The Board, Management and Staff of Clontarf Hospital are committed to the principle that the safety and best interests of children, who are indirectly involved in our services, are paramount. These children include:
- Siblings (aged less than 18 years) of patients of the hospital;
- Visitors (aged less than 18 years) to the hospital whether visiting an inpatient or accompanying a patient attending an outpatient appointment;
- Students (aged less than 18 years) on placement in the hospital.
The principle that the safety and best interests of children are paramount is enshrined in legislation, the Guidance documents of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and TUSLA.
These include but are not limited to the following:
1. Children First Act, 2015;
2. National Vetting Bureau Act, 2012;
3. Child Care Act, 1991;
4. Protection for Persons Reporting Children Abuse Act, 1998.
Clontarf Hospital is committed to reviewing its Child Safeguarding Statement every 2 years or sooner if required.
Risk Assessment
The Children First Act 2015 defines harm in relation to a child as “Assault, ill treatment or neglect of the child in a manner that seriously affects or is likely to seriously affect the child’s health, development, or sexual abuse of the child.
Clontarf Hospital Risk Assessment
Risk Identified - Procedure in Place to manage the identified risk.
Risk of harm to a child from a staff member, student, volunteers, contractors or those employed by others and working on this site
- Mandatory requirement for all staff to complete
- Children First E-Learning Module
- Managers are responsible for their staff training
- Safe recruitment procedures and protocols
- Procedure for Nomination of Relevant Person
- Recruitment and Selection Policy
- Induction Policy
- Garda Vetting Policy
- Trust in Care Policy
- Data Protection Policy and Associated Policies
- Complaints Policy
- Disciplinary Policy
- Procedures on Protected Disclosures
- Records Retention Policy
- Risk Management Policies
- HSE Open Disclosure Policy
- Internet and Email Policy
- Mobile Phone Policy
- HSE National Consent Policy
The risk of harm or concern not being recognised or reported
- Algorithm of reporting Children Protection and Welfare concerns- TUSLA Document
- Completion of Children First E-Learning Module on HSELand
- Forms for reporting Child Protection and Welfare Concerns available on the Hospital intranet site
- Signage re: children requiring supervision
- Risk Management Policies
Risk of non-compliance with Children First Legislation and Guidance
- The Children First legislation and its implication are recognised by the management of Clontarf Hospital.
- System of monitoring the number of staff who have undertaken the Children First E-Learning Module on HSELand in place
- System and structure to manage and support when concerns arise
Procedures
Clontarf Hospital has developed the Child Safeguarding Statement in line with its requirements under the Children First Act, 2015. In addition to developing the Child Safeguarding Statement the Hospital has developed the following to support our intention to safeguard children who are indirectly involved with the Hospital:
- A procedure for the recording and reporting of Child Protection and Welfare concerns to TUSLA;
- A procedure for maintaining a list of mandated persons within Clontarf Hospital;
- A procedure for appointment of a relevant person.
Implementation
We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Clontarf Hospital is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm.
The Hospital will be reviewed every two years from the date of signing or sooner if required.
Date: 3 August 2018
For queries please contact Ms Mary Duffy, Principal Medical Social Worker, Relevant Person under the Children First Act, 2015, on (01) 833 2521.
