An Introduction to 'All About Me':

This resource material was originally developed by the Foundation, with help from members of the Police Youth Education Service. In the interests of making the resource more widely available, the Young New Zealanders Foundation ceded ownership of the project to the New Zealand Police, (2007), who now administer it, in association with the Police child abuse prevention programme known as Keeping Ourselves Safe.

'All about Me' ─ Toku Ahuatanga Whanui is the early childhood module of the Keeping Ourselves Safe child protection programme. It will teach little children skills to help keep themselves safe from emotional, physical and sexual abuse, neglect and family violence. As well, it will make parents, family and adults providing education and care at centres more aware of child abuse and their role in preventing it.

The module consists of a teaching guide, materials for parents and resources for children. Child Protection Studies Centres (www.cps.org.nz) are running training for early childhood centres in child protection and All About Me. Centres obtain the 'All about Me' kit once they have completed the training.

Your centre needs this training because:

• it is the responsibility of centres to protect children from harm and abuse
• it will help lesson anti-social behaviour
• it will increase parent confidence in your centre
• it will protect your staff and provide professional development
• 4-5 children harmed are not known to Police or CYF
• children under 5 are at highest risk from abuse
• it will help children reach their full potential
• it is hard for young children to disclose - you are their voice

Extracts adapted from the New Zealand Police website.