This statement has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and is derived from Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016.
Children and young people should be welcomed and encouraged to participate in the parishes and diocesan agencies of the Archdiocese of Dublin. To facilitate this, communication with children and young people should use the language and media with which they are familiar and comfortable. Using appropriate and safe digital media is a good way to involve children and young people in diocesan and parish activities. Such communication should have at its core the best interests of children and young people. This is achieved by ensuring, at all times, the appropriate use of language, images, photography, and messaging
Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children was first published in 1999 and has been revised and updated a number for times since, most recently in 2017. The key messages of the guidance have remained unchanged. The guidance seeks to assist people to recognise where a child is being abused or neglected, and to report reasonable concerns about abuse or neglect to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The guidance also assists organisations working with children with information about best practice in child safeguarding.
The most recent version of the Children First Guidance in 2017 also incorporates information on the Children First Act 2015 and in particular, sets out the specific child protection statutory obligations imposed on certain categories of persons and organisations under that Act.
As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
Revised 2023 Child Safeguarding policy with Safety statement.
All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.
Parish Safety Statement Poster 2023
Details of Personnel to Contact if you are Concerned about the Welfare and Safety of Children
DLP*:
|
Mr Andrew Fagan (Dublin Diocese) |
01 836 0314 |
Fr Eamon Devlin, CM (Vincentian Community) |
01 838 9708 |
|
Parish Safeguarding Representative: |
Ms Maura Moore |
01 838 9708 |
An Garda Siochana: |
Mountjoy |
01 666 8600
|
Garda National Protective Services Bureau |
|
01 666 3430
|
Garda Child Sexual Abuse Free Phone |
|
1800 555 222 |
Child Protection Service: |
(Tusla) North Inner City |
01 856 6856 |
HSE (Vulnerable Adults) |
info@hse.ie |
1850 241 850 |
Towards Healing: |
(Hearing Impaired Text line) |
1800 303 416 085 802 2859 |
Rape Crisis Centre (Dublin) |
|
1800 77 88 88 |
___________________
*Designated Liaison Person