Safeguarding Children

Child Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Constituent Members of the Catholic Church in Ireland

As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.

For the procedures to implement the child Safeguarding Policy, the diocese of Waterford & Lismore follows the guidance of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland available here  https://www.safeguarding.ie/index.php/guidance

Click to download:

Diocesan Safeguarding Contact Details:

If you have a child safeguarding concern or wish to report an allegation, please contact one of the following:

  • Tusla: Tusla, Child & Family Agency: 051-842827
  • The Gardaí: 051 – 305300  /   Garda National Protective Services Bureau:  01-6663430 / 01-6663435  
  • The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore is Fr. John Harris: 087-9661959
  • The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP) is Ms. Anne Walsh 089 4858845
Diocese of Waterford & Lismore Policies

What are the forms / training etc. needed for roles in the parish?

Forms, Templates and Training Required:
  • Click the sections below to see what forms, templates and training are needed in each of the roles listed:
Priests
Local Safeguarding Representative (LSR)
Altar Servers and their Parents/Guardians
Sacristan

Any queries, please contact the Local Safeguarding Representative in your parish or your parish priest.

Garda Vetting

Any queries, please contact the Local Safeguarding Representative in your parish or your parish priest.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Any queries, please contact the Local Safeguarding Representative in your parish or your parish priest.

Ministers of the Word

Any queries, please contact the Local Safeguarding Representative in your parish or your parish priest.

Church Stewards

Any queries, please contact the Local Safeguarding Representative in your parish or your parish priest.

Volunteers working with children in parish (Pray&Play, Children's Liturgy, Children/Mixed Choirs, Altar Server Helpers / Supervisors etc.)

Volunteers in leadership roles interacting with children / vulnerable adults must attend a full day’s safeguarding training in the diocese.

Any queries, please contact the Local Safeguarding Representative in your parish or your parish priest.

Under 18 Youth Ministry Volunteers

For online ministry:

Any queries, please contact the Local Safeguarding Representative in your parish or your parish priest.

Social Media and Zoom

This list accompanies the Under 18 Youth Ministry Volunteers Section.  Please ensure you check the requirements there also.

 

Information for Parents / Guardians / All Volunteers
Pope John Paul II Award
Attendance Registers
Safeguarding Personnel
Reporting Allegations

Looking for a specific policy, template or form?

Complete List of Policies, Guidelines, Templates and Forms:

You will find all the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore Policies, Guidelines, Forms and Templates in the sections below:

Diocese of Waterford & Lismore Forms & Templates
Diocese of Waterford & Lismore Policies and Guidelines