Safeguarding Children

The Archdiocese of Dublin and the Parish of the The Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, value and encourage the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and in Diocesan activities in order to enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. We recognise the dignity and rights of all children and are committed to their protection from all forms of abuse.

This is a commitment binding on all priests and on those who work in our Diocesan offices and agencies, and in our parishes. It extends to all the many and varied ways that children share in the life of the Church in our Diocese.

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1.The Diocesan Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy is based on Gospel values: children occupy a central place in the teachings of Jesus.

2.The priests and everyone who work for the Diocese or in one of its parishes must comply with the policy which is available on the parish or diocesan website or from the parish office

3.There are a number of practical steps at parish level which can be taken to ensure the environment in which children participate is the safest that it can be (see the Diocesan Policy-Chapter 3 – Preventing Harm to Children).

In summary these are:

• Ensuring parental permission is obtained when children are involved in parish activities or travelling on outings with parish groups
• Choosing carefully those who work with children in the parish and ensuring they behave appropriately with children –
• Making proper arrangements when organising activities and outings.
• Keeping good records

4.Garda Vetting is one of a range of safeguards and is an expression of our common commitment to safeguarding children. The parish will ensure that all volunteers who work with children submit Garda Vetting Forms. Those involved in other Ministries have been requested to submit forms. For the protection of children and adults, parents should only leave their child in the care of the authorised volunteer leader/s of the group in which their child is participating.

5.Each parish group working with children must have the following documents:

• A form of parental consent
• A record of attendance
• An incident/accident report form
• A code of conduct for adult leaders and
• A code of conduct for children
• A travel consent form

Safeguarding Handbooks & Resources

• Parish Volunteer Recruitment – Child Safeguarding (2018)
• Parish Clergy Safeguarding Handbook
• Parish Safeguarding Representative Handbook
• Safeguarding Handbook for Parish Staff and Volunteers (2021)
• Working Safely with Children & Young People: Use of Information and Digital Technology
• Diocesan Safeguarding Document (2018)

These and other resources can be found on the Dublin Diocese website.

Safeguarding Contacts

Diocesan Child Protection Service – Designated Person

Andrew Fagan Director 01 8360314

Child Safeguarding & Protection Service

Holy Cross Diocesan Centre, Clonliffe Road Dublin 3

(Monday to Friday 09.00-17.00)

Email: andrew.fagan@dublindiocese.ie

Web: www.csps.dublindiocese.ie

Diocesan Child Protection Service – Deputy Designated Person

Julie McCullough Child Protection Officer 01 8360314

Child Safeguarding & Protection Service

Holy Cross Diocesan Centre, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3

(Monday to Friday 09.00-17.00)

Parish Child Safeguarding Representative

Direct Contact: 086 859 2859

TULSA Office (Health Service Executive)

Duty Social Worker Churchtown:  01 491 6416

Donnybrook Garda Station

01 666 9200
www.garda.ie

Helplines