HSE Disability Services Child Protection Policy Statement
In accordance with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011, HSE Disability Services is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of children receiving our services and supports through implementation of Children First in Disability Services – A Guide to Policy Formation and Implementation.
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children” (DCYA 2011) promotes the welfare of children and their protection from abuse. It states what organisations must do to keep children safe and what everyone should do if they are concerned about a child’s safety or welfare. It sets out specific protocols for HSE social workers, Gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse and neglect. It emphasizes the importance of multi-disciplinary, inter-agency working and sharing of information in the best interests of protecting children and highlights procedures and practices essential in organisations working with children to safeguard children from abuse (DCYA).
All statutory, voluntary and community organisations working with and in direct contact with children should have procedures and guidelines for staff and volunteers which are derived from and consistent with;
Children First in Disability Services - A Guide to Policy Formation and Implementation
Key Message Children First in Disability Servicess.pdf (size 43.8 KB)
Our Duty to Care: The Principles of Good Practice for the Protection of Children and Young People (DOHC 2002)
The HSE Disability Services Child Protection Policy is currently being developed.