Child Protection Policy

Speak Out Drama Lessons

INDEX

Introductory Statement; Pg 2
AIMS of the Company; Pg 3
Code of Behaviour for all staff; Pg 5
Code of behaviour for all participants; Pg 8
Confidentiality and record keeping: Pg 10
Recruitment and selection of staff; Pg 12
Reporting of suspected or disclosed abuse; Pg 14
Disclosure Document; Pg 17
Involvement of primary carers; Pg 18
Health and Safety; Pg 19
Complaints and comments; Pg 20
Incidents and accidents; Pg 20
Health Service Executive area contacts including Tusla; Pg22
Practice and Review and Monitoring; Pg 23
Miscellaneous; Safeguarding Statement, Accident and Emergency form, Child Protection form, Incident report form.

Child Protection Policy

Introductory Statement

Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance lessons are committed to a child-centred approach in our work with children and young people. Speak Out Drama lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons has an extensive outreach programme that includes classes, workshops, summer camps and various school programs in which children participate. In our work, the children and young people involved are our primary focus and we endeavour to provide a safe, supportive and creative environment for all taking part, where the welfare of the child/young person is paramount.

This policy has been developed in line with the current recommendations and guidelines of Children First; National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, published by the Department of Health and Children. This relates to the safeguarding of children and good practice guidelines that support it. These are reviewed annually by the director of the school to ensure that they remain in line with current legislation and best practice.

Our policy and guidelines apply to all artists and staff who work in conjunction with Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons. This policy addresses the responsibilities of Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons in the following areas;

Prevention - Stay Safe Programme - Prevention through Drama
Procedures - Procedures for dealing with concerns/disclosure etc
Practice - Best practice in Child Protection

An individual copy of this policy document and a copy of Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 will be made available to all staff and parents.

It is incumbent on all staff to familiarise themselves with “Children First” National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017.

AIMS

This policy aims to abide by the following principles:

The safety and well being of each child is our primary concern.
Create a safe, trusting, responsible and caring working environment in which participants can feel free to ask questions and offer ideas and in which all criticism will be positive in tone.
Develop awareness and responsibility in the area of child protection amongst the whole school community.
Any concern or worry of a child or parent/carer will be listened to and acted upon.
Put in place procedures for good practice to protect all children and staff. All staff have a responsibility to prevent the physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any child with whom they come into contact. Any suspicions or allegations of abuse are responded to swiftly and through the appropriate procedures as outlined in this policy.
Ensure that all staff members are aware of and familiar with the ‘Children First’ National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 in relation to reporting concerns and/or disclosures of child abuse.
Provide for ongoing training in child protection and related areas for all staff and volunteers.
All staff working with children are required to consent to Garda vetting (National Vetting Bureau), and where available, this will be sought.

PREVENTION

The stay safe programme is a primary resource used in primary schools to provide education for children on abuse prevention. This programme has been adapted as part of Speak Out Drama Lessons’ Prevention through Drama curriculum under the strand unit ‘safety and protection’. This programme covers but is not limited to Bullying, Body ownership and Stranger Danger.

On enrolment of their child, parents will be informed that the stay safe programme is in use in the drama school and a copy of the ‘Stay Sate: A parent’s guide’ can be provided upon request.

http://www.staysafe.ie/PDFs/Parents/Stay-Safe-Parents-Guide.pdf

Staff will make every effort that the messages of the programme are reinforced whenever possible.

PROCEDURES

All staff (teachers, assistants, etc) in Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons will follow the recommendations for reporting concerns or disclosures as outlined in ‘Children First’ National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017.

Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons’ Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is

_______________________________

Sonya Cuddy can be contacted at: 30 St Cormac’s Pk, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly @ 085 825 7339 speakoutdramalessons@outlook.com

All concerns/disclosures involving child protection/child welfare issues will be reported in the first instance to the DLP (Designated Liaison Person).
Each report to the DLP will be dated and signed by the person making that report.
A strict adherence to maintaining confidentiality - information regarding concerns or disclosures of abuse should only be giving on a ‘need to know’ basis.
All staff and volunteers will be required to consent to Garda vetting, where available, this will be sought.
We will never publish any material which includes the image of a child without the express written consent of a parent or guardian.

