We in the Parish of Cappagh value and encourage the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and in activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. The Parish recognizes the dignity and rights of all children and is committed to their protection and support.

We will do all in our power to create a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people and to ensure their protection from physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

We undertake to put in place policies and procedures through which our duty of care is put into effect.

 

Reporting to Statutory Authorities
If you or anyone you know has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse directly to the statutory authorities, please contact the PSNI or the local Health and/or Social Services and ask to speak to the Duty Social Worker.

 

Western Health & Social Care Trust Tel: (028) 8283 5020

PSNI Tel: (028) 8224 6177

 

Reporting to Church Authorities

If you or anyone you know has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse directly to the Church authorities in relation to any member of Church personnel, please contact one of the following diocesan designated persons.

 

Rev. John Farren - Tel: (0035374) 9384037

Rev. Seamus Farrelly - Tel: (0035374) 9374104

Mrs. Mary Mc Cafferty - Tel: (028) 7136 2475

DRAFT

Cappagh Parish - Child Protection Procedures

 

Cappagh Parish will undertake to have the following in place:
1. Signed parental consent for young people engaged in parish activities.

2. Appropriate supervision ratios of adults to young people while maintaining the practice of ensuring that no young person is left alone with an adult.

3. A code of conduct for all adult leaders and all young people in their care.

4. Procedures for recruitment, training and overseeing arrangements for adult leaders working with young people.

5. A clearly communicated Accident/ Emergency plan.

6. For away trips, a pre-check on accommodation and transport arrangements.

7. Information Sessions for young people and their parents when appropriate.

8. Adequate record keeping processes including:
• Participant Forms
• Incident/Accident Report Forms
• Volunteer Application Forms
• Declaration Forms for adult leaders
• Medical information and treatment permission as appropriate for young people
• Programme/ Attendance records
• Training Records
• A clearly communicated Accident/Emergency plan
• Duty Rosters
• Contact information for parents/ guardians.

 

NB The term “Leader” as used in this document refers to clergy, church sacristans, trainers, staff and volunteers.

DRAFT
Cappagh Parish Child Protection Code of Conduct

 

1. The care and protection of children and young people is of paramount importance in Cappagh Parish.

2. Children/young people will be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.

3. Personal details of children/young people will be held only by the named leader/designated person.

4. Parents/guardians are valued and will be kept informed on matters concerning their child’s safety and security/including their responsibility to co-operate fully with the policies and procedures in place.

5. All leaders appointed will be properly vetted and will undertake appropriate child protection training.

6. Leaders will relate to children/young people in a fair and open manner.

7. There will be an adequate ratio of leaders to children/young people at all times. Leaders will lead by example in terms of what they do and say when working or interacting with children/young people and with one another.

8. Leaders will not undertake any task of a personal nature with/for children/young people except in cases of medical necessity when the welfare of the young person depends upon it. Any such act undertaken should be explained to the
child/young person.

9. The right to privacy of children/young people will be respected at all times.

10. Cappagh Parish will have a specific code of conduct for all away trips, including pilgrimages, day trips, events and any activity involving the use of computer/electronic communication/ photography. This code will be made known to young people,
parents/guardians and leaders.

11.The Parish will have assigned designated persons**to whose immediate attention all concerns and/or complaints can be brought.

12.The designated persons will respond promptly to all concerns.

13.Confidentiality will be adhered to but must not overrule the right of children/young people to be protected.

 

NB The term “Leader” as used in this document refers to clergy, church sacristans, trainers, staff and volunteers.

 

The representatives for Cappagh Parish are
Mrs Shiela Mc Caul - Tel: 8225 1162
Mrs Maureen Mc Collum - Tel: 8224 7378