Questionnaire
The current diocesan safeguarding children policy is now more than two years in existence. The NBSC requires that the policy is reviewed on a regular basis, so the Safeguarding Children Committee is now undertaking such a review. As part of this process the committee hopes to have feedback from priests and lay people. The questionnaire which follows is intended to facilitate this consultation process. We seek your views on the policy and procedures; on the clarity of the document; on whether it addresses the right issues and provides practical and helpful advice.
You may answer online and return your response by selecting "Done" once complete.
Please return your response by 15 August 2012.
Overview of the Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures
The Safeguarding Children Committee has been appointed by the Bishop to manage all aspects of child protection policy development, training and support at diocesan and parish level. It has a focus on creating, maintaining and monitoring a safe environment for children in all aspects of Church life and activity. In light of the teaching of the Church, and of civil legislation and guidance, the Diocese of Meath is committed to taking the necessary steps to:
• demonstrate that the right of the child to protection from harm is paramount;• cherish and safeguard children;
• foster best practice;
• demonstrate accountability through establishing effective structures;
• support Church organisations and personnel in safeguarding children;
• establish safe recruitment and vetting practices;
• maintain codes of behaviour;
• operate safe activities for children.
The child protection policy and procedures in operation in the Diocese of Meath since 2010 are available on this website, and in print version in each parish. They are compliant with Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (DHC) and Safeguarding Children: Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSC 2008).
Questionnaire
The purpose of the policy document is to describe diocesan policy and procedures and provide a set of resources for use by Church personnel in the day to day work of safeguarding children engaged in Church activities.
It is presented in three sections:
• Developing a Culture of Safety: this sets out our approach to putting structures for protecting children in place in parishes, recruiting volunteers and staff, applying codes of behaviour, disciplinary and grievance procedures and ensuring safe practice for Church activities involving children.
• Responding to Concerns: this sets out our approach to raising awareness about child abuse and ensuring that everyone working with children knows how to respond to concerns raised.
• Implementing Diocesan Policy: this sets out our approach to training, ensuring access to advice and support, communicating the Church`s safeguarding message, and carrying out audits to ensure continuous improvement.
