Parish Child Protection Policy:
- Pastoral ministry to a child/young person should only take place in a publicly accessible place (designated office or room with a clear glass window). The door should always be left open. The length and number of meetings should be limited.
- Clergy, Staff and Volunteer workers should never plan to be alone in a building, car or closed room with a child or young person
- Providing accommodation in any parochial house for minors is prohibited except in the case of family members or children/young people accompanied by parents or guardians. When the need for a visit to the home of a child/young person arises, professional boundaries must be observed.
- Ensure that adequate and appropriate supervision is in place before organising activities with children/young people.
- Written consent must be obtained from parents/guardians before organising activities for children/young people in your care and you should clearly establish whether there are any specific medical or dietary requirements.
- Particular care should be taken to ensure that the privacy of children/young people is respected in places such as swimming pools, showers, toilets and changing rooms.
- When working with children/young people care should be taken to avoid becoming a “parental figure” or over involved with one particular child or young person.
- All trips organised by groups require careful advanced planning and a proportionate number of suitable volunteers to provide adequate supervision. Keep gender balance in mind.
- Photographing of children/young people while they are in changing areas (locker rooms or bathing facilities) is prohibited
- Only age appropriate language, media products and activities should be used when working with children/young people. Sexually explicit materials or language are never appropriate.
- Under no circumstances should alcohol, tobacco or drugs be given to children/young people.
- Physical punishment, emotional or verbal abuses are not permitted under any circumstances.
- All reasonable efforts should be made to ensure that buildings and/or facilities used for activities with children/young people are suitable, safe and secure.
Delegate:
Name: Anne O’Driscoll
Mobile: 087-7690600
Diocesan Child Protection Service
Director: Dr. Andrew Fagan
Ph: 01-8360314
Website: www.csps.dublindiocese.ie
The Duty Social Worker of the Child and Family Agency – Tusla – Dublin North City (01) 8566856
Out of Hours Contact the Gardai
Bridewell Garda Station: 01- 6668200