Child Protection Procedures and Compliance
The Child Protection Procedures (2023) revised are available for download. They reflect Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 (PDF) and the Children First Act (2015).
Addendum to Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2019
Child Protection Procedures 2023 (pdf) / Nósanna Imeachta um Chosaint Leanaí (PDF)
Child Protection Procedures 2023 – Summary of Key Updates
Child Protection Procedures – DE Circular 0036 2023.pdf
Child Protection and Welfare Report Form
The 2023 procedures stipulate that all BOMs are required to formally adopt and implement these revised procedures as part of the school’s CSS.
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Schedule of Mandated Persons Under the Children First Act 2015 (PDF) / Aguisín 1: Sceideal na nDaoine faoi Shainordú faoin Acht um Thús Áite do Leanaí 2015 (PDF)
Appendix 2 – Sexual Offences as set out in the Children First Act 2015 (PDF) / Aguisín 2: Cionta Gnéasacha mar a leagtar amach san Acht um Thús Áite do Leanaí 2015 (PDF)
Appendix 3 – Protocol authorising immediate action (PDF) / Aguisín 3: Prótacal a údaraíonn beart láithreach (PDF)
Appendix 4 – Summary of Record Keeping Requirements (PDF) / Aguisín 4: Achoimre ar riachtanais coinneáil taifead (PDF)
Guide to child protection and safeguarding inspection (PDF)
As part of additional oversight arrangements, the 2023, para 9.13.1 Child Protection procedures state as follows:
9.13.1 The Inspectorate will:
monitor the compliance of schools with the requirements of the child protection
procedures for primary and post-primary schools
advise schools on the general implementation of these procedures where
appropriate
report to the school principal and/or board of management of each school in
relation to the school’s compliance with the requirements of these procedures
report to the Schools’ Division of the Department concerning the compliance of
schools with these procedures
report to the CPOG on summary data and on individual cases of schools that are
found to be non-compliant with these procedures
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participate in CPOG, assisting officials in Schools Division in their engagement with
schools, school boards of management and patrons as appropriate
report, via Schools’ Division, to Tusla where the Inspectorate becomes aware of
instances where schools have not complied with Child Safeguarding Statement
requirements.
publish composite data and trends from inspection of the implementation of these procedures from time to time.
