Child Protection Policy & Procedures

St. Michael's Parish, Inchicore, Dublin 8

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Approved by Pastoral Council on: ________________________

Signed: _________________________________

Chairperson, PPC

Contents

1. Policy Statement

2. Commitments on Working with Children/Young People

3. Child Protection Representative

4. The Responsibility of Parents / Guardians

5. Code of Conduct for those Volunteers & Leaders with Children/Young People

5.1. General

5.2. Personal Meetings

5.3. Vulnerable Children and Adults

5.4. Trips

6. Code of Behaviour for Children / Young People in Parish Groups

7. Recruitment and Training of Volunteers

7.1. General Principles

7.2. Key Issues

8. Directory of Parish Groups for Children / Young People

9. Forms

9.1. Adult Volunteer Application Form

9.2. Adult Volunteer Declaration Form

9.3. Training Record

9.4. Child & Parent Contact Details Record

9.5. Travelling Permission Consent Form

1. Policy Statement

St. Michael's Parish 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 the dignity, diversity and rights of all children and are committed to their protection and support.

The parish undertakes to do all in its power to create a safe environment for children and young people in order to ensure their protection and enable their full participation in parish activities.

Any person who has concerns regarding the suspected Emotional, Physical or Sexual abuse of a child should contact one or all of the following:

Parish Child Protection Representative: 087 2402862 / 087 3135160

Dublin Diocese Child Protection Office: 01 8360314

Diocesan Director of Child Protection: 01 8842590 cps@dublindiocese.ie

Kilmainham Garda station: 01 6669700

Health Services Executive (HSE)- Local Office: 01 648 6500 / 620 6387

Faoiseamh - counselling service for victims of clerical abuse 1800 331234

Childline: 1800 666666

At all times, an individual making a complaint or allegation has the right and is fully entitled to make a report directly to the statutory authorities i.e. the Gardai and / or the HSE. Judgement about abuse will be left to the professionals and the parish Child protection representative will not conduct any investigation whatsoever.

The parish child protection representative will be available to discuss the issue and pass on the details to the diocesan director of child protection and to the statutory authorities.

2. Commitments on Working with Children/Young People

The parish of St Michael's undertakes to have the following in place:

� Signed parental consent for each young person engaged in a parish activity.

� A code of conduct for all adult leaders & young people

� A requirement that all parish groups have procedures in place to ensure the protection of all children and young people for all trips including day trips.

� Adequate record keeping processes including:

o Participant forms

o Incident /Accident Report forms

o Medical information and treatment permission

o Contact information for parents/guardians

o Programme/attendance records

o Volunteer Application forms

o Declaration Forms for all adult leaders

o Volunteer training records

� Garda Vetting for all volunteers and for members of the Parish Pastoral Council and others with responsibilities in parish activities

� Training in Best Practice for all clergy, employees and volunteers

In all decision making and when responding to any situation of concern involving a child or young person, the welfare and interests of the child are the primary consideration

3. Child Protection Representative

As part of our policy the parish is committed to nominating a Child Protection Representative in accordance with the requirements of the Our Children Our Church national policy.

The responsibilities of the Child Protection Representative will be as follows:

To promote awareness of the parish's and the Church's child protection policies

To ensure that the public has ready access to the contact details for the relevant statutory authorities and to the Director of Child Protection.

To facilitate anyone in the parish in bringing an allegation or suspicion of child abuse to the attention of the Director of Child Protection or statutory agencies, should they wish to have such support.

The Child Protection Representative will be given every assistance by the parish Pastoral Council in carrying out his / her task

The Child Protection Representative does not deal with reported child abuse him / herself but refers it to the designated person within the diocese i.e. the Director of Child Protection service and / or statutory agencies (Gardai / HSE)

4. The Responsibility of Parents / Guardians

The parish takes very seriously its responsibilities and obligations with respect to ensuring to the greatest extent possible, the safety of all children and young people participating in parish activities.

Notwithstanding this, succeeding in this goal requires the partnership of the parish (i.e. clergy, employees and volunteers) and the parents / guardians of the children and young people. This means that all parties must accept and discharge their responsibilities.

