Child Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Constituent Members
of the Catholic Church in Ireland
“As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse “.
The extract above is taken from a document entitled “Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland “. This is a set of guidelines on how best to protect children from the four types of abuse which are physical abuse, emotional abuse, child neglect and sexual abuse. Every member of the Church in Ireland has signed up to this through their Bishops who signed it in March,2016. You can read the document on-line at www.safeguarding.ie. Over the next few months, the parish will provide information on the local implications of this document.
Details of Personnel to Contact if you are Concerned about the Welfare and Safety of Children
DESIGNATED LIAISON PERSON TOGHER PARISH: Fr. John Walsh 021/4318899
GARDA: TOGHER GARDA STATION: 021/4947120
CHILD PROTECTION SERVICE: SOUTH LEE SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT: 021/4923001