We have implemented procedures covering but not limited to:

Code of behaviour for all staff;
Code of behaviour for all participants;
Confidentiality and record keeping:
Recruitment and selection of staff;
Staff management and supervision;
Reporting of suspected or disclosed abuse;
Involvement of primary carers;
Health and Safety;
Complaints and comments;
Incidents and accidents;
Health Service Executive area contacts including Tusla;
Disclosure Document;

Code of behaviour for all staff

Our policy applies to all staff and volunteers working in conjunction with Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons. We practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children.

All employees accept and recognise their responsibilities regarding the safeguarding of children and will endeavour to carry these out by:

Having an awareness of the issues which cause children harm;
Following the policies and procedures set out in this document for the recruitment and selection;
Being proactive in implementing this policy in so far as it is appropriate to their work.
Welfare is paramount in all decisions, activities and programmes involving vulnerable / young people and children and Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons will provide safe spaces for them, ensuring they are safeguarded, physically and emotionally, in a healthy fun environment.
Actively listen to them, taking account of their expression of needs and concerns.
Value and respect them as individuals.
Involve them in decisions made about them, is as participative and appropriate manner as possible.

Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons does not accept the following behaviours and will intervene to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all children:

Bullying.
Violence.
Sarcasm, name-calling, ‘Slagging’, and other forms of scapegoating.
Favouring some to the exclusion of others.
Abusive language or gestures.
Negative criticism of young people’s values, beliefs and opinions.
Negatively highlighting physical, social or emotional differences.

The code of behaviour is categorised under the following headings:

• Child-centred approach

• Good practice

• Inappropriate behaviour

• Physical contact

• Health and safety

Child-centred approach

Treat all children and young people equally;
Listen to and respect children and young people;
Involve children/young people in decision making as appropriate;
Provide encouragement, support and praise (regardless of ability);
Use appropriate language (physical and verbal);
Have fun and encourage a positive atmosphere;
Offer constructive criticism when needed;
Treat all children and young people as individuals;
Respect a child’s/young person’s personal space;
Discuss boundaries on behaviour and related sanctions, as appropriate, with children/young people and their primary carers;
Agree group contact before beginning session, where appropriate;
Encourage feedback from group;
Use age-appropriate teaching aids and materials;
Lead by example;
Be aware of a child/young person’s other commitments when scheduling rehearsals or activities e.g. school or exams;
Be cognisant of a child’s or young person’s limitations due to medical condition for example;
Create an atmosphere of trust;
Respect differences of ability, culture, religion, race and sexual orientation.

2. Good Practice

Register each child/young person (name, address, phone, special requirements, attendance, emergency contact).
Make primary carers, children/young people, visitors and facilitators aware of Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
Have emergency procedures in place and make all staff aware of these procedures.
Be inclusive of children and young people with intellectual disabilities.
Plan and be sufficiently prepared both mentally and physically.
Report any concerns to designated person and follow reporting procedures.
Encourage children and young people to report any bullying, concerns and worries and be aware of anti-bullying policy.
Observe appropriate dress and behaviour.
Evaluate work practices on a regular basis.
Provide appropriate training for staff and volunteers.
Report and record any incidents and accidents.
Update and review policies and procedures regularly.
Keep primary carers informed of any issues that concern their children.
Ensure proper supervision including adequate ratios depending on age, abilities and activities involved and appropriate gender balance for residentials.
Ensure clear communication between artist and organisations. Have guidelines for artist.
Have a written agreement with any external organisation that an artist is working with.
Don’t be passive in ration to concerns, i.e. don’t “do nothing”.
Don’t let a problem get out of control.
Avoid taking a session on your own. If this is not possible then it should be in an open environment with the full knowledge and consent of primary carers.
Avoid if at all possible giving a lift to a child/young person and in the event that you do then make sure that the primary carers are informed.
Maintain awareness around language and comments made. If you think that something you said may have caused offence or upset, then try to address it in a sensitive matter.

