BishopAccountability.org
	"Rigorous vetting" for diocesan workers Derry Journal October 3, 2007 http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Rigorous-vetting-for-diocesan-workers.3250917.jp NORTHERN IRELAND — The Diocese of Derry has introduced a formal recruitment and selection process for people working with children and young people. All those working with the young in a diocesan capacity will now have to submit an application form, reference forms and have a POCVA (Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults) or Garda check. The move was announced following the publication of the first annual report of the Diocese of Derry Child Protection Committee this week. The group, based at the Pastoral centre in Bishop Street was initiated by Most Rev. Dr Seamus Hegarty, Bishop of Derry to implement 'best practice' in the area of child protection across the Diocese of Derry. The committee says that rigorous 'vetting' procedures are now in place in the Diocese of Derry including checks for committee members, diocesan trainers, priests, parish representatives, parish employees and volunteers. To date the group have appointed and trained two Diocesan Child Protection Trainers, provided fours days of training in Child Protection for all clergy in the diocese (including Bishop Seamus Hegarty, Auxiliary Bishop Francis Lagan and the retired Bishop, Dr. Edward Daly) and designed a poster for display at the back of churches including contact details in relation to child protection concerns and/or allegations of child abuse. 'Paramount Importance' In the annual report the committee said that the welfare of children participating in the life of the Church was of "paramount importance" adding that they will work to ensure to creating safe environments for children and young people, ensuring their safe-guarding from physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The Committee has also worked with parishes in identifying lay people who will assist in the development and implementation of 'best practice' at parish level. As a result, all 53 parishes in the diocese have nominated Parish representatives who have undergone training and are able to draw on the support of the Diocesan Co-ordinator, Trainers and Committee. A copy of the full report is available in each parish or from the Derry Diocesan Child Protection Office.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.