Policy for Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults

Donegal County Council as the Local Authority for County Donegal provides an extensive range of infrastructure and social services in the County.  The Council is committed to ensuring that children are protected and kept safe from harm whilst they are engaged in any activity associated with the Council.  This includes ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place, and any concerns which are brought to the attention of the Local Authority are reported and recorded appropriately.

In this regard, the Council has developed a Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (2017) and a Child Safeguarding Statement (2018).  The Policy has been developed in line with the requirements under the:

• Children First Act 2015
• Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)
• Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice

The policy should be read in conjunction with the Child Safeguarding Statement (2018) and outlines the procedure for:

• The reporting of a child protection or welfare concern to Tusla;

• The management of allegations of abuse or misconduct against employees/volunteers;

• Ensuring that recruitment and selection procedures include an assessment of the person’s suitability to work with children

The Council will ensure that employees, volunteers, parents/guardians and users of local authority services are aware of the Council’s  Safeguarding Statement and the Council’s Child Protection policy.

The Policy is directed at all those who have contact with children in the normal course of their duties, to provide guidance on appropriate behaviour around children and what to do if abuse is suspected.

A copy of the policy is available from any of the Child Protection Liaison Officers, contact details available in the Child Safeguarding Statement (2018)

For further information, contact the Human Resources Department on 0749153900.