Minister Launches new Children First Guidelines
On 15th July 2011 Children & Youth Affairs Minister Frances Fitzgerald launched Children First 2011 – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. It promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect, and states what Organisations need to do to keep children safe, and what different bodies and the general public should do if they are concerned about a child’s safety and welfare. The Guidance also sets out specific protocols for HSE social worker, Gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse and neglect.
Children First was first published in 1999. The principle and substance of this document (2011) are unchanged. The Guidance has been updated to reflect new policy, legislation and organisation – the establishment of the HSE, HIQA, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. It incorporates lessons from investigations, reviews and inspections over the past decade. This document reflects the growing awareness of the impact of ongoing neglect on children in its guidance. It also includes bullying as a feature of abuse. Its publication was a commitment in the Programme for Government.
The Minister indicated her intention to bring forward legislation to require, for the first time, statutory compliance with Children First. The legislation will provide that all Organisations will have a duty to comply with Children First, to share relevant information and to cooperate with other relevant services in the best interest of the child. The legislation will provide for a strong system of inspection and oversight and the need to provide demonstrable evidence that the guidance is being implemented correctly across all sectors.
Please contact us if this affects you in any way, or for further information on the changes on 01 – 6127092 / info@adarehrm.ie.