Care of children
What are the school’s responsibilities regarding protection orders?
Protection orders are issued by the Family Court and must be treated seriously by schools.
A victim of family violence can apply for a protection order.
- Protection orders are often made in association with parenting orders, but not always.
- Normally, a protection order applies to any child living with the applicant.
- All standard conditions of protection orders apply to the children – including any non-contact conditions.
If a person subject to a protection order (the respondent) was to come to the school, then that is likely to be a breach of the protection order.
Family Violence Act 2018 – Legislation website
See sections 60, 86, 90, 112.
If the school is aware that a protection order is in force:
- Care should be taken that the privacy of the protected person and child or children is not breached.
- It may be useful to ask for and keep on file a photograph of the respondent for identification purposes.
- The school should keep on file a copy of the protection order and any parenting order in order to best protect and support the child/children.
Information on protection orders and how to deal with family violence is available on the New Zealand Police website.
If you have any concerns contact the police immediately.
Protection orders – NZ Police
Updated: August 2020
