Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Constituent Members of the Catholic Church in Ireland
The Gospel teaches the importance of ensuring that the Catholic Church community is a warm, welcoming and safe place for children.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:14-15)
Children are gifts from God, to be cherished and recognised for the joyful contribution they make as valued members of the Church.
Our challenge is to follow the example of Jesus in cherishing them. Safeguarding is key to this important task and should be seen, not as a burden, but as an opportunity to embrace and encourage children’s ministry, following the example of Jesus Christ.
This Church body pledges to safeguard children and young people from harm and to support them in their development as valued and integral members of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Church’s ministry will be inclusive and will uphold their rights.
Consistent with Gospel values, and with civil and criminal law, those who minister will do so with dignity and integrity, honouring their calling to ensure that children and young people are welcomed, cherished and protected, following the example set by Jesus.
This Safeguarding Children Policy will be honoured and complied with by all ordained clerics, by vowed female and male religious, and by all lay staff and volunteers in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards:
The implementation of this policy is based on the application of three standards which must be applied by all Church personnel in their own sphere of activity. These standards represent the expected level of performance all parts of the Church should achieve.
Safeguarding Guidance Documents
As Pallottines we devote ourselves to imitating Jesus Christ and motivated by His Love, we are committed to protecting the dignity of each person created in the image of God. In particular we commit ourselves to safeguarding and protecting every child with whom we come into contact.
If you have any concerns or complaints regarding the protection of children,
Please contact: Dolores Carroll DLP
Pallottine Fathers, Homestead, Sandyford Rd, Dundrum, Dublin 16 K2X7
Ph: 0871867345 email: dlp@pallottinesireland.org
List of Support Services, Contacts & Links
Towards Healing:
An independent organization providing professional support for
persons who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Freephone 1800 303416 (Rep. of Ireland)
Freephone 0800 0963315 (Northern Ireland and UK).
One in Four:
An organization which offers support to men and women who have
experienced sexual abuse and their family members.
Contact: 01 662 4070
Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children:
Contact: 01 6794944
Rape Crisis Centre:
A 24-hour helpline Contact: 1800-778888
The Samaritans:
Offer confidential and non-judgmental support 24 hours a day. Contact:
1850 609090
National Board for Safeguarding Children In the Catholic Church in Ireland St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Ph: 01 5053124
Garda Protection Services – Garda Confidential: 1800666111
Child and Family Agency,
Unit 9, Nutgrove Retail Park, Churchtown, Dublin 14. Ph: 01 9213400
Diocesan Child Protection Co-ordinator
St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
.
Vunerable Perrson
Telephone: 021 240 9300
www.hiqa.ie
HSE National Counselling ServiceThe HSE National Counselling Service (NCS) is a professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy service available free of charge in all regions of the Health Services Executive.
Freephone: 1800 234 115
www.hse.ie