Child Health
Area Medical and Nursing Teams visit schools in the area to give vaccinations like the MMR, Meningitis C, Rubella etc. Area Medical Officers and Public Health Nurses check on a child's development from birth onwards, through a series of standard regular checks. Area Medical Officers also play an important role in managing outbreaks of illness like measles or mumps in the area. You can contact the Area Medical Officers at (01) 284 3579.

Social Work
The Social Work Team in the Local Health Office is responsible for providing support to children and families in this community. In cases where children are at risk of harm through abuse, Child Protection Social Workers have an important role in providing care, assessment and follow up to those children and their families, through the Fostering and Child Protection Teams. Tel: (01) 280 8403

Immunisation
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child against certain diseases. Children and young people in Ireland are entitled to certain vaccinations and immunisation services free of charge. These vaccines are provided by your GP, in hospitals, at Health Centres, at home or at school.

For more information on immunisation talk to your GP, Public Health Nurse, call the HSE info line 1850 24 1850 or visit -www.immunisation.ie

Fostering
Fostering in Irelandmeans taking care of someone else's child in your own home. Children of all ages need foster care – from birth to late teens. Some children need short-term care; others may need long term care. Some children need to find a home that allows them to stay with their brother or sister. But whatever the circumstances, fostering a child is an incredibly rewarding experience. In an ideal situation, the child placed in foster care will return to his or her own family as soon as this is possible.

Our Lady’s Clinic, Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Tel 01 6637300

Childminder Advisory Officer Service

Childminder Advisory Officer’s role:

• To provide a free support system for Childminders caring for 3 or fewer pre-school children.
• To promote voluntary notification of Childminders
• To provide advisory visits to Childminders homes.
• To provide information and training for Childminders
• To facilitate the establishment of local networks of such Childminders
• To provide Childminder Vacancy list for parents

Click here for more information on the Childminder Advisory Service