The Parish Child Safeguarding Policy

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN STATEMENT

In the Parish of the Good Shepherd, Churchtown we believe that children and young adults should share in the life of the parish through a partnership of Priests, Group Leaders, the Children themselves and especially their Parents. As part of the diocesan programme to implement Child Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, the Parish Pastoral Council has adopted the following Policy.

‘We in the Parish of the Good Shepherd, Churchtown, value and encourage the participation of children and young adults in all parish activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We would like to help parents to encourage their children to serve the Lord, for He said “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them.” (Mark 10:14) We recognise the dignity and rights of all children and young people and we are committed to ensuring that their welfare, protection and support are paramount. In keeping with this, we will work to do all in our power, in co-operation with parents, to create safe environments for our children and young people engaged in the life of the parish.’

In framing this Policy the Parish Pastoral Council has worked with the Parish Child Safeguarding Representative, Billy Campbell, and has been guided by ‘Our Children, Our Church’, published by The Irish Bishops’ Conference. Those who work directly with children and young people within the Parish have been actively involved in framing the Procedures and Code of Conduct for Child Protection, which complement our Policy and which conform to best practice.

Contacts:

Billy Campbell
Parish Child Safeguarding Representative
Tel: 01 298 4642

Mr. Andrew Fagan, Director,
Diocesan Child Protection Service, Holy Cross Diocesan Centre, Clonliffe College, Dublin 3.
Tel: 01 836 0314.

HSE Dublin South East Child Protection Services,
Vergemount Hall, Clonskeagh, Dublin 6.
Office Hours: 9.00am to 1pm and 2.15-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Tel: 01 268 0320.

Gardaí Rathfarnham
Tel: 01 666 6500.

Gardaí Dundrum
Tel: 01 666 5600.