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Kildare & Leighlin Diocese: Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures
Form A1 –Activity / Project Information
Form A2 – Permission Form
Form A3 – Altar Servers Application Form
Form A4 –Incident / Accident Report Form
Form B1 –Staff Volunteer Application Form
Form C1 –Child Protection Recording Form
Latest News
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Safeguarding – LatestSupport
We have in place:-
- A ‘Diocesan Designated Officer’ (Delegate)
- ‘Trained Trainers’
- An ‘Advisory Panel’ to the Bishop
- A ‘Safeguarding Committee’
Diocesan Delegate
Msgr John McDonald PP
The Curragh, Co. Kildare 045 441369
Diocesan Trainers
Ms. Patricia O’Neill, Clane and Mr. Robert Norton, Carlow.
Contact
Faith Development Services,
Cathedral Parish Centre,
College Street, Carlow
Tel: 059/9164084
Advisory Panel
Contact – Bishop’s House, Carlow 059 9176725
It meets when called upon by the bishop/administrator following receipt of an allegation of child sexual abuse against a priest / church employee / volunteer worker. Its function is to advise the bishop/administrator on all aspects of the case before them and make recommendations. All recommendations of the Advisory Panel have been implemented in our diocese.
Membership includes a child care manager, a psychologist, a solicitor, a canon lawyer, a teacher, a representative of the priests and the assistant diocesan delegate.
The members of the committee are: Mrs. B. McGrath, Ms M. Kennedy, Mr. B. Jordan, Fr. M. Murphy, Mr. S. Kealy, Fr. J. Stapleton and Fr. B. Kavanagh.
Diocesan Safeguarding Committee
Contact – Bishop’s House, Carlow 059 9176725
Responsible for the on-going development and implementation of best practice (procedures and policy) in every parish.
The committee members are Margarita Bedding, Newbridge; Colette Behan, Suncroft; Mary Greene, Daingean; Noeleen Lynam, Mountrath; Fidelma Mallen, Carbury; Sr. Carmel O’Connor, PBVM, Kilcock; Barney Donnagh, Newbridge; Fr. Mícheál Murphy (Sabbatical); Fr. John Stapleton, PP, Killeigh, Co. Offaly.
National Office for Safeguarding Children
All Church organisations and personnel can access specialist advice about child protection issues through the National Office and contact the National Board.
National Office for Safeguarding Children
in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCC)
New House
Saint Patrick’s College
Maynooth, Co.Kildare
Tel: 01 505 3124
Fax: 01 505 3026
Website: www.safeguarding.ie
Guiding Principles
Each child shall be cherished and affirmed as a gift from God with an inherent right to dignity of life and bodily integrity which shall be respected, nurtured and protected by all. Everyone in the Church has an obligation to ensure that the fundamental rights of children are respected.
The Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin values and encourages the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and intellectual development, and will work in a partnership way with parents at all times.
In keeping with this we in the Diocese undertake to do all in our power to create safe environments where the welfare of children and young people is paramount. This duty of care extends to all the many and varied ways that children share in the life of the Church in our diocese.
Partnership with Civil Authorities
The Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin is committed to working in partnership with statutory authorities to ensure that all aspects of child welfare are managed promptly, professionally and justly. We will adhere to statutory policy, notably ‘Children First’: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children‘ (1999). All child protection concerns must be reported to the civil authorities without delay.
Those who are the subject of an investigation – civil or canonical – may be asked to step aside from their ministry and duties for the duration of the investigation. While the matter is pending the respondent enjoys the presumption of innocence and the right to his or her good name.
Procedures
Our diocese is committed to following best practice in the Irish Church as specified by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC).
Our diocesan child protection policy and procedures are set out in our publication -
‘Kildare & Leighlin Diocese: Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures’ (AUG 2009).
This publication is closely modelled on the Standards & Guidance Document produced by the NBSCCC in 2008. Our publication includes -
- Definition of child abuse
- Procedures for responding to child protection concerns
- Description of role of Designated Persons – Parish & Diocesan
- Complaints procedure
- Procedures for recording of incidents and accidents
- Code of behaviour for all staff and volunteers
- Recruitment and vetting procedures
Parish Compliance
All parishes are required to issue and display a Parish Safeguarding Children Statement that confirms that the Parish will adhere to the latest edition of ‘Kildare & Leighlin Diocese: Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures’.