5. Code of Conduct for those Volunteers & Leaders with Children/Young People

5.1. General

Young people/children will be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity

Physical punishment or verbal abuse of children is not acceptable

Young people/children will not be permitted to consume alcohol or smoke while participating in activities

There will be clearly designated leaders (18+) within each group

There will be an adequate ratio of leaders to young people/children at all times whether away or at home.

Leaders should not work alone with children/young people

Leaders will not consume alcohol or smoke while having responsibility for or in the presence of young people.

Physical contact between young people/children and leaders will be appropriate at all times. Leaders will not engage in rough play or undertake any task of a personal nature with/for young people/children except in cases of medical necessity or when the welfare of the child depends on it.

Care will be taken to ensure that when working with mixed gender groups leaders and adult volunteers of appropriate gender will work in pairs

Leaders or volunteers should not undertake any car or minibus journey alone with a child. If, in the event of an emergency, it is essential to make a journey alone with a child, a record of this should be made and the child's parent(s) or guardian(s) informed as soon as possible.

Children and young people should not be allowed to work or remain in churches or in other parish buildings unless there are at least two adults present.

Leaders will always engage with young people/children in an open manner and care will be taken not to show favouritism.

Leaders should not engage in or tolerate any behaviour - verbal, psychological or physical, that could be construed as bullying or abusive.

Bad language or inappropriate language/comments will not be permitted by children/young people or leaders

Only age appropriate language, media products (e.g. paper, camera phones, internet, video etc) and activities should be used when working with children and young people. Sexually explicit or pornographic material is never acceptable.

Any issue / allegation in respect of abuse will be referred to the Child Protection Representative

All concerns and/or complaints will be followed through on in a timely and efficient manner

The parish requires all groups to have a specific code of conduct for all away trips including day trips, where children are unaccompanied by parents/guardians

5.2. Personal Meetings

If the pastoral care of a child / young person necessitates meeting alone with him / her, such meetings should not be held in an isolated environment. The times and locations for meetings should allow for transparency and accountability e.g. be held in rooms with clear glass panel / window, in buildings where others are present and with the door of the room left open)

Both the length and number of meetings should be limited

Parents or guardians should be informed that the meeting(s) took place, except in cases where to do so might place the child in danger

Visits to the home or private quarters of Church personnel should not be encouraged.

5.3. Vulnerable Children and Adults

Since especially vulnerable children may depend on adults more than other children for their care and safety, sensitivity and clear communication are of utmost importance

Workers / volunteers should be aware that vulnerable children are more likely than other children to be bullied and may also be less clear about physical and emotional boundaries

5.4. Trips

All trips, including day trips, overnights and holidays need careful advance planning including safety in regard to transport, facilities, activities and emergencies. Adequate insurance should be in place.

A outline of the details of the trip and related activities should be supplied in writing to all parents / guardians

Written consent by a parent / guardian specifically for each trip should be obtained well in advance.

A copy of the itinerary and contact telephone numbers should be made available to parents / guardians who have consented to their child's participation in the trip and activities.

Particular attention should be given to ensuring that the privacy of young people is respected on trips.

Sleeping areas for boys and girls should be separate and supervised by two adults of the same sex as the group being supervised.

At least two adults should be present in dormitories in which children or young people are sleeping. Under no circumstances should an adult share a bedroom with a child / young person.

If, in an emergency, an adult considers it necessary to be in a children's dormitory or bedroom without another adult being present they should (a) immediately inform another adult in a position of authority and (b) make a diary note of the circumstances.

6. Code of Behaviour for Children / Young People in Parish Groups

Treat all other children / group members with respect and do not bully anyone.

