Child Protection Guidelines

Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children

The Children First Guidelines were first issued by the Department of Health and Children in 1999.  These guidelines outline procedures for strengthening arrangements for the protection of children and to assist people in identifying and reporting child abuse.  While they do not have a statutory basis, the Children First Guidelines are national guidelines which should be applied consistently by the Health Service Executive, Government and organisations which deal with children and they are meant to provide best practice in dealing with children and young people. The guidelines are intended to help organisations to improve their policies, procedures and practices to safeguard children and young people.

Your Local Health Office of the HSE can also provide information on local procedures and services aimed at the safety and welfare of children.

Our Duty to Care

Our Duty to Care was published by the Department of Health and Children in October 2002.  It is aimed at staff and volunteers of community and voluntary organisations of any size or type that provide services for children. It is a practical guide offering guidance on the promotion of child welfare and the development of safe practices in work with children. It also gives information on how to recognise signs of child abuse and the steps to take within organisations if abuse is suspected, witnessed or disclosed.

Publications

• Children First  
• Children First - Summary 
• Children First - Information Leaflet
• Our Duty to Care
• Our Duty to Care (Factsheets)  
• Ár nDualgas Cúraim 
• Ár nDualgas Cúraim (Irish Factsheets)

Child Protection Policy and Code of Behaviour for working with children/young people

The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of all the children and young people with whom it works. The OMCYA is committed to promoting the rights of the child, including the participation of children and young people in matters that affect them.

As the body with responsibility for driving and monitoring the implementation of the National Children's Strategy, the OMCYA is committed to promoting and facilitating the full participation of children and young people in its work. The OMCYA aims to create a safe and healthy environment for the young people with whom it works and is committed at all times to ensuring their safety and welfare.

A set of child protection guidelines has been introduced by the OMCYA, based on Children First – National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children and Our Duty to Care – The Principles of Good Practice for the Protection of Children and Young People. In accordance with these documents, it is good practice for all organisations that have contact with children and young people to introduce a child protection policy. This policy also helps to provide safeguards and support for staff when they are working with children and young people.

Download the OMCYA Child Protection Policy