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