Child Protection Policy

The  Child  Care  Act  (1991),  Children’s  Act  2001  and  the  UN  Convention  on  the   Rights  of  the  Child  (1992),  enshrine  in  law  the  paramount  principle  of  the   welfare  of  children.  They  were  designed  to  promote  the  welfare  and  protection   of  children  (0  –  18  years).  The  Acts  cover  the  rights  and  responsibilities  of   parents,  the  protection  of  children  in  emergencies,  children  in  care,  the   supervision  of  pre-­‐schools  and  the  duty  of  the  Health  Service  Executive  (HSE) to   promote  the  welfare  of  children  who  are  not  receiving  adequate  care  and   protection.

In  2004,  “Child  Protection  Guidelines  for  Post  Primary  schools”,  updated  in  2011, was  published  by  the  Department  of  Health  and  Science  and  offers  support  and   guidance  to  people  who  come  into  regular  contact  with  children,  and  who  are,   therefore,  in  a  position  of  responsibility  in  recognising  and  responding  to   possible  child  abuse.

Legislative Basis for policy

• Child Care Act 1991

• Children’s Act 2001

• Education Act 1998

• Education and Welfare Act 2000

• Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse 1998

• Freedom of Information Act 1997/2003

Copies  of  these  acts  can  be  found  at  http://www.education.ie.   This  Child  Protection  Policy  is  drawn  up  in  conjunction  with  these  acts  and   guidelines.  At  The  Dublin  Academy  of  Education,  the  safety  and  protection  of   the  child  is  of  paramount  importance  in  all  situations.

Child  Protection  Reporting  Procedure

• The  Designated  Person  to  deal  with  Child  Protection concerns  in  this organisation  is  Gráinne  Swan. • Should  this  person  be absent,  for  whatever  reason  the  deputy  Designated Person  is  Sharon  Kelly.

• Should  a  child  make  a  disclosure  to  a  staff  member  or  volunteer  we  have clear  guidelines  as  to  how  that  staff  member  or  volunteer  would  respond.

• Any  member  of  staff  or  volunteer  who  has  a  Child  Protection  concern  will discuss  their  concerns  with  the  Designated  Person

• The  Designated  Person  is  responsible  for  the  recording of  any  such concerns • The  Designated  Person  may  consult  with  the  HSE  regarding  a  possible referral  as  well  as  making  a  referral.

• In  the  case  of  emergency  or  an  out-­‐of-­‐hours  situation  the  Garda  should  be contacted  and  those  numbers  are  easily  available  to  all  staff  and volunteers.

• It  is  our  policy  to  inform  parents/carers  about  any  Child  Protection concerns,  unless  doing  so  would  put  the  child  at  further  risk

• The  appropriate  verbal/written  communication  regarding  Child Protection  concerns  will  be  made  to  the  HSE  without  delay.

Recognising  Child  Abuse  

The  Dublin  Academy  of  Education  will  endeavour  to  protect  pupils  from  abuse   or  risk  of  abuse.

Abuse can fall under the following four headings:

• Neglect

• Emotional Abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Physical Abuse

All members of staff are expected to be vigilant and report concerns immediately

to the DLP or the DDLP . Students are encouraged to report to staff any type of

bullying or abuse they may be aware of. Students are also aware that

confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if it compromises the safety of a student.

The safety and protection of students is a priority in all cases.

The following would merit further investigation:

• A student alleges abuse to the DLP/DDLP

• Another person reports allegations of a student being abused

• Obvious evidence of physical injuries inconsistent with an accident

• A student showing signs of being emotionally distressed