Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly
Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly Standards & Guidance Document for the Catholic Church
The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church can be contacted at: http://www.safeguarding.ie/
Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly Safeguarding Children
Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church – Launched 15th March 2010
Message from Archbishop Dermot Clifford
Children and young people contribute to the joy and vibrancy of the liturgy and life of every parish. For this reason the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly values and promotes their inclusion and participation in the life of the parish faith community. All parish ministry involving children and young people strives to make a positive contribution to their spiritual, emotional and social development.
This Safeguarding Policy and procedures aim at ensuring that all those who minister to children and young people create a respectful, caring and safe environment where the dignity of every child is valued and promoted.
The policy and procedures equip parishes to comply with best practice promoted by the State and Church and the principles underpinning Safeguarding Children – Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland, in creating an environment of trust and transparency where everyone, but particularly children and young people, feel safe.
I fully support and congratulate all those who have been involved in safeguarding children in our parishes: the priests, parish safeguarding representatives, trainers and committee. In safeguarding children, we need to be constantly vigilant and I am grateful to all those who recognise this imperative. It is my intention to continue to put safeguarding children high on my agenda, the agenda of the Archdiocese and parish life, I therefore will continue to draw on the talents and time of those who give so much to the service of the parish community.
I am confident that the culture of care and generosity expressed by the priests, parish representatives and those in a position of trust with children will extend to the implementation of this policy and procedures in establishing best practice in every parish.
+ Dermot Clifford
Archbishop of Cashel and Emly
Table of Contents
Diocesan Child Protection Policy Statement and Contact Details
General Principles Guiding Best Practice for Ministry with children
and young people
Definitions of Child Abuse
Diocesan Code of Best Practice – Basic Procedures
Communicating with Parents and Guardians
Role of Designated Officers
Role of Parish Representatives
Recruitment Procedures
Supervision of Activities
Diocesan Code of Conduct for Adults working with
Children and Young people
Diocesan Code of Conduct for Children and Young People
Basic Guidelines for Trips Away from Home
Ministry of Altar Servers
Diocesan Committee
Safeguarding Children
Diocesan Child Protection Policy Statement
The Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly seeks to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to make known the Good News of Christ more fully through worship, service and witness. In keeping with this aim, ministry with children and young people in the Archdiocese is informed by the three Gospel values of Truth, Justice and Love.
The Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly values and encourages the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and in activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and young people. We are committed to their protection and support in a way that
promotes their human dignity and integrity as children of God.
In keeping with this, we undertake to do all in our power to create safe environments for
children and young people, and to ensure their protection from physical, sexual
and emotional abuse or neglect.
We recognise that all involved in working with children and young people have a special
duty of care towards them. We are committed to putting procedures in place through
which this care is put into effect so that the rights of children and young people to actively
and safely participate in the life of the Church are upheld.
For further information on the parish policies please contact the parish representatives
for Safeguarding Children.
Diocesan Child Protection Contact Details
If you have a child protection concern or wish to report an allegation, please contact one
of the following:
Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly
The Designated Officer for the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly:
Mr. Bill Meagher – 087 7914517
HSE:
Duty Social Worker: Limerick ( 061) 482792. North Tipperary (067)46647
South Tipperary 052 6170931
The Gardaí: Thurles (0504) 25100, Templemore (0504) 31011, Cashel (062)75840
Tipperary (062) 51212, Clonmel (052) 6177640
Safeguarding Children
General Principles Guiding Best Practice for Ministry
The Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly:
• Values and encourages the active participation of children and young people in the life
of the Church in ways that enhance their physical, emotional and spiritual growth within
the safe, secure and welcoming environment of their Faith community. Each
child/young person should feel valued, encouraged and affirmed as a gift from God
• Recognises and upholds the fundamental right of each individual child and young
person to be respected, nurtured, cared for and protected. These rights are embedded
both in our Gospel values and in civil legislation
• Acknowledges and reaffirms its commitment to the care and protection of children and
young people as ‘children of God’, with intrinsic dignity and irreducible worth
• Believes that the Safeguarding of Children is everyone’s responsibility, but accepts that
all those working with children and young people in Church ministries have a special
duty of care towards them
• Is committed to ‘best practice’ in the area of Safeguarding Children, including:
- The development of effective structures for safeguarding children and young people
- Responding to suspicions or allegations of child abuse, which includes cooperating with the relevant civil authorities
- Providing pastoral support and training for all Church personnel
- Is willing to listen to children and young people and involve them, where appropriate, in decision-making
- Promotes an ethos and approach, which, at all time, gives paramount consideration to the welfare of the child and young person.
