Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Who do I talk to if I am concerned about a child’s welfare?
If you have a concern about a young person it is very important that you take one of the following actions:
Report your concern to your designated liaison person within your organisation
If you do not have a designated liaison person, report directly to your local duty social worker in your local health centre.
National Contacts for HSE Children and Family Services
In an emergency or if a social worker is not available, contact your local An Garda Siochana.
Q2. What are the organisational requirements in relation to safeguarding and child protection?
All youth organisations have a responsibility and a duty of care for the protection and well being of the young people with whom they work. There are a number of measures that youth organisations must put in place to safeguard children from harm. These include the following:
A child protection policy and code of behaviour, a named designated liaison person, a safe recruitment and selection process for employees and volunteer which includes Garda vetting , supervision, support and training in child protection and safeguarding for all staff, volunteers and management.
Q3. What training programmes are available in child protection?
For the youth work sector please see the training section of this website
However, if you are outside of the youth work sector please contact your national governing body or the HSE for information on accessing appropriate child protection training.
Q.4. Where can I get help in reviewing our organisational child protection policy?
The HSE employs Children First Information and Advice Officers who are available to liaise with voluntary and community organisations and provide advice on child protection issues.
HSE Children First Information and Advice Officers
Q5. Where do I get information on good practice in child protection for the youth work sector?
Please see Our Duty of Care or the Code of Good Practice, Child Protection for the Youth work Sector.
Code of Good Practice, Child Protection for the Youth Sector
Q5. How do I access Garda vetting for my youth work organisation’s staff or volunteers?
Please see the garda vetting section of this website.
Alternatively you can contact the
Central Garda Vetting Unit,
Racecourse Road,
Thurles,
Co.Tipperary
Tel:+353 (0)504 27300
Fax:+353 (0)504 27373