3. Inappropriate Behaviour

Avoid spending excessive amounts of time along with children/young people.
Don’t use or allow offensive or sexually suggestive physical and/or verbal language.
Don’t single out a particular child/young person for favoritism, criticism, ridicule, or unwelcome focus of attention.
Don’t allow/engage in inappropriate touching of any form.
Don’t hit or physically chastise children/young people.
Don’t socialise inappropriately with children/young people, e.g. outside of structured organisational activities.

4. Physical contact

Seek consent of child/young person in relation to physical contact (except in an emergency or a dangerous situation)
Avoid horseplay or inappropriate touch.
Check with children/young people about their level of comfort when doing touch exercises.

5. Health and Safety

Don’t leave children unattended or unsupervised.
Manage any dangerous materials.
Provide a safe environment.
Be aware of accident procedure and follow accordingly.

Code of Behaviour for all participants

The enjoyable, physical nature of dance and drama is often conductive to creating an atmosphere of noise and excitement, particularly with young children.

Before work with a new group of students begins, time will be set aside to discuss a code of behaviour with the participants. An agreement will be met that acknowledges appropriate behaviour and ascertains boundaries. The purpose of this is to create a safe working atmosphere for all involved, children and adults alike, and one in which all participants have a chance to have their voices, concerns and ideas heard.

Areas discussed will include the following:

Appropriate clothing: Some clothing/footwear could be unsafe to work in and for this reason jewellery (including watches) should not be worn.

Polite responses: Is it best to all shout at once to a question? How will we answer questions?

Physical consideration: Drama is about teaching the individual to be in charge of him or herself. We must be careful when moving quickly that we don’t inadvertently hurt others.

Rest periods: These can be discussed before the session begins. Toilet breaks will be incorporated. Bullying, and indeed any violent behaviour, physical or verbal, will not be tolerated.

We undertake to: Advise parents/primary carers of our child protection policy. Inform parents/primary carers and schools of all activities and potential activities. Issue contact/consent forms where relevant. Comply with the health and safety practices of our host venues. Operate child-centred policies in accordance with best practice. Adhere to our recruitment guidelines. Ensure as far as possible that the activities are age-appropriate.

Encourage and facilitate the involvement of parent(s), carer(s) or responsible adult(s), where appropriate. If we have concerns about the welfare of the child/young person, we will: Respond to the needs of the child or young person.

Inform the parents/primary carers on an on-going basis unless this action puts the child or young person at further risk. Where there are child protection and welfare concerns we are obliged to pass these on to the Duty Social Worker and, in an emergency, the Gardaí. In the event of a complaint against a member of staff, we will immediately ensure the safety of the child/young person and inform primary carers as appropriate.

As a child-centred organisation, we are committed to putting the interest of the child/young person first. To that end we will: Contact local Health Service Executive and Gardaí where there is a child protection welfare concern.

Encourage parents/primary carers to work in partnership with us under the guidelines set out by our organisation to ensure the safety of their children. Have a designated contact person available for consultation with primary carers in the case of any concern over a child or young person’s welfare.

Speak Out Drama Lessons designated person to contact if you have concerns over a child’s safety and welfare is Sonya Cuddy, Mobile: 085 825 7339. Should you be unable to contact her you should contact Speak Out’s deputy designated person, Mary Cuddy, Mobile: 087 947 0927.