- Is committed to communicating our safeguarding message to all children and adults throughout the Archdiocese.
- Is committed to following the procedures set out in this document relating to responding to allegations of abuse:
- Respond to the needs of the child.
- Inform the primary carers unless the action puts the child at further risk
- Inform the Diocesan Designated Officer and / or Duty Social Worker /and/ or An Garda Siochána.
- In the event of a complaint against a member of staff or volunteer, we will immediately ensure the safety of the child and inform the parents/guardians/primary carers, as appropriate.
Standards and Guidance for the Catholic Church
Definition of Child Abuse
The Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly recognises child abuse as being neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse as defined in the State Guidelines Children First and Safeguarding Children Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Neglect – where the child suffers significant harm or impairment of development by
being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision
and safety, attachment to and affection from adults or medical care.
Sexual Abuse – when a child is used by another person for his or her gratification or sexual
arousal or for that of others.
Physical Abuse - any form of non- accidental injury, which results from the wilful or
neglectful failure to protect a child.
Emotional Abuse - occurs when the child’s needs for affection, approval, consistency and
security are not met.
Children First, National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999, pp. 125–131
Safeguarding Children Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland
The National Office for Safeguarding Children 2008, pp. 73 – 76.
Safeguarding Children
DIOCESAN CODE OF BEST PRACTICE – BASIC PROCEDURES
In order to support the Diocesan Child Protection Policy, the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly is committed to putting procedures in place to ensure the welfare and protection of children and young people, together with the welfare of those who work with them. The welfare of the child is always paramount.
These procedures are accessible to all who are working with children and young people.
They will be reviewed every 3 years in keeping with current child protection procedures.
This document outlines the procedures which need to be put in place as follows:
• A code of conduct for all adults, children and young people
• A clearly defined process for the recruitment, selection and supervision of adults
working with children and young people, which will include volunteer/employment
application forms, Garda Vetting, and proof of identification
• Declaration forms for all adult leaders
• Induction and training records
• Attendance records
• Procedures for reporting Child Protection concerns and complaints
• Appropriate supervision ratios of adults to children and young people, while
maintaining the practice that no child or young person is left alone with an adult
• Adequate record keeping processes including:
¸ Record of activities and participants
¸ A clearly communicated Accident and Emergency plan
¸ Medical information and treatment permission as appropriate for all children and
young people
¸ Signed parental/guardian consent for each child and young person
¸ Participant forms
¸ Incident/Accident report forms
¸ Attendance records
¸ Contact information for parents/guardians
¸ Case files detailing allegations and responses
• Named group leader/designated person who can be contacted in relation to any query
about good practice procedures. Every action and procedure must consider the overall
needs of the child
• Actions taken to protect the child should not in themselves be abusive or cause the
child unnecessary distress.
Standards and Guidance for the Catholic Church
Communicating with Parents & Guardians
Parents and guardians will be informed of all aspects of the ministry and/or pastoral
activity in which their child is involved. It is our policy to activity share information with
the parents/guardians, including information relating to pilgrimages, retreats or other trips
away, transport to and from events, etc. It is our practice to obtain written
parental/guardian consent prior to a child taking up an activity and to communicate with
parents/children regarding the participation requirements.
Confidentiality Statement
The Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly recognises the importance of ensuring people’s right to
confidentiality. The Archdiocese is committed to keeping confidential all personal information
about children and their families. The only exception may be when child protection or
welfare concerns arise in relation to a child. In this situation, information will be shared
on a need to know basis in the best interest of the child as follows:
Information will only be forwarded on a “need to know” basis in order to safeguard the
Child / young person.
Giving information to appropriately designated persons and/or statutory authorities for
the protection of a child is outside the limits of professional confidentiality.
Primary Carers have a right to know if personal information is being shared and a report
is being made to the HSE, unless doing so could put the child at further risk.
The Designated Officer(s)
It is the Designated Officer’s responsibility to receive information where it is alleged or
suspected that a child(ren) has been or is being abused by any member of the Church,
including volunteers.
The Designated Officer is responsible for managing the allegation/disclosure or concern
from start to finish, including:
(a) the preliminary internal enquiry
(b) referral to the HSE/Garda Siochána
(c) any subsequent internal investigations
Role of the Designated Officer(s)
1. Receive information about a concern or allegation.
2. Ensure that the procedures outlined in the Guidance Document for the Catholic Church
in Ireland have been followed, and ensure that a referral has been made to the statutory
authorities.
