1. Introduction
At K&A (Kavanagh and Associates), we are committed to promoting the safety, well-being, and protection of children and young adults who engage with our website, www.kavanaghandassociates.ie, and participate in any associated activities. This Child and Young Adult Protection Policy outlines our commitment to preventing abuse and provides guidelines for the appropriate behavior and responsibilities of all staff, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders involved in our initiatives. This policy is in compliance with statutory obligations under child protection legislation in Ireland.
2. Definitions
2.1 Child: Refers to any person under the age of 18 years.
2.2 Young Adult: Refers to any person between the ages of 18 and 21 years.
2.3 Child Abuse: Includes any form of physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological harm caused to a child or young adult, neglect, or any other action that may endanger or compromise their well-being.
3. Legislative Framework
This Child and Young Adult Protection Policy is developed and implemented in compliance with the following child protection legislation and guidelines in Ireland:
- Children First Act 2015
- National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017
- Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 (Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure, and Practice)
4. Roles and Responsibilities
4.1 Designated Liaison Person (DLP) K&A has appointed a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) who will be responsible for overseeing child and young adult protection matters. The DLP will act as the main point of contact for concerns, allegations, and queries related to child protection.
4.2 Reporting Concerns Any staff member, volunteer, contractor, or stakeholder who has concerns or suspicions regarding child or young adult abuse must report them immediately to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP). Reports should include all relevant details and be handled in accordance with statutory reporting obligations.
4.3 Record Keeping K&A will maintain accurate and confidential records of any concerns, reports, or incidents related to child or young adult protection. Records will be securely stored and retained in accordance with legal requirements.
5. Recruitment and Selection
5.1 Recruitment Procedures K&A will implement robust recruitment and selection procedures for all staff members, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders who may have direct or indirect contact with children or young adults. These procedures will include:
- Written application forms that include questions relating to child protection.
- Verification of identity, qualifications, and references.
- Completion of Garda Vetting (background checks) in compliance with relevant legislation.
5.2 Induction and Training All staff members, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders who work with children or young adults will receive appropriate induction and training on child and young adult protection. Training will cover topics such as recognising signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and the organisation’s child and young adult protection policies and procedures.
6. Code of Conduct
6.1 Staff, Volunteers, Contractors, and Stakeholders All individuals associated with K&A, including staff members, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders, have a responsibility to maintain high standards of conduct when interacting with children and young adults. This includes:
- Treating all children and young adults with respect, dignity, and equality.
- Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and avoiding any behavior that may be misinterpreted or potentially harmful.
- Ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of children and young adults in all interactions, except where disclosure is necessary to protect their welfare.
7. Safeguarding Measures
7.1 Online Safety K&A will implement appropriate measures to ensure the online safety of children and young adults who interact with our website. This includes maintaining secure and age-appropriate content, monitoring online interactions, and providing guidance on safe online practices.
7.2 Events and Activities K&A will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place for events and activities involving children and young adults. This may include adequate supervision, risk assessments, and adherence to relevant health and safety regulations.
8. Reporting and Response
8.1 Reporting Concerns Any staff member, volunteer, contractor, or stakeholder who has concerns or suspicions regarding child or young adult abuse must report them immediately to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP). Reports should include all relevant details and be handled in accordance with statutory reporting obligations.
8.2 Confidentiality and Privacy K&A will handle all concerns, allegations, and investigations with utmost confidentiality and privacy, ensuring that information is shared only on a need-to-know basis and in compliance with legal requirements.
9. Review and Communication
9.1 Policy Review This Child and Young Adult Protection Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness. Any necessary updates or revisions will be made in a timely manner.
9.2 Communication and Training K&A will communicate this policy to all staff members, volunteers, contractors, and stakeholders involved with children and young adults. Regular training and information sessions will be provided to ensure understanding and compliance with the policy.
10. Conclusion
K&A is fully committed to creating a safe and protective environment for children and young adults. By adhering to this Child and Young Adult Protection Policy and fulfilling our statutory obligations, we aim to safeguard their well-being and promote their rights, ensuring their experiences with our organisation are positive and free from harm.