Confidentiality and Record keeping

Speak Out Drama Lessons is committed to ensuring people’s rights to confidentiality. However, in relation to child protection and welfare we undertake that;

Information will only be forwarded on a ‘need to know basis in order to safeguard the child/young person.
Giving such information to others for the protection of a child or young person is not a breach of confidentiality.
We cannot guarantee total confidentiality where the best interests of the child or young person are at risk.
Primary carers, children and young people have a right to know if personal information is being shared and/or a report is being made to the Health Service Executive, unless doing so could put the child/young person at further risk.
Images of a child/young person will not be used for any reason without the consent of the parent/carer (however, we cannot guarantee that cameras/videos will not be used a public performances).
Images of a child/young person along with their name will not be taken for any reason.
Procedures are in place in relations to the use of images of children/young people.
Procedures are in place for the recording and storing of information in line with our confidentiality policy.

Personal information

Before a child can participate in any class/workshop/camp/program held by Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons, we seek the written consent of a parent/carer. This is usually achieved through our own registration/consent form.

This form asks for several pieces of information;

The Child’s name, gender and date of birth.
The Parent/Guardian’s name (and consenting signature)
The address, email and telephone number(s) of parent/guardian.
Any medical history of child pertinent to drama/dance activity; earlier injuries or allergies, physical handicaps, other health problems etc.
Any previous experience in dance/drama.

Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons will also compile a separate list of participants for each workshop, comprising of child’s name, age, parent/guardian’s name and contact telephone number.

All information is held in the strictest confidence and is never passed on to a third party. Any information concerning a child’s medical history/ongoing condition is disseminated on a need to know basis, namely staff and if necessary, any local first-aiders.

Maintaining confidentiality, some information may be used to compile research/statistical data so that we can further develop our outreach work and audience development.

Upon completion of a workshop/camp/class/program, consent forms are stored in a secure location at Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons headquarters for a period of not less than two years. After this time, the information is shredded.

Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons

St Cormac’s Pk

Kilcormac

Co. Offaly

Photography

Speak Out Drama Lessons and Step Out Dance Lessons always seeks permission from parents/guardians before cameras or video equipment are used to record work during classes/workshops/camps etc. We cannot, however, guarantee that cameras or video equipment will not be used at public performance.
We will never publish any material which includes the image of a child without the express written consent of a parent or guardian.
On occasion, local newspapers, radio or television companies will be involved in reporting and publicising our work. Again, express written permission will be sought from parents/guardians before any recording begins.
We may record occasional performances. This is solely for archival purposes and will not be disseminated to the general public.
We will never knowingly allow publication of image of children to the internet without the consent of parents/guardians.
Images of a child/young person along with their name will not be taken for any reason.

Recruitment and Selection of Staff

We will ensure that staff and volunteers are carefully selected, trained and supervised to provide a safe, artistic environment for all children and young people, by observing the following principles;

Roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined for every job. (paid or voluntary)
Posts will be advertised widely.
We will endeavour to select the most suitably qualified personnel.
Candidates will be required to complete an application form.
Candidates will be asked to sign a declaration form.
At least two written references which are recent, relevant, independent and verbally confirmed will be necessary.
Staff and volunteers will be selected by a panel of at least two (or more) representatives.
No person who would be deemed to constitute a ‘risk’ will be employed.
Some of the exclusions would include:

Any child related convictions.
Refusal to sign application form and declaration form.
Insufficient documentary evidence of identification.
Concealing information on one’s suitability to working with children.

There will be a three-month probationary period.
All staff and volunteers will be required to consent to Garda vetting, where available, this will be sought.

Staff Management and Supervision

To protect both staff/volunteers and children/young people we undertake that:

New staff will:

Take part in an induction training session where appropriate.
Be made aware of the organisation’s code of behaviour, child protection procedures, and the identity and role of who has been designated to deal with issues of concern.
Undergo a probation or trial period.

All staff will:

Receive an adequate level of supervision and review of their work practices.
Be expected to read and sign the child protection policy statement.
Be provided with child protection training, where appropriate.

