Under the Children First Act 2015, all organisations providing ‘relevant services’, to children and families must have a Child Safeguarding Statement in place. This is a written statement, informed by a risk assessment, that specifies the service being provided and the principles and procedures to be observed in order to ensure, as far as practicable, that a child availing of the service is safe from harm.
Child Safeguarding Statements must be reviewed within 24 months or following any material change in any matters to which the Statement relates.
The safety, welfare and development of children and young people are core objectives and priorities for the HSE. One Child Safeguarding Statement cannot adequately capture the range of activities provided by all HSE relevant services. As such, Senior Accountable Managers in the HSE are responsible for ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and Child Safeguarding Statement(s) are in place for relevant services under their remit.
The HSE Children First National Office has developed a Guidance for HSE Child Safeguarding Statements and Risk Assessment Workbook for relevant services undertaking child safeguarding risk assessments and developing Child Safeguarding Statements:
Please note: In order to add a logo and signature to the Child Safeguarding Statement Template the file must be downloaded and saved to your device. Opening the file directly from your device should give you the option to add a picture file and type a signature. If you encounter difficulties with editing this template, please contact your local Children First Training and Development Officer.
All staff should make themselves aware of the content of the Child Safeguarding Statement for their service, the potential risks of harm identified, and the policies and procedures in place to safeguard children.
Additionally, two child-friendly posters providing an explanation of the HSE Child Safeguarding Statements are also available. The first option appealed greater to children of primary school age and the second option appealed greater to older children and young people. The wording of both posters is the same.
It is recommended that one of these posters is displayed beside the Child Safeguarding Statement in your service.
Choose which poster is more relevant to your service’s user demographic or if you provide services to children of all ages, display the poster you prefer.
Please note: The name and contact details of the ‘Relevant Person’ for your service’s Child Safeguarding Statement needs to be included on the English language version of the poster. You can find the Relevant Person’s contact details on your Child Safeguarding Statement.
Option 1: Children (PDF, 2,060 KB, 1 page)
Option 2: Older Children and Young People (PDF, 975 KB, 1 page)
