CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT OF THE CONSTITUENT MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRELAND
As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.
You can view or download our Child Safeguarding Statement here.
Safeguarding Procedures
We have adopted the Procedures and Guidance published by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland. These Procedures and Guidance are available on the NBSCCCI website.
During 2015 the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) undertook a review of the Safeguarding practices in the Irish Cistercian Monasteries. The report on this review was published in September 2015. You can view or download that report here.
The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance in Ireland accepted this report and its recommendations and made the following response: [Response to OCSO Safeguarding Review]
The Report on the NBSCCCI Review made seven recommendations concerning Safeguarding practices in the Irish Cistercian Monasteries. The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance in Ireland accepts these recommendations and has submitted a progress report to the NBSCCCI on their implementation. You can view or download that progress report here.
Below are the contact details for personnel to contact if you have any concerns about the welfare and safety of children.
Designated Liaison Person: Br Brian Berkeley ocso
Telephone: 041 98 26103
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau
Telephone: 01 6663430 / 6663435
Child and Family Agency – Tusla
Meath Enterprise Centre,
Trim Road,
Navan,
Co Meath
Telephone: 046 90 98560