Reporting of suspected or disclosed abuse;

Sonya Cuddy has been designated as the person to contact if you have an issue or concern about any aspect of a child’s or young person’s safety and welfare. It is the responsibility of this person to support and advise staff about policy and procedures in relation to child protection and to ensure that procedures are followed.

It is also the responsibility of the Designated Person to liaise with the Health Service Executive or Gardaí where appropriate. Sonya can be contacted in person or at 085 825 7339 (mobile). Mary has been designated as deputy to Sonya and can be contacted at 087 947 0927 (mobile).

The following excerpt from Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (4.3.2 - p.38) shows what would constitute reasonable grounds for concern:

(i) specific indication from the child or young person that s/he has been abused;

(ii) an account by a person who saw the child/young person being abused;

(iii) evidence, such as an injury or behaviour, which is consistent with abuse and unlikely to be caused another way;

(iv) an injury or behaviour which is consistent both with abuse and with an innocent explanation but where there are corroborative indicators supporting the concern that it may be a case of abuse [an example of this would be a pattern of injuries, an implausible explanation, other indications of abuse, dysfunctional behaviour];

(v) consistent indication, over a period of time, that a child is suffering from emotional or physical neglect.

Dealing with a disclosure

It is important that all students and staff are aware that the first person that has concerns or encounters a case of alleged or suspected abuse is not responsible for deciding whether or not abuse has occurred. However, we all have a duty of care to the child or young person to report any suspicions we may have.

Abused children will only tell people they trust and with whom they feel safe. If a child lets you know, by whatever means, that s/he has been abused, or if someone else tells you that a child is being abused, or if you see something yourself that leads you to think a child may be being abused, you should:

Stay calm and listen carefully to what s/he says, without making any suggestions yourself. Reassure the child/young person (if they make the disclosure) but do not promise to keep anything secret. Find an appropriate early opportunity to explain that it is very likely that the information will need to be shared with others.

Explain what will happen next and with whom the information will be shared. Pass the information on to the Designated Person (Sonya) or Deputy Designated Person (Mary).

Recording Procedures

All concerns should be logged in the Incident folder. This is kept at the front of the room during workshops. Sonya has custody of the folder. As soon as possible, together with Sonya, complete a Child Protection Incident Reporting Form. (Copy appended to this document). Record all the details that you are aware of and what was said, using the child’s own words, (or the informant’s), as far as possible.

All suspicions and concerns should be recorded, along with observations of injury or behavioural changes that might be consistent with abuse. Follow up action and any outcomes will also be recorded. The person who expresses the concern will be kept informed of the outcome. All information imparted will be treated with the strictest confidence.

What happens next?

Sonya, as Designated Person, (or Mary, as Deputy Designated Person) will make contact with the Parent/Carer of the child to discuss any concerns, unless it may be more appropriate for another member of the team to do so, or unless this would put the child at further risk. If necessary, Sonya (as DP) may contact the Health Service Executive for advice and information. If there are reasonable grounds for concern, as outlined above, Sonya will contact the Duty Social Worker at the Health Service Executive department local to where the incident occurred, without delay.

Addresses for the HSE offices at the locations where the lessons occur as well as numbers for venue on location are appended. If the concern arises ‘out of hours’, Sonya will contact the local Gardaí. Telephone numbers for local stations are appended.

Sonya will inform the Parent/Carer of the child if a formal complaint is made to either the HSE or Gardaí unless this would endanger the welfare of the child. The Child Protection Incident Reporting Form may be copied by, or surrendered to, the HSE/Gardaí. Sonya will complete the standard reporting form of the HSE (sample copy appended).

IMPORTANT • If, for any reason, the Designated Person or Deputy Designated Person is not available, and you have concerns about a child’s welfare, contact the local Duty Social Worker of the Health Service Executive directly. Local HSE addresses and telephone numbers are included in this document.

