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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Transcript NUI Galway Child Protection Presenter: Carmel Browne Aim of Children First 2011 To assist people in the identification and reporting of child abuse.
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???