Child Safeguarding Policy
Statement of Policy
We in the Parish of Sruleen, value and encourage the
participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and in
activities that enhance
their personal, spiritual, physical, emotional and social
development. We recognize the dignity and rights of all children
and are committed to their protection and support.
In keeping with this we will work to do all in our power to create safe
environments for children and young people in order to secure their
protection and enable their full participation in the life of the
Church.
Contact Details:
Child Safeguarding and Protection
Service in the Archdiocese of
Dublin
|
Director: Mr Andrew Fagan |
01-836 0314 |
|
Deputy Director: Ms Sinead McDonnell |
01-836 0314 |
The above are the designated people for the receipt of any complaints or
concerns
regarding the protection of children.
|
Clondalkin
Garda Station |
01-457 4855 |
You can also contact any Garda station
|
The Child Care Manager Area 5 |
01-626 8101 |
G.P.s, Nurses, Substance Abuse Counsellors, Social Workers etc are also
designated officers to receive reports of neglect/abuse of children.
Sruleen Parish Safeguarding
Representative
Helplines:
|
Towards Healing: |
1800 303 416
|
|
One in Four: |
01-662 4070 |
|
The Samaritans:
|
1850 609 090 |
|
Childline |
1800 666 666 |
Code
of Conduct for Adult Leaders:
Treat
children with courtesy, respect and dignity.
Set the standard of behavior for the group by providing an
example of appropriate behavior in dealing with people.
Use age appropriate language.
Particular care should be taken to ensure that the privacy of
children is respected at all times.
Do not engage in rough play or undertake any task of a personal
nature with/for children except in cases of medical necessity when the
welfare of the child depends on it.
Ensure that consent
has been received from a parent/guardian before a child takes part in
any activity.
Ensure there are clearly designated leaders within each group
with whom young people can speak about their experience and raise any
concerns should they arise.
Ensure there is an adequate ratio of leaders to children at all
times for all activities.
Casual visits by children to the homes of leaders or by leaders
to the homes of children should be avoided unless a parent/guardian is
present.
Leaders should not work alone with children or remain on parish
premises alone with children.
If a situation rises where it is necessary to be alone with a
child, another responsible adult should be informed immediately and a
diary note made that the meeting took place including the reason for the
meeting.
It is not permitted to consume alcohol, drugs or tobacco while
supervising or working with children and under no circumstances should
these substances be provided to children.
Always engage with children in an open manner and refrain from
showing favoritism towards any individual.
Code of Conduct for
Children:
Children
who are involved in church celebrations should treat all other children
with respect.
Be fair and do not tell lies about other children or adults.
Abide by the rules set out by the leaders.
Respect the House of God and promote good behaviour.
Do not spread rumours.
Do not harm other children or Church property.
Do not shout or argue in Church.
Do not keep secrets especially if the secrets can cause harm.
Avoid violence or physical contact with others and be caring at
all times.
Use of mobile phones is not allowed in the church.
Do not bring dangerous substances or use such substances on
parish premises.
Talk to the adult leader if you have a problem.
Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to Mass and
all relevant Church activities.
Procedures
The Parish undertakes to have the following in place:
Signed parental consent for each young person;
Appropriate supervision ratio of adults to young people while
maintaining the practice of ensuring that no young person is left alone
with an adult;
A code of conduct for all adult leaders and young people;
Adequate record keeping processes including:
Participant forms,
Incident/accident report forms,
Volunteer application form,
Declaration form for all adult leaders,
Medical information and treatment permission as appropriate for
all young people,
Programme/attendance records,
Training records,
Garda vetting of volunteers. It is the policy of the Arch Diocese
that all people participating in all ministries must be Garda vetted.
Contact information for parents/guardians;
Procedures for recruitment and overseeing adult leaders working
with young people;
For away trips a pre-check on accommodation and transport
arrangements;
Information session for all young people and their parents.
All concerns and /or complaints will be followed through in a
timely and efficient manner.
Our
Policy
is based on:
Children First:
National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
And
Archdiocese of Dublin: Child
Safeguarding and Protection Policy and Procedures
Please note: In law a child is anyone under the age of 18 years, unless
they are or have been married
