(Since July 2013. Last updated January 2025.)<\/font><\/p>\n <\/center><\/p>\n \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al is strongly committed to safeguarding the well-being of all the children and young people with whom it works. \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al works to ensure an encouraging, engaging environment, even inspiring, obliquely educational, if not one of continual discovery for each of the workshop participants, while at all times ensuring their safety and welfare. All workshop facilitators are poets who act as assisting writers (as opposed to teachers) and carry into the creative space an abundance of writing experience, accolades and strong publication and workshop backgrounds.<\/p>\n \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al\u2019s Child Protection Policy is based upon and follows the principles of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs Child Protection Policy, as outlined in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), Our Duty to Care \u2013 The Principles of Good Practice for the Protection of Children and Young People and Poetry Ireland\u2019s Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children and Young People in the Arts Sector. In accordance with these principles, it is good practice (at the very least) for all organisations that have contact with children and young people to introduce a child protection policy\/protocol. This helps to provide safeguards and support for the participant children or teenage writers, as well as for the assisting writers, school teachers and library staff when they are working together.<\/p>\n \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al actively ensures that garda vetting procedures are adhered to for each and every project and poet chosen to provide workshops for writers under the age of 18. Garda Vetting for the Unfinished Book of Poetry project is facilitated by Cork City Libraries, \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al, the Cork City Council Arts Office, Create Ireland and An Garda Sioch\u00e1na. The mandated person and \u2018Designated Liaison Person\u2019 appointed for \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al in line with Children First Act 2015 is Paul Casey and our \u2018Deputy Designated Liaison Person\u2019 is Julie Field.<\/p>\n Paul Casey<\/strong> is the Mandated person at \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al with the resposibility of Child Protection. Paul can be contacted at 0857126299 or info [at] obheal.ie <\/a><\/p>\n “The Agency” herein refers to Tusla – The Child and Family Agency.<\/p>\n Section 14(1) of the Children First Act 2015 states:<\/b><\/p>\n \u2018…where a mandated person knows, believes or has reasonable grounds to suspect, on the basis of information that he or she has received, acquired or becomes aware of in the course of his or her employment or profession as such a mandated person, that a child\u2013 \u2019Section 14(2) of the Children First Act 2015 also places obligations on mandated persons to report any disclosures made by a child:<\/b><\/p>\n \u2018Where a child believes that he or she\u2013 \u2019Section 2 of the Children First Act 2015 defines harm as follows:<\/b><\/p>\n \u2018harm means in relation to a child\u2013 Reckless endangerment of Children<\/b> is defined in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, section 176, as follows:<\/p>\n 176.\u2014(1) In this section\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c abuser\u201d means an individual believed by a person who has authority or control over that individual to have seriously harmed or sexually abused a child or more than one child;<\/p>\n \u201c child\u201d means a person under 18 years of age, except where the context otherwise requires;<\/p>\n \u201c serious harm\u201d means injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes permanent disfigurement or loss or impairment of the mobility of the body as a whole or of the function of any particular member or organ;<\/p>\n \u201c sexual abuse\u201d means an offence under paragraphs 1 to 13 and 16(a) and (b) of the Schedule to the Sex Offenders Act 2001 .<\/p>\n (2) A person, having authority or control over a child or abuser, who intentionally or recklessly endangers a child by\u2014<\/p>\n (a) causing or permitting any child to be placed or left in a situation which creates a substantial risk to the child of being a victim of serious harm or sexual abuse, or<\/p>\n (b) failing to take reasonable steps to protect a child from such a risk while knowing that the child is in such a situation,<\/p>\n is guilty of an offence.<\/p>\n (3) Where a person is charged with an offence under subsection (2), no further proceedings in the matter (other than any remand in custody or on bail) shall be taken except by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.<\/p>\n (4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both.<\/p>\n Offence of withholding information on certain offences against children.<\/b><\/p>\n (from the Criminal Justice Act 2012, Section 2)<\/p>\n Subject to this section, a person shall be guilty of an offence if\u2014<\/p>\n (a) he or she knows or believes that an offence, that is a Schedule 1 offence, has been committed by another person against a child, and<\/p>\n (b) he or she has information which he or she knows or believes might be of material assistance in securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of that other person for that offence, and fails without reasonable excuse to disclose that information as soon as it is practicable to do so to a member of the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na.