3. Create a child protection case file for every referral. This must include a log of actions,
events and information received. Entries should be made as soon as possible after the
event but before the end of that day. They must be timed, dated and signed.
4. Place all written records in connection with the case in the Child Protection Case File.
5. Explain the procedures to the person who has raised the concern.
6. Inform the Church Authority that a complaint has been made.
7. Inform the alleged perpetrator that an allegation has been made, the nature of the
allegation and the procedures that are being followed. He/she should be offered the
services of an Adviser.
8. Keep the person who raised the allegation and the alleged perpetrator informed on
how the inquiry is progressing.
9. Obtain a written report on the outcome of any investigations from the HSE/An Garda
Siochána.
10. Conduct an internal investigation at the conclusion of any external investigation.
Designated Officers for the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly
Designated Officer: Very Rev. Michael Mullaney 087 7914517
Deputy Designated Officer: Sr. Carmel Bourke
Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church
Safeguarding Children
Children’s involvement in Church activities takes place
mainly at parish level. It is at this level that the need for awareness of principles
and procedures for safeguarding children is greatest, and where the commitment
of everyone involved with children is crucial.
Parish Safeguarding Representatives
• Two Local Safeguarding Children Representatives are required in each parish to work
alongside the relevant Church authority.
• The persons appointed need to have the personal qualities, interest and life experience
fitting to the tasks involved.
• The position is voluntary, but Parish Safeguarding Representatives will be provided
with induction, support and regular training.
The Representative need not be a paid employee nor a professional or expert, and is
likely to be a lay person
• He/ she will be given a role specification, be required to undergo training and will be
able to draw on help and support.
Role of Parish Representatives
Their role is to promote the safeguarding of children within Church organisations by:
1. Raising awareness regarding safeguarding through facilitating information sessions.
2. Disseminating information on Safeguarding Children – the Standards and Guidelines
Document for the Catholic Church and circulating information widely to the public,
especially among Church based organisations.
3. Ensuring that any activities run within Church organisations are provided in a manner
which ensures the safety and well-being of the children involved (for example,
appropriate level of supervision for the activity, insurance etc.)
4. Ensuring that the contact details of the Designated Officer are widely publicised.
5. The parish representative will help the parish to undertake the following:
• Agree a policy statement about the parish vision for children in the local
community and their commitment to protect children.
• Implement basic procedures that will show how the policy statement is followed
through.
Safeguarding Children
• Put in place a code of conduct, that is a list of ways in which staff and volunteers will conduct
themselves when working with children and young people and also a code of conduct
for children
• With the assistance of the Trainers and the Diocesan Coordinator for Safeguarding
Children, review and support the implementation of Diocesan Policy within the
p a r i s h
• Liaise with the Diocesan Coordinator for Safeguarding Children and the Diocesan
Committee for Safeguarding Children to receive support/advice and to review the
implementation of Diocesan Policy within the parish.
6. Facilitate anyone who needs to make a complaint and/or requires pastoral care
by ensuring that contact information for the relevant Church and Statutory Personnel
for Safeguarding Children is made known within the parish.
The overall responsibility for safeguarding children in any Church organisation
remains with the relevant Church authority, such as the parish priest.
Dealing with Allegations
Some Parish Safeguarding Representatives may be child protection professionals and may
be inclined to initiate investigative action because of their knowledge and expertise. Such
blurring of boundaries between roles should be avoided.
The parish representative does not have an investigative role. It is the statutory duty
of the civil authorities, not individuals or organisations, to investigate reports of
child abuse.
The Role of the Parish Representative in relation to allegations
a. Inform the Designated Officer immediately upon receipt or notification of an
allegation, suspicion or concern about abuse of a child, current or historical, from
any person.
b. Whenever possible and practical take notes during the conversation. (Always ask
permission to do this). Where it is not possible to do this, make a written record as soon as possible afterwards. Record the time, date and location. (See notes received at training).
c. Co-operate, contribute to and assist any investigation being undertaken by the
HSE/An Garda Siochána or the Designated Officer with any practical help.
d. The Parish Representative must not take on the role of support person to the person raising a concern/making an allegation or disclosure; nor should he/she
take on the role of adviser to the respondent.
Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church
Recruitment Procedures:
The procedures for recruiting personnel will include:
1. All vacancies (paid or voluntary) should be openly advertised
2. Develop clear job description
3. Applicants will be required to complete the following forms:
• Application form for Adult Volunteers/Leaders
• Declaration form
• Garda Vetting form
4. Applicants will provide proof of identification that is, photo ID
5. Applicants will submit names of two referees (not family members) who can
provide references. References will be received in writing and followed up. Verbal
contact must be made with all referees
6. Up-to-date files should be kept with the parish records in respect of all personnel,
these would include application forms, references and other relevant
documentation
7. An interview will take place – at least two interviewers present
8. All personnel should undertake a recognised programme of Child Protection Training
Please note that training support and all relevant forms are provided during
the course of the parish representative training programme that is offered
through the Diocesan Trainers for Safeguarding Children.
The relevant forms will be emailed to all parishes on request.
.
Safeguarding Children
Supervision of Activities
There should be an appropriate supervision ratio of adults to children and young
people at all times ensuring that no child or young person is left alone with an adult.
Recommended Supervision Ratios: Safeguarding Children – Standards and Guidance
Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland, p. 44
Under 8 years
0 to 2 years = one adult to 3 children
2 to 3 years = one adult to 4 children
3 to 7 years = one adult to 8 children (6 children for outdoor activity)
8 years and over
2 adults to 20 children (15 children for outdoor activity)
There should be one additional adult for every 8 children
The minimum adult/young person ratio should ideally be one adult per group of eight
plus one other adult, and allowing an additional adult for each group of eight
thereafter.
- Local circumstances, the ages of the children, the experience of the volunteers and the staff should be taken into consideration
- Safety, ability/disability of young people and the nature of the activities being undertaken may require that these ratios be considerably lower
- Mixed gender groups must have an appropriate number of male and female adult leaders
- A duty roster of adults to ensure adequate supervision of children and young people at all times must be drawn up
- Parents will have access to a list of named group leaders for activities involving their children and young people
- All those wishing to be volunteers or leaders in Church organisations in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly are required to:
• Complete and sign the Application Form for Adult Volunteers/Leaders
• Complete and sign the Declaration Form
• Provide Garda clearance
• Agree to abide by and sign the Code of Conduct
• All children and young people who wish to participate in activities/special activities
organised by the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly must complete and sign the appropriate
Participant Application Form. This form must also be completed and signed by a
parent or guardian of the child, or young person.
Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church
Diocesan Code of Conduct for Adults working with Children and Young People
This Code of Conduct applies to all adults who work with children and young people on
a professional or voluntary basis in Church related activities and to all children and young
people in their care. All persons working with children and young people must sign and adhere to the
Diocesan Code of Conduct.
- Children and young people will be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.
- Adults working with children and young people will be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.
- Adults must not work in isolation with children and/or young people. In instances where pastoral need may require privacy for a young person, working in isolation should be undertaken in a transparent and open manner.
- Leaders will always engage with children and young people in an open manner, taking care not to show favouritism.
- Physical contact between children/young people and leaders must be appropriate at all times. Leaders will not engage in rough play with each other or with children and young people.
- Photographs of children/young people engaged in Church related activities may only be taken and/or made public with parental and the child’s consent. Names of children must not accompany photographs
- Children/young people will not be permitted to consume alcohol or use illicit drugs when participating in Church related activities
- Adults will not consume alcohol or use illicit drugs while having responsibility for or in the presence of children/young people
- Personal details of children and young people will be held only by named leader/designated person
- Adults working with children and young people will not give their personal details to children and young people in their care
- Inappropriate or bad language is not permitted
- Every action and procedure must consider the overall needs of the child
- Actions taken to protect the child should not in themselves be abusive or cause the child unnecessary distress
- Where there is a conflict between protecting the child and the rights of carers and adults, the welfare and best interest of the child are the first and primary consideration.
Safeguarding Children
Diocesan Code of Conduct for Children and Young People
A code of conduct specific to children and young people must be drawn up in direct
consultation with children and young people. It is important that each group of
children and young people directly contributes to the formation of their code of
conduct.
The following points should be used as a minimum standard:
All children must sign in and adhere to the Diocesan Code of Conduct for children and young people.
- Children and young people will be aware that leaders also have a Code of Conduct.
- Children and young people will respect the fact that leaders will not work alone with children and young people.
- Children and young people will treat each other and their leaders with courtesy, respect and dignity.
- Children and young people will not be permitted to engage in substance abuse or consume alcohol or smoke, in keeping with civil law.
