Parish of Lisdoonvarna/Kilshanny

 

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

 

Introduction

 

All children have a fundamental right to be respected, nurtured, cared for and protected.  This right is embedded in Gospel values, in international law and domestic law.

The words of Jesus and the way he treated children, challenge us as responsible Christians working together in the Church community to protect and promote the interest of the child.

 

Objective and Aim

 

The Church welcomes the participation of children in church activities.  The Church further ensures that all children involved have a fundamental right to feel safe and protected from any form of abuse.  It endeavours to provide an environment which promotes the protection and welfare of all minors i.e. all persons under eighteen years of age. Central to  this is a parish commitment to work in partnership with church groups e.g. servers, choir, etc., etc, parents and the broader community such as the Diocesan Director of Child Protection and the statutory agencies the Gardai and Health Service Executive.

 

Procedure:

 

The following activities are specific to our Parish:

 

There are four churches in the Parish -  Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Kilshanny and Toovahera.  Each church has a Mass Servers roster.

 

Mass Servers:

 

Lisdoonvarna:

There is a sacristan  for the Church in Lisdoonvarna namely Mary Mooney.  Mary is in the sacristy before and after all masses in this Church and will therefore fulfil the requirement of having two adults in the Sacristy when children are present.   In the event of  Mary not being available the fall-back position to be similar to Kilshanny.

 

Doolin:

There is a servers duty roster of adults whereby there is an adult with the Priest in the sacristy before all Masses.  (See attached sample)

 

Toovahera:

There are a number of volunteer adults who will be present prior to Mass.

 

Kilshanny:

There is a duty roster comprising of Mass Readers and Eucharistic Ministers in attendance with the Priest  in the sacristy before all Masses.  (See attached sample)

 

For all churches  attendance records are maintained, including the time of arrival and departure of mass servers and the names of adults and priests present. Parental/guardian consent forms are signed as new servers are recruited.

 

Choirs:

 

There are choirs in Lisdoonvarna, Kilshanny and Doolin. There are a small number of minors involved in all choirs.  The Choir leaders in all churches have been made aware of the New Child Protection Policy. All choir practice are undertaken in the presence of at least two adults.

 

 

 

Pray & Play Group - Lisdoonvarna

 

 The organisers must ensure that at least two adults are present at each session.

 

Introduction of New Volunteers

 

The Parish will ensure that all new volunteers taking part in parish activities involving children must follow the following procedures:

-          the completion of an application or volunteer form, incorporating a personal declaration of suitability;

-          the checking of references from appropriate referees;  and

-          Garda clearance (when the service becomes generally available).

 

Reporting Procedure in respect of an allegation

 

Every allegation by a child or guardian will be listened to and acted on.  It is not the role of the Parish Child Protection Representative to investigate the allegation but to forward the concern to the Diocesan Director of Child Protection.  Contact details for the Health Service Executive and An Garda Siochana to be made available to the complainant.

 

Evaluation and Review

 

Evaluation and review of the policy is essential.  An annual review will assess the extent to which the childcare needs at an individual and church level are being met.  The evaluation process should clarify, review and where necessary update the aims and objectives.  The evaluation group to consist of Parish Child Protection Representative/s, Parish Priest and nominees of various Church Groups.

 

Implementation

 

The Parish takes responsibility to implement this policy.  Parish Groups are aware of the Policy.  Relevant important telephone numbers are displayed in all churches.   Policy code made available to the parents of every minor involved in Church activities.   The Policy Code is also available to the public.

 

 

Prepared by:         Caroline Guerin

                             Katherine McMahon

                             Claire Flanagan

                             Sheila Kelly

                             Maura O'Loughlin

 

Endorsed by:        Fr. Peter Rabbitte PP

 

Dated:  10^th November, 2008

 

 

 

This Notice appears in all Church Porches... 

 

 

 

 

PARISH OF LISDOONVARNA /KILSHANNY

 

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT

 

 

 

The Parish of Lisdoonvarna/ Kilshanny welcomes and encourages the participation of children and young people in Church activities.

 

The Church does all in its power to ensure the safety of children, young people and adults in carrying out such activities.

 

_________________________

 

 

The full Policy Document is available in the Sacristy for further information.

 

 

 

 

Important Relevant Telephone Numbers:

 

HSE: Galway (Duty Social Worker) 091-546370/546366 (Mon - Fri. 10.00 am - midnight)

            Clare -  (Duty Social Worker) 065-6863907(Mon. - Fri. 2.00 pm - 5 pm)

                                        

Local Gardai (Lisdoonvarna): 065-7074222

                        (Ennistymon):       065-7072180/7071020