Policy and Procedures

The Diocesan Safeguarding Policy Documents for Children and Vulnerable Adults can be accessed by clicking on the link below.

Diocesan Safeguarding Document – Children Policy 2018

Diocesan Safeguarding Document – Vulnerable Adults Policy 2019

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Latest Newsletter

Child Safeguarding Protection Service Newsletter NOV 2019

Safeguarding Policy

The Parish of Kilnamanagh-Castleview is fully committed to best practice in the area of  safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults. All adults ministering in the parish are Garda Vetted and follow a code of conduct which is designed to ensure the safety of all children participating in church activities.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Safeguarding and Protection Services in the Archdiocese of Dublin:

Director:                                  Mr Andrew Fagan                              01-836 0314

Child Protection Officer:      Ms Deirdre Donnelly                        01-836 0314

Website:                                  http://csps.dublindiocese.ie/

The above are the designated people for the receipt of any complaints or concerns regarding the protection of children or vulnerable adults.

Tallaght Garda Station                                                             01- 666 6000

You can also contact any Garda Station

Health Service Executive                                                                     061 461165

GPs, Nurses, Substance Abuse Counsellors, Social Workers etc. are also designated officers to receive reports of neglect/abuse of children and vulnerable adults

Kilnamanagh and Castleview Parish Safeguarding Representative:

Mary Olive Kennedy                                                                         087-2434046

Helplines:

Towards Healing:                                                                                1900 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 and vulnerable adults with respect, courtesy and dignity.
• Set the standard of behaviour for the group by providing an example of appropriate behaviour in dealing with people.
• Use age appropriate language.
• Particular care should be taken to ensure that the privacy of children and vulnerable adults is respected at all times.
• Do not engage in rough play or undertake any task of a personal nature with/for children or vulnerable adults except in cases of medical necessity when the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult depends on it.
• Ensure that consent has been received from a parent/guardian before a child or vulnerable adult takes part in any activity.
• Ensure there is an adequate ratio of leaders to children/vulnerable adults at all times for all activities.
• Casual visits by children or vulnerable adults to the homes of leaders or by leaders to the homes of children or vulnerable adults should be avoided unless a parent/guardian is present.
• Leaders should not work alone with children or vulnerable adults or remain on parish premises alone with children or vulnerable adults.
• If a situation rises where it is necessary to be alone with a child or vulnerable adult, another responsible adult should be informed immediately and a diary note made that the meeting took place including reasons for the meeting.
• It is not permitted to consume alcohol, drugs or tobacco while supervising or working with children or vulnerable adults and under no circumstances should these substances be provided to children.
• Always engage with children or vulnerable adults in an open manner and refrain from showing favouritism towards any individual.

CODE OF CONDULT FOR CHILDREN AND VULERABLE ADULTS:

• Children and vulnerable adults who are involved in church celebrations should treat all others 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, adults 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 substance 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 child or vulnerable adult;
• Appropriate supervision ratio of adults to children or vulnerable adults while maintaining the practice of ensuring that no child or vulnerable adult is left alone with an adult;
• A code of conduct for all adult leaders and children or vulnerable adults;
• Adequate record keeping processes including:
  • Participant forms;
  • Permission for photographs to be taken of children/vulnerable adults & clarity of where photos will be stored/displayed;
  • Incident/accident report forms;
  • Volunteer application form;
  • Declaration form for all adult leaders;
  • Medical information and treatment permission as appropriate for all children or vulnerable adults;
  • Programme/attendance records;
  • Training records;
• Garda Vetting of Volunteers – it is policy of the Archdiocese of Dublin that all people participating in ministries connected with children and vulnerable adults must be vetted before any ministry may commence.
• All relevant contact information will be provided for parents/guardians, including procedures for recruitment and overseeing adult leaders working with children or vulnerable adults.
• For away trips, a pre-check on accommodation and transport arrangements.
• Information session for all children, vulnerable adults and their parents/guardians.
• All concerns and/or complaints will be followed through in a timely and efficient manner.

OUR POLICY is based on:

• Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
• Archdiocese of Dublin: Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy and Procedures and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy.

STATEMENT OF POLICY:

We in the Parish of Kilnamanagh and Castleview, value and encourage the participation of children and vulnerable adults in parish liturgies and in activities that enhance their personal, spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We recognise the dignity and rights of all children and vulnerable adults 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 vulnerable adults in order to secure their protection and enable their full participation in the life of the Church.

Please note:

• In law, a child is anyone under the age of 18 years, unless they are, or have been, married.
• A vulnerable adult is a person with restricted capacity to guard him or herself against harm or exploitation, or to report such harm or exploitation.