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	Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy and Procedures Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin April 14, 2011 http://www.dublindiocese.ie/images/stories/Diocesan_Events_2011/child_safeguarding_and_protection_policy_31_03_2011.pdf [full text] An Introduction This document is designed to fulfil the requirements of Safeguarding Children: Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland (2008) (‘Safeguarding Children’, hereafter). It sets out the commitment of the Archdiocese of Dublin to ensuring the safety of children involved in Church activities and the specific measures that are being taken to give effect to this. Section 1 details our policy. Section 2, ‘Resources’, contains summary information and lists the forms, available for download, that can be used in the implementation of this policy. For ease of use Section 1 is divided into seven chapters, reflecting each of the seven standards of Safeguarding Children. In this document, the term ‘safeguarding’ is used to describe those measures we take to create safe environments for children. It includes, for example, careful selection of people to work with children in our parishes and Diocesan agencies. ‘Child protection concerns’ is the term used to describe both allegations that abuse has occurred and suspicions that it may have occurred. The ‘civil authorities’ referred to in this document are the Health Service Executive (HSE) and An Garda Siochana. These authorities have different responsibilities in relation to child protection. The responsibility of the HSE’s child protection service is to assess current risk to children and to take appropriate protective measures. An Garda Siochana investigates complaints of crimes committed against children and then refers a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions who will decide whether to bring a prosecution against the respondent. For the purposes of this document a child is a person under the age of 18 years. This document does not deal with the issue of vulnerable adults. However, the same principles apply when dealing, for example, with an adult with an intellectual disability as apply when working with a child. This document will be reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect changes in national or Church guidelines.
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