The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland
Child Protection Policy Document
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Child Protection Guidelines
Whether children or young people are mentioned throughout this booklet, both are intended.The definition of a child in law is anyone under 18 years of age. While there are differences in legislation affecting children, these guidelines apply equally to both parts of Ireland.
Acknowledgements
The Education Committee wishes to express its gratitude to a number of churches and agencies for access to their child protection guidelines. In particular special thanks to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Our Duty to Care (Volunteer Development Agency N.I.) and to Child Care (N.I.) for the use of their guidelines and advice in drawing up this 2nd edition for the Society of Friends.The committee wishes to acknowledge the considerable help of the staff of Ulster Quaker Service Committee in the typing and layout of the guidelines.
Table of Contents
Section 1: What is Child Protection - Responding to Abuse:Caring for Children / What is child abuse? / Why do adults abuse children? / Taking action / Making important contacts and links
Additional areas for consideration/action:
Small Meetings / Schools/ Child Care Services / Vetting Arrangements / Bullying / Domestic Violence / Access to Internet / Taking of Photographs / Video Recordings
Section 2: Roles and Responsibilities - Caring for Children:
Keeping children safe / Managing children and young people / General Health & Safety / Transport / Residential Gatherings / Appointing leaders and helpers / The designated person / Summary of Action on Child Protection
Section 3: Child Protection Policy and Forms for Use
A Child Protection Policy / Report form – concern about a child / Parental consent form / Accident Report form / Leader/Helper application form / Leader/Helper reference form / Record of Medicine form
Section 4: Other Information
Useful Contacts / Legislation and Other Source Material on Child Protection
Introduction
The recognition of the value of every human being, regardless of age, has always been central to Friends ideology. It has its basis in our belief that there is “the light of Christ” or “that of God” to be found in every person. This has led to an emphasis on the dignity and respect for all, both young and old. Bearing in mind the importance Jesus placed on children and the love of God for them, Friends are conscious of the privilege and responsibility of caring for and ensuring the well-being of the children and young people in our Society.It is the earnest desire of Friends throughout Ireland Yearly Meeting that our children should develop to their full potential spiritually and in every other way – in a safe and caring environment.
In line with all other Churches and organisations working with children, Ireland Yearly Meeting has acknowledged the national concern and requirement to promote adequate care and protection arrangements for children. These revised guidelines have been devised to help and support meetings, schools and adults who work with children on behalf of Friends. Ireland Yearly Meeting through its Education Committee will ensure circulation of these to all Preparative Meetings and Committees for their early consideration and implementation.
This booklet provides good practice guidelines for all who work with children and young people. It is aimed at ensuring a consistent response in dealing with children and what to do when a concern about possible abuse arises. This will not only help protect children but give added support and encouragement to the many Friends who give unstintingly of their time to work with children.
Each Preparative Meeting, Committee or group of Friends who organise young people’s activities is requested to address their specific responsibilities outlined in the guidance. It is most important that these are put in place and reviewed regularly to ensure that they meet the requirements of the guidelines. Failure to do this may place the Yearly Meeting and the Society of Friends in Ireland as a whole in a difficult legal position and make it vulnerable to both criticism and possible legal action.
The Yearly Meeting Education Committee is made up of Friends from throughout Ireland Yearly Meeting appointed triennially by Yearly Meeting Committee. The Education Committee is responsible for the appointment of Junior Yearly Meeting organisers and members of the Youth Committee, liaison, finance and general planning and oversight of events connected with children and young people who come under the auspices of the Religious Society of Friends in Ireland.
The name and telephone number of the current Clerk of Ireland Yearly Meeting Education Committee can be obtained from the office of Ireland Yearly Meeting, Quaker House, Stocking Lane, Dublin 14. Telephone number is not yet set up, but the office mobile nummber is 086-370-2421; calls to mobiles from Northern Ireland must have 0044 before the 86(ignore the 0).