Child Protection Policy

Children First Act 2015 (Ireland)

The Children First Act 2015 aims to improve the protection and welfare of children in Ireland. Here are the main provisions:

1. Definitions:

  •    The Act defines a child as any person under the age of 18 years.
  •    It outlines different types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.

2. Mandatory Reporting:

  • Certain professionals (e.g., teachers, healthcare workers) are legally required to report any reasonable concerns about child abuse or neglect to the Child and Family Agency (Tusla).
  •  This includes concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.

3. Child Safeguarding Statements:

  • Organisations providing services to children must prepare and publish a Child Safeguarding Statement, outlining how they will protect children from harm.
  • The statement must be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.

4. Training and Support:

  •    - The Act emphasises the need for training and support for individuals working with children to ensure they understand their responsibilities concerning child welfare and protection.

5. Guidance and Standards:

  • The Act reinforces the importance of guidelines for organizations working with children, ensuring that they operate in a safe and child-centered manner.

FAI (Football Association of Ireland) Safeguarding Guidelines

The FAI Safeguarding Guidelines provide a framework for promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in football. Key elements include:

1. Child Welfare Policy:

  • The FAI is committed to promoting the welfare of children and ensuring a safe environment for all participants in football.

2. Safe Recruitment:

  • All individuals working with children in football must undergo background checks and follow safe recruitment practices to ensure their suitability for working with children.

3. Code of Conduct:

  • A clear code of conduct must be established for all adults working with children, outlining expected behavior and interactions.
  • Coaches and adults must maintain appropriate boundaries with children and young people.

4. Training and Education:

  • Mandatory safeguarding training is required for all coaches, staff, and volunteers involved in youth football.
  • Training should cover child protection issues, recognizing signs of abuse, and appropriate responses.

5. Reporting Procedures:

  • Clear procedures must be established for reporting concerns about child welfare or abuse.
  • Individuals should know how to report any incidents or suspicions and understand the importance of acting promptly.

6. Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures:

  • The FAI guidelines include procedures for handling complaints regarding child welfare and misconduct by individuals involved in football.

7. Monitoring and Review:

  • The guidelines emphasize the importance of regularly reviewing and updating safeguarding policies and practices to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

Implementation

Both the Children First Act 2015 and the FAI Safeguarding Guidelines provide essential frameworks for protecting children and young people involved in sports. Organizations such as football clubs are encouraged to implement these policies and ensure that all staff, volunteers, and participants understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children.


 

For detailed and specific provisions, it is important to consult the full text of the Children First Act 2015 and the official FAI Safeguarding Guidelines, which can typically be found on their respective official websites. Additionally, it may be beneficial to seek legal advice to ensure compliance with these regulations.