HIV IRELAND CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

1. NAME OF SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES PROVIDED

HIV Ireland

The majority of our services are aimed at persons over 18 years of age. However, HIV Ireland acknowledges the importance of providing services to young people who may require such services. Accordingly, a child safeguarding statement has been developed.

2. COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN FROM HARM

  • HIV Ireland is committed to safeguarding any children who may be recipients of our services.
  • We believe their welfare is paramount.
  • Our policy and procedures to safeguard children reflect national policy and legislation and are underpinned by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, Tusla’s Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook Part 1 and Part 2, The Children First Act 2015, The Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 and The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012.
  • Our policy and procedures relate to any child protection concerns that arise for any HIV staff member or volunteer during the performance of their contractual, statutory or volunteering duties with HIV Ireland.

Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for Child Protection:
Adam Shanley, adam.shanley@hivireland.ie, 086 160 5290.

3. RISK ASSESSMENT

In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, HIV Ireland has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to children as recipients of our service. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the procedures for managing those risks is summarised below:

Risk Identified Procedure in Place to Manage Risk
Abuse or harm of a child is not recognised
  • Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy has been developed and appropriately disseminated amongst all staff and volunteers.
  • Timely and up to date training received by all staff and volunteers (including Tusla E-Learning certificate.
  • Development of an internal report form with which all staff and volunteers are familiar.
Non-reporting, delay in reporting or inappropriate management of a child protection concern (including where a staff member or volunteer of HIV Ireland may be the alleged perpetrator)
  • Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy has been developed and appropriately disseminated amongst all staff and volunteers.
  • Timely and up to date training received by all staff and volunteers (including Tusla E-Learning certificate.
  • Development of an internal report form with which all staff and volunteers are familiar.
  • Designated Liaison Person appointed.
Potential for a Minor who is a client of our service to be harmed
  • Appropriate recruitment procedures for all staff and volunteers.
  • Garda Vetting Procedures and Policy for all staff and volunteers (underway July 2020).

A Risk Assessment, as per the requirements of Children First, has been carried out in two stages:

1. By Jenny Bulbulia BL, following her engagement with HIV Ireland, several consultations, review of relevant material, the development of child protection policies and procedures and the provision of training to staff and volunteers;

2. By Adam Shanley, following a review of all services offered. Based on the risk assessment of our services at HIV Ireland, we note that there are currently no persons who are considered to be a Mandated Person under the Children First Act 2015 within the organisation. This is a matter that will be kept under review.

3. CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

As required by the Children First Act 2015 and Children First National Guidance for Protection and Welfare of Children, 2017 the following safeguarding policies/procedures/measures are in place:

  • HIV Ireland Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
  • A Designated Liaison Person has been appointed. This person is also the relevant person (i.e. first point of contact) in respect of this Safeguarding Statement.
  • Procedure for dealing with allegations against a member of staff or volunteer are contained in HIV Ireland Child Protection Policy and Procedures
    Garda Vetting Policy (please note that Garda Vetting is currently being undertaken and a policy is being prepared – July 2020).
  • Routine training in child protection matters for staff and volunteers.

4. IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW

Implementation and review are ongoing processes. We are committed to the implementation and review of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying policies and procedures to support our intention that children who avail of our services are safe from harm. In particular the following should be noted:

  • This Statement and our Child Protection Policy and Procedures have been disseminated to all staff and volunteers.
  • We will review this Statement and accompanying policies and procedures every 2 years or sooner if necessary, based on our experience of their operation or in light of any changes in legislation or national policy.
  • This Statement has been published on HIV Ireland’s website and is displayed at all HIV Ireland premises.
  • A copy of our Child Protection Policy and Procedures is available on request.

Adam Shanley
Designated Liaison Person & MPOWER Programme Manager