Be fair and do not tell lies about other group members or leaders

Do not spread rumours

Respect the environment that you are in; be it a building, vehicle or in nature

Do not shout or argue in the Church or de Mazenod Centre

Do not use violence or have inappropriate physical contact with others

Talk to a leader if you have a problem

Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use any other illegal substance

Do not use mobile phones in the Church

7. Recruitment and Training of Volunteers

7.1. General Principles

Safe practice starts with safe recruitment procedures. Most people who apply to work with children and young people in the Church are well motivated and potentially suitable for the tasks involved. It is most important however, that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that this is, in fact, the case. As well as enhancing the prospects of identifying the best person for the post, rigorous recruitment procedures can act as a deterrent to unsuitable applicants.

7.2. Key Issues

The safety of recruitment process can be enhanced by ensuring that due attention is paid to the key issues identified below:

Clear definition of role

Written application

Interviews

Declarations

References

Garda Vetting

8. Directory of Parish Groups for Children / Young People

Group Name	Leader(s)	Contact Numbers	Times	Venue(s)
St Michael's Folk Choir	Ann Kelly Mary Hutchings Paul Maguire		Wednesday 18:00 to 19:15 Sunday 11:00 Mass	De Mazenod Centre Church
Children's Readers Group	Bridie Byrne Karen Kenny Br. Michael Moore		Sunday 11:00 Mass	De Mazenod Centre Church
Children's Liturgy Group	Lisa Cotter		Sunday 11:00 Mass	Church
Altar Servers
Sacramental Preparation

9. Forms:

Templates for the following forms are available in soft copy for use by parish groups. Where necessary they can be amended to suit a particular situation.

Volunteer Application Form

Volunteer Declaration Form

Training Record

Child and Parent / Guardian Contact Record

Travelling Permission Consent Form

9.1. Adult Volunteer Application Form

Surname:	First Name:
Gender:	Date of Birth:
Address:	Mobile:
	Home Phone:
	Email:

Are You: (Please tick)

Employed Unemployed Student

Homemaker Retired Other

Previous Work Experience

Have you previously been involved in Voluntary Work? Yes No

(If yes, please give details)

Why do you want to get involved with this parish activity?

Have you previously received any training for working with children and young people? Yes No. (If yes, please give details)

Any other relevant information:

Is there any medical or other reason why you might be deemed unsuitable to carry out this work? Yes No. (If yes, please give details)

Please provide the names and contact details of two people who we could contact for a reference (not relatives, please).

Name:	Name:
Job / Role:	Job / Role:
Address	Address



Phone No:	Phone No:
Email:	Email:

I declare that the above information is true and that I am fit to serve as a volunteer with parish activity. I agree to abide by and accept the terms and conditions of participation.

Signed: _____________________ Date: ___________________

9.2. Adult Volunteer Declaration Form

Surname:	First Name:
Gender:	Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:	Any other name previously known as:

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence or been the subject of a caution or of a Bound Order? Yes No.

If yes, please state below the nature and date(s) of the offences.

Nature of the Offence	Date of the Offence

I have received a copy of the parish Child Protection Policy.

Signed: _____________________ Date: ___________________

9.3. Training Record

Name:		Group / Ministry:
Role:
Training Course	Summary Details: Tutor(s), Venue etc		Date(s)

9.4. Child & Parent Contact Details Record

Group / Activity:
Child Name:
Parent / Guardian Name:
Address:
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: (optional)
Any relevant information that you want the group leaders to be aware of in the context of his / her participation in the group / activity:

Child's Agreement

I have read the Code of Behaviour and I agree to abide by the rules

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

Parent / Guardian's Consent

I have read the Codes of Behaviour for Children and Leaders and agree with my child's application to join the group.

Name of Child/ren: ______________________________________

Parent / Guardian's Name: _____________________ Date: ______________

9.5. Travelling Permission Consent Form

Group:
Event:
Venue:
Travel Date:		Time:
Meet Location:
Return Date:		Time:
Drop Off Location:

Child's Agreement

I have read and accept the conditions as set out in the Code of Behaviour and I agree to abide by the rules

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

Parent / Guardian's Consent

I have read and accept the conditions and rules as set out in the Code of Behaviour when my child is travelling on a parish organised trip.

Name of Child/ren: ______________________________________

Parent / Guardian's Name: ________________________________

Contact Number _____________________ Date ______________