NUI Galway Child Protection Presenter: Carmel Browne Aim of Children First 2011 To assist people in the identification and reporting of child abuse.
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NUI Galway Child Protection Presenter: Carmel Browne Aim of Children First 2011 To assist people in the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect and deal effectively with concerns To provide a framework to support the enhancement of inter agency co-operation and the strengthening of multidisciplinary responses to child abuse and neglect To emphasise that the welfare of the child is of paramount importance (Children First 2011 1.3.1.) Setting the Context • Child Care Act 1991 • UN Convention on Rights of the Child- ratified 1992 • Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998 • National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 • Children First Bill 2012 • Our duty to Care 2002 • Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011 What the University must do ‘All statutory, voluntary and community organisations working with and in direct contact with children should have procedures and guidelines derived from and consistent with the current Children First: National Guidance (Children First 2011 1.3.1.) Introduction Based on Children First Safety and well-being of child the priority Aims to give direction and guidance in dealing with suspicions/allegations Confidentiality • Information only shared on ‘need to know’ basis • University personnel DO NOT investigate • Health Service Executive or Gardai investigate • In emergency, if HSE not available, contact Gardai Categories of Child Abuse • Child neglect • Emotional abuse • Physical abuse • Sexual abuse Recognition of Abuse possibilities • All personnel should be familiar with signs /symptoms • A person with concerns about a child should liaise with University Child Protection Officer • Health Service Executive should always be notified if reasonable grounds for concern (may have been/ is being/ is at risk of being abused) Anyone Dealing with disclosures • Child will be distressed – need to maintain trust • Stay calm/reassure child it was right to tell • Don’t promise confidentiality • Indicate next steps • Avoid judgements/leading questions • Record disclosure immediately • Report immediately to the Child Protection Officer Recording Disclosure • Note what you have seen/observed • Describe physical injuries • Record what child said, use child’s words • Avoid conjecture/supposition • Sign/ date/ give to CPO (who retains in secure location) Action to be taken by University personnel • University personnel who receive an allegation or have a suspicion re abuse should report to the CPO without delay • The supports of the university should continue to be made available to the child University Contact Details For any Child Protections please contact the NUI Galway Child Protection Officer: Carmel Browne 091-493649 [email protected] Deputy Child Protection Officer: Dermot Flaherty 091-493426 [email protected] Questions???