A differentiation must be made between potentials analysis and risk analysis as well as the checklists for these and this instrument for self-assessment. While a risk analysis also makes sense when an organization/institution is just getting started with the development of its own institutional child protection system, the instrument also serves the purpose of self-assessment, especially in the case of organizations that want to evaluate existing systems and structures in terms of quality and completeness. This does not exclude identifying existing systems which, within the scope of potentials analysis and risk analysis, are relevant for institutional child protection, albeit in a form which is less targeted and generally much less extensive. Moreover, a distinction is to be made between this instrument and an evaluation – in addition to checking whether certain structures are in place, an evaluation goes further to consider their efficacy and usage. A distinction is also to be made between this instrument and an audit – an audit mainly checks for proper application in all areas of an organization/institution and for the corresponding reduction of risks. Thus, most importantly, this instrument is of particular benefit for initial and ongoing periodic monitoring and revision processes.

In this survey, a distinction is made between child protection directives as the setting forth in writing of comprehensive protection measures in various areas of the organization (staff, training, etc.), on the one hand, and the term concept, on the other hand. The latter is more extensive and may include child protection (child protection concept), but may also focus on other areas and integrate child protection and/or parts thereof (e.g. a sex education or media education concept). While a concept can comprise various documents, a directive is normally a separate document with appendices. In contrast, the term child protection system covers all measures, networks, collaborations and stakeholders belonging to an organization (=institutional child protection system) and/or local, regional, national and international components above and beyond this for protecting children and youth against violence.