Safeguarding Children Policy Statement for the Diocese of Meath
The Gospel teaches the importance of ensuring that the Catholic Church community is a warm, welcoming and safe place for children.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14-15)
Children are gifts from God, to be cherished and recognised for the joyful contribution they make as valued members of the Church.
Our challenge is to follow the example of Jesus in cherishing them. Safeguarding is key to this important task and should be seen, not as a burden, but as an opportunity to embrace and encourage children’s ministry, following the example of Jesus Christ.
The Diocese of Meath pledges to safeguard children from harm and to support them in their development as valued and integral members of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Church’s ministry will be inclusive and will uphold their rights.
Consistent with Gospel values, and with civil and criminal law, those who minister will do so with dignity and integrity, honouring their calling to ensure that children are welcomed, cherished and protected, following the example set by Jesus.
This Safeguarding Children Policy will be honoured and complied with by all ordained clerics, by vowed female and male religious, and by all lay staff and volunteers in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Details of personnel to contact if you are concerned about the welfare and safety of children
Designated Liaison Persons
Marie O’Sullivan DLP
or
Marie Willoughby DLP
Tel: 083 3175742
Email: dlp@dioceseofmeath.ie
Garda National Protective Services Bureau
Tel: 01 666 3430
or
Tel: 01 666 3435
TUSLA
046 909 7870 (Meath)
044 938 4450 (Westmeath)
057 869 2567 (Offaly)
The Child Safeguarding Statement of the Diocese of Meath is available here. [6 pages]
This statement has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and is derived from A Safe and Welcoming Church, Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2024. The policy of the Catholic Church in Ireland is based on standards of practice accompanied by criteria that assist in reaching these standards and which can be used in assessing and managing risk.
There are three core standards to the Church’s Safeguarding Children Policy. The three standards are linked, and no standard is more important than another.
Each of these new standards sets out the Church teaching (Gospel or scriptural) imperatives, alongside relevant specific articles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The purpose of doing this is to remind Church personnel that child safeguarding is fundamental to the ministry of the Church.
Guidance and frequently used forms are available for Parish Safeguarding Representatives:
All other guidance and forms may be accessed by visiting this link.