Child Protection Incident Reporting Form

All information will be treated in strict confidence

Disclosure Document

Reporting Procedure Form/Cause for Concern Form

To be completed if an employee suspects child abuse/bad practice

Name of Child……………………………………………………

Date/time/day…………………………………………………………

Observation i.e. behaviour/injury/cause for concern

……………………………………………………………………………..

Child’s statement/comment

……………………………………………………………………………..

Name of Designated Officer to whom this form must be forwarded within 24 hours

…………………………………………………………………………….

Agreed action to be taken………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………..

Signature of Designated Officer

…………………………………………...

Date/Time………………………………………………………………….

Involvement of primary carers;

We are committed to being open with all primary carers.

We undertake to:

• Make primary carers aware of our child protection policy;

• Inform parents/carers and schools of all activities and potential activities;

• Issue contact/consent forms where relevant;

• Comply with health and safety practices;

• Operate child-centred policies in accordance with best practice;

• Adhere to our recruitment guidelines;

• Ensure as far as possible, that the activities are age appropriate;

• Encourage and facilitate the involvement of parent(s), carer(s) or responsible adult(s), where appropriate;

If we have concerns about the welfare of the child/young person we will:

• Respond to the needs of the child or young person;

• Inform the primary carers on an ongoing basis unless this action puts the child or young person at further risk;

• Where there are child protection and welfare concerns we are obliged to pass these on to the Duty Social Worker and, in an emergency, the Gardaí;

• In the event of a complaint against a member of staff we will immediately ensure the safety of the child/young person and inform primary carers as appropriate.

As a child centred organisation, we are committed to putting the interest of the child/young person first. To that end we will:

• Contact local Health Service Executive/Gardaí where there is a child protection welfare concern;

• Encourage primary carers to work in partnership with us under the guidelines set out by our organisation to ensure the safety of their children;

• Have a designated contact person who is available for consultation with primary carers in the case of any concern over a child’s or young person’s welfare.

• Staff members should take cognisance of responsibility for first aid on away trips.

Health and Safety;

A safe working environment is of paramount importance in the execution of physical exercise, drama and dance. This is particularly so when children and young adults are involved. Speak Out Drama Lessons staff endeavours to be constantly vigilant during their work with young people and aims to maintain the highest standards of safety. Children are never left unsupervised. Individual arrangements for the dropping off and collection of participants in workshops by parents/carers are always ascertained.

The ‘incident folder”, which contains contact numbers for all participants, is kept at hand and all accidents, complaints and concerns are recorded therein. All parents/carers are required to complete a consent form to state their acquiescence in the participation of their charges. There is room here for the particular needs of each child to be recorded. The identity and situation of all qualified ‘First Aiders’ is always established, on a daily basis. All of Speak Out’s outreach projects take place at host venues, so this is especially important. Speak Out’s outreach projects usually take place onstage in a theatre environment. Before each session, tutors will ensure that any dangerous materials are beyond risk of accident. With the collaboration of local staff, all stage tools and equipment will be made secure. All wiring (sound equipment etc) will be thoroughly secured at floor level. If the workshop is held onstage tutors will ensure safe access to and from the stage. All areas posing a threat to safety will be identified and indicated to participants. Where possible, students will use toilet/changing facilities front of house for workshop days that do not involve performance. Children will always be supervised when in areas frequented by the general public.

During Performance

Participants will be allocated dressing room space, where possible, appropriate to age and gender. Young performers will be accompanied to and from the stage area. A ‘holding area’ will be identified, in which young performers will await their entrance. Children waiting in the wings will be kept to a minimum of number and time. No free- standing ‘boom’ lighting will be used in the wings. No lighting cable will hang within a three- metre reach of the stage. ‘Rules’ and boundaries will be established to ensure safety. The first rule backstage- “do not touch” will be instilled. All local theatre staff will be made aware of child protection policies and procedures. Speak Out also collaborates with schools and communities with special projects hosted throughout the year. Speak Out staff and artists will always follow any relevant procedures required by schools or community groups. We intend our Child Protection Policies to ally with those of our host schools and communities. We will always provide copy of our current policy and practice and seek the appraisal and advice of our collaborators. Our policies are under constant review. We always require the attendance of local teaching staff when working in a school environment. Teachers are in a position to appraise the work we undertake. Preparation for, and follow- up work, is an essential component of our work in schools. We aim to enhance the everyday learning experience laid out in the national curriculum.

