CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING

SAFETY AND THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN UNDER IRISH GUARDIANSHIP 

“Child Protection” is a part of safeguarding and promoting welfare to protect specific children, who are suffering or are at risk of suffering significant harm. ”Safeguarding” is the protection of children from maltreatment, preventing the impairment of children’s health/development and ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.

The provision of a safe and caring environment for Guardianship Ireland students is paramount. Our students’ welfare is our priority and therefore we promote a policy of trust and clear communication between all parties – Guardianship Ireland staff, students, Schools and Guardianship Ireland host family.

We are committed to safeguarding student's welfare and undertake rigorous checks on all who work with us. 

We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have a clear Child Protection & Safeguarding policy, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) guided by Tusla - The Child and Family Agency. 

We aim to ensure that children in the care of Guardianship Ireland, at all times experience a caring and secure environment in which they feel safe, respected, valued and cared for.

 This will give parents a peace of mind that all Guardianship Ireland members are fully qualified in this field. If a copy of this document is required, please contact us.

RECOGNISING OUR SAFEGAURDING RESPONSIBILITY

Guardianship Ireland recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within the legal framework of the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017

 We are aware that many children and young people are the victims of different kinds of abuse and that they can be subjected to social factors that have an adverse impact upon their lives. We aim to create a safe environment within which children and young people can thrive and adults can work with the security of clear guidance.

GUARDIANSHIP IRELAND

Ensures that all Guardianship Ireland personnel and personnel offering outsourced services who come into direct contact with students in our care, are recruited using safe recruitment practices and are formally screened through the Disclosure and baring Service.

Promotes a policy of openness, trust, and clear communication between all parties – school, students, parents, overseas agents, host families and Guaridanship Ireland staff.

Maintains links with appropriate accreditation bodies, governmental authorities with jurisdiction in matters pertaining to child welfare matters.

To have an appointed designated safeguarding lead who is able to respond appropriately and take the necessary actions if complaints of abuse are reported.

Ensures that all Guardianship Ireland personnel and students in our care are aware of the need to report any allegations or suspicions of child abuse (as stated above) to the appointed designated safeguarding lead.

Will investigate, record and report all complaints to the appropriate authorities in accordance with the guidelines set out by Tusla.

All child protection concerns will be acted upon immediately. 

"We care about your child's future"

"We care about your child"