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Dromore Diocesan Policy on Safeguarding of Children and Young People |
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The Diocese of Dromore values and encourages the participation of children and young people in all Church activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of children and young people within our ‘faith family’ and we are committed to their protection and support in a way that promotes their human dignity and integrity as ‘children of God’.
In keeping with this etos, we undertake to do all in our power in the Diocese of Dromore to create safe environments for children and young people.
We acknowledge that all involved in working with children and young people have a special duty of care towards them, and we undertake to put in place procedures through which this care is put into effect so that their rights as active participants in the life of the Church are upheld.
We will review our policy and procedures on an ongoing basis.
The Diocesan Child Protection Committee would welcome comments parishioners may wish to make on the above draft policy. These can be made by writing to Mr. Paul Carlin, Chairperson, Child Protection Committee, The Diocesan Office, 44 Armagh Road, Newry BT35 69N before 4th February. |
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Child Protection Training within the Diocese |
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The Catholic Church wishes to ensure that where children and young people are involved in the Church, they will be safe. Every organisation that is involved with children and young people, whether educational, sporting or social, is required to put in place practices and structures to ensure their safety. Good child protection practices at parish level will keep children and young people safe. Those who have already received child protection training via a voluntary organisation or in connection with their employment are still required to undergo training for their specific involvement in church activities. Beginning in January 2007, child protection training will be organised in the parishes of the diocese of Dromore to raise the awareness of child safety and to guide and support those who are in contact with children and young people. |
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Parish Child Protection Representative |
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The Irish Bishops Conference has provided a programme of Child Protection Awareness for those who come into contact with children or vulnerable adults through any Church activity.
Two such training days have already taken place in our Diocese. As part of this programme there is a requirement to appoint a ‘Parish Child Protection Representative’. The role of the ‘Parish Representative’ is: The person need not be a professional or expert in the area of chile protection; he/she must have a commitment to and interest in the tasks inviolved. Training will be provided for this role with ongoing help and support available. Application forms for this role are available in the parish office. Applications to be returned by 5th May. |
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Our Children Our Church - Introduction |
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 In December 2005 a new 'one church' approach to child protection was adopted by the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Entitled 'Our Children, Our Church', this 110 page policy document aims to ensure that the same principles and procedures for safeguarding children and for responding to allegations or suspicions of child abuse operate at every level and in every place throughout the Church in Ireland. Click here to Download this documnet as a pdf
The care and protection of children is the responsibility of the whole Church and is a requirement that applies regardless of the nature of the Church activities in which children are involved. Everyone who participates in the life of the Church has a role to play in creating an environment in which children can develop and be safe. A further aim of the one-Church policy is to create a secure and supportive atmosphere in which those who have suffered abuse can disclose this to a trusted person in the expectation of a sensitive, caring and compassionate response. Training and Support Support for the implementation of the procedures in Our Children, Our Church will be offered in our diocese in Spring 2007. Details will be widely publicised in the New Year. Follow the links below to read more about the document and the various milestones in terms of child protection policy going back more than a decade that has led up to this point.
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