REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:
Comhaltas, is guided and implements the provision by the Children First Act 2015 (www.tusla.ie)
The Children First Act 2015 (Ireland) places specific obligations on organisations which provide services to children and young people, including the requirement to:
- Keep children safe from harm while they are using the service
- Carry out a risk assessment to identify whether a child or young person could be harmed while availing of the service
- Develop a Child Safeguarding Statement/Policy that outlines the policies and procedures which are in place to manage the risks that have been identified
- Appoint a relevant person (DLP) to be the first point of contact in respect of the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Statement.
Comhaltas facilitates the vetting of all persons who provide a ‘relevant service’, through the Garda National Vetting Bureau.
TRAINING:
Appropriate training is available under Comhaltas Child Protection/Safeguarding Training Modules and under Children First E-Learning Programme.
The programme is based on Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the Children First Act 2015.
The programme takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete but it can be done in a number of sittings. The programme will allow you to log back in and resume where you left off. It covers topics including:
- Recognising and reporting child abuse;
- The responsibilities of organisations working with children to safeguard children;
- The role of designated liaison persons.
You will need to create an account using an email address to log in and complete the progamme. This allows you to complete the training gradually over time. Once you have created your account, launch ‘An Introduction to Children First’. When you have completed the programme, you will receive a certificate of completion directly to your email address.
REPORT A CONCERN
Professionals and those involved in organisations working with children who have concerns about a child but are not sure what to do, should discuss these with the Children First Designated Liaison Person (DLP) in Comhaltas, or contact the Child and Family Agency for advice.
Follow guidance on how to report a concern under www.tusla.ie
The Standard Report Form (CC0101:01:01) available to download on www.tusla.ie should be used by professionals, staff and volunteers in organisations working with or in contact with children, or providing services to children when reporting child protection and welfare concerns. If a report is made by telephone, this form should be completed and forwarded subsequently to the Child and Family Agency.
If a child is in danger outside office hours you can contact the Gardai.
NORTHERN IRELAND & BRITAIN: