then need to register your personal details (all collected for auditing purposes) and create an order so an invoice can be raised.  For any issues or queries, please email [email protected] 

*This course is not available to international students.

Welcome to Child Matters

Unlike many other countries, in New Zealand child protection training is not mandatory for professionals or volunteers who work with children and young people. This means teachers, sports coaches and even social workers may never have received training relating to child abuse and neglect, how to recognise the signs of abuse, and how to respond if risk is identified.

This is the reason Child Matters has existed since 1994 – to upskill those working and interacting with children, young people and their families and whānau so they are able to identify risks concerning vulnerability and abuse and have the knowledge and confidence to take appropriate action.

Child Matters works with all sectors including professionals, community organisations, families and whānau, to deliver training, provide advice regarding policy and procedures, and recommend resources regarding child protection issues. Education of all sectors of our community is essential in reducing abuse and neglect in New Zealand.

Child Matters is a registered Charitable Trust, and a Private Training Establishment.