Complaints and comments;

In the event of complaints or comments:

• Complaints/comments will responded to within three weeks;

• Sonya Cuddy has responsibility for directing complaints/comments to the appropriate person;

• Verbal complaints will be logged and responded to swiftly

Incidents and accidents;

• Speak Out Drama Lessons staff must maintain an up-to-date register of the contact details of all children/young people involved in the organisation, and should obtain such details in relation to any residential or extended series of events;

• External organisations with whom we are dealing must provide proof that they have public liability insurance;

• First aid boxes are available, and regularly restocked; First aid boxes are located in the administration box;

• Accident/incident books are stored in the administration box belonging to the Director;

• Details of risk assessment in relation to equipment and rooms are available in the Speak Out Drama Lessons Child Protection Policy, which should be brought to the attention of all.

Guidance Notes:

Health Boards have a statutory responsibility under the Child Care Act, 1991, to promote the welfare and protection of children in their area. Health Boards therefore have an obligation to receive information about any child who is not receiving adequate care and/or protection. This reporting form is for use by: Health Board Personnel Professionals and individuals in the provision of child care services in the community who have service contracts with the health boards Designated person in a voluntary or community agency Any professional, individual or group involved in services to children who becomes aware of a child protection or welfare concern, or to whom a child protection or child welfare concern is reported. Please fill in as much information and detail as is known to you. (Health Board personnel should do this in consultation with their line manager). This will assist the Social Work Department in assessing the level of risk to the child, or support services required. If the information requested is not known to you, please indicate by putting a line through the question. It is likely that a social worker will contact you to discuss your report. Health Boards aim to work in partnership with parents. If you are making this report in confidence you should note that the Health Board cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality as: A Court could order that information be disclosed. Under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, the Freedom of Information Commissioner may order that information be disclosed. You should also note that in making a ‘bona fide report’ you are protected under the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998. If you are unsure if you should report your concerns, please telephone the duty social worker and discuss your concerns with him/her.

Health Service Executive area contacts

Social Work Department Contact Details

Children First Tel: (057) 935 7842

Child Protection Services - Laois/Offaly Social Work Team - Tel: (057) 93 70700

Portlaoise Co. Laois - Child and Family Centre - Tel: (057) 86 92567

Tullamore Co. Offaly/Mullingar Co. Westmeath - Child and Family agency - Tel: (044) 935 3997

Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise - Tel: (057) 86 21364

Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore - Tel: (057) 93 21501

Tusla - Child and Family Agency - Tel: (01) 7718500

Child Abuse Prevention Programme - Stay Safe - Tel: (076) 695 5547

Dunamaise Arts Centre - Venue - Tel: (057} 86 63355

Speak Out Drama Lessons - Classes - Tel: (085) 825 7339

Garda Station Portlaoise - Tel: (057) 86 74100

Garda Station Tullamore - Tel: (057) 93 27600

PRACTICE

The staff of Speak Out Drama Lessons have identified the following as areas of specific concern in relation to child protection and agree that the following practices be adopted;

REVIEW AND MONITORING

This policy will be monitored and reviewed by the Director/Owner of Speak Out Drama Lessons on an annual basis and when the need arises. The Director/Owner will ensure that adequate training/information and support is provided or alternatively sought for all staff, parents and volunteers of Speak Out Drama Lessons.

POLICY ADAPTED BY SONYA CUDDY LLSMD CDE on ________28/`12/2021____________

Signed: _______Sonya Cuddy___________

Director

Speak Out Drama Lessons

Speak Out Drama Lessons

Child Protection Policy

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