- Inappropriate language or sexually suggestive comments will not be permitted by children or young people.
- Physical contact between children and young people will be of an appropriate nature at all times.
- Rough play will not be permitted
Anti-bullying Policy
Children’s views will be welcome. Children will have a voice and will be listened to.
The following are some examples of bullying. However, this list is not exhaustive and the
children and young people will have many other points to list:
- Name Calling
- Fighting/kicking/punching
- Making suggestive comments
- Intimidation
- Threatening
- Ignoring/excluding
- Damaging property
- Spreading rumours
- Sending abusive text messages
Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church
Basic Guidelines for Trips Away From Home
- All trips need careful advance planning including adequate provision for safety with regard to transport, facilities, activities. A risk assessment should be carried out in advance. Adequate insurance must be in place
- Written parental consent and children’s consent must be obtained well in advance for each specific tripand related activities
- A copy of the itinerary and contact telephone numbers should be made available to parents or guardians
- There must be adequate and, where possible, gender-appropriate, supervision for boys and girls.
- Arrangements and procedures must be put in place to ensure that rules and appropriate boundaries are set and maintained in the relaxed environment of trips away.
- Particular attention should be given to ensuring that the privacy of young people is respected when they are away on trips.
- Sleeping areas for boys and girls should be separate and supervised by two adults of the same gender as the group being supervised.
- If, in an emergency situation, an adult considers it necessary to be in a children’s dormitory or bedroom without another adult they should (a) immediately inform another adult in a position of responsibility and (b) make a diary note of the circumstances.
- The roles and responsibilities of children and young people must be clearly communicated to them having been outlined and agreed upon with them and their parents prior to departure.
- The task required of young helpers will be appropriate to their age and capacity. Young people will not be asked to carry out personal care tasks
- Care will be taken to ensure that leaders do not work alone with young people
- The diocese/parish must have a named person assigned for the trip to whose immediate attention all concerns and/or complaints can be brought
- All concerns and/or complaints will be followed through in a timely and efficient manner
- In the case of Pilgrimages, a Designated Medical Officer should be appointed
- Further information on Residentials and Trips Away from Home is available from the Diocesan Coordinator for Safeguarding Children, Tel. (0504) 58752 (087) 2327642.
Safeguarding Children
Ministry of Altar Servers
Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly – Summary Policy Statement:
In the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, children and young people take part in the very special ministry of serving at the Table of the Lord. Our altar servers are most important to the celebration of Eucharist in the parish community. Recognising the value and right of children to actively participate in the Church community, the Archdiocese is committed to ensuring their safety and well-being. Above all, the diocese recognises the need to protect children and
young people in a way that promotes their human dignity, integrity and irreducible worth
as children of God.
The Archdiocese recognises that all involved in working with altar servers have a special duty
of care towards them and has committed to engaging in a process to work towards
putting procedures in place through which this care is put into effect.
General Good Practice Procedures:
The Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly will work to support each parish in having the following in place:
- Signed parental consent and child’s consent for each altar server
- Appropriate supervision ratios of adults to children while maintaining the practice of ensuring that no child is left alone with an adult
- Adequate record keeping including: Participant Forms; Sign-in sheets; Incident/Accident Report Forms; Volunteer Application Form/Declaration Form
- Procedures for recruitment & overseeing of volunteers working with servers
- A named contact person for the parish who can be called in relation to any query about the good practice procedures for altar servers
- An information/induction session for all parents/guardians and altar servers
Standards and Guidance Documentfor the Catholic Church for the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly
Diocesan Committee for Safeguarding Children Personnel
Ms. Ann Meagher: Chairperson
Very Rev. Joseph Egan PP
Very Rev. Tom Ryan, PP
Sr. Carmel Bourke: Safeguarding Children Trainer/Coordinator
Mr. PJ Maher: Solicitor
Mr. Andrew Meaney: Social Care Worker
Ms. Jackie Hogan: Social Worker
Designated Officer: Mr. Bill Meagher – 087 7914517
Deputy Designated Officer: Sr. Carmel Bourke
Parish Representatives have been appointed for each parish. Their contact details are displayed in the church (es) in each parish.
Statutory Personnel within the Archdiocese:
HSE: Duty Care Social Worker:
North Tipperary (067) 46447
South Tipperary (052) 6170931
Limerick (061) 482792
The Gardaí:
Thurles ( 0504) 25100 Templemore (0504) 31011
Cashel (062) 75840 Tipperary (062) 51212
Clonmel (052) 6177640