<\/p>\n (2) Subsection (1) applies only to information that a person acquires, receives or becomes aware of after the passing of this Act irrespective of whether the Schedule 1 offence concerned was committed before or after that passing.<\/p>\n (3) The child against whom the Schedule 1 offence concerned was committed (whether or not still a child) shall not be guilty of an offence under this section.<\/p>\n (4) This section is without prejudice to any right or privilege that may arise in any criminal proceedings by virtue of any rule of law or other enactment entitling a person to refuse to disclose information.<\/p>\n (5) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the obligation imposed on a person by subsection (1) to disclose information that he or she has to a member of the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na is in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other obligation that the person has to disclose that information to the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na or any other person, but that subsection shall not require the first-mentioned person to disclose that information to the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na more than once.<\/p>\n Reasonable Grounds for Concern<\/b> (HSE – Putting Children First)<\/p>\n Reasonable grounds for a child protection or welfare concern include:<\/p>\n – Evidence, for example an injury or behaviour, that is consistent with abuse and is unlikely to have been caused in any other way.<\/p>\n – Any concern about possible sexual abuse.<\/p>\n – Consistent signs that a child is suffering from emotional or physical neglect.<\/p>\n – A child saying or indicating by other means that he or she has been abused.<\/p>\n – Admission or indication by an adult or a child of an alleged abuse they committed.<\/p>\n – An account from a person who saw the child being abused.<\/p>\n Reporting and Retrospective Disclosure<\/b><\/p>\n Should a concern arise about a child, it is \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al’s legal responsibility to make a decision as to whether the concern meets the threshold for a mandated report under the Children First Act 2015 or not.<\/p>\n The Children First Act 2015 requires mandated persons to report a mandated concern to Tusla \u201cas soon as practicable\u201d. The Children First Act requires Tusla to appoint authorised persons to receive mandated reports. Authorised persons are obliged to acknowledge in writing all mandated reports they receive.<\/p>\n If we feel urgent intervention may be required to make the child safe, \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al’s mandated person will alert Tusla of the concern in advance of submitting a written report. We will then endeavour to submit a mandated report to Tusla on the report form or via the web portal within three days.<\/p>\n If we are unsure as to whether the concern reaches the legal definition of harm for making a mandated report, \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al’s mandated person will discuss the concern with a Tusla social worker and act upon their advice. Should a report then be made to Tusla, said report will not be made anonymously.<\/p>\n Tusla has two forms for reporting child protection and welfare concerns \u2013 the Child Protection and Welfare Report Form (CPWRF)<\/a> and the Retrospective Abuse Report Form (RARF)<\/a>. The Child Protection and Welfare Report Form is to be completed and submitted to Tusla for concerns about children under the age of 18. The Retrospective Abuse Report Form is to be completed and submitted to Tusla for cases of adults disclosing childhood abuse, aka Retrospective Abuse. Both these Forms can be completed online using the Tusla Portal.<\/p>\n Confidentiality<\/b><\/p>\n \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al follows the Tusla guidelines (Child Safeguarding<\/a>), with respect to confidentialty procedures.<\/p>\n – Where child protection and welfare concerns arise, information must be shared on a \u2018need to know\u2019 basis in the best interest of the child\/young person with the relevant statutory authorities and with parents\/guardians.<\/p>\n – No undertakings regarding secrecy can be given. Those working with children\/youngpeople and families and in adult services should make this clear to parents\/guardiansand to the child\/young person.<\/p>\n – The proportionate provision of information to the statutory agencies necessary for the protection of a child is not a breach of confidentiality or data protection.<\/p>\n – Parents\/guardiansand children\/young people have a right to know if personal information is being shared, unless doing so could put the child\/young person at further risk or may put the reporter at risk.<\/p>\n Allegations Against Staff<\/b><\/p>\n \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al follows the Tusla guidelines (Child Safeguarding<\/a>), with respect to procedures following allegations against staff.<\/p>\n \u00d3 Bheal’s procedure for responding to allegations of abuse made against workers\/volunteers, takes the following into account:<\/p>\n – The priority is to protect the child\/young person while taking account of the worker\/volunteer\u2019s right to due process. \u2018Protective measures\u2019 do not presume guilt.<\/p>\n – It is recommended that the same person should not have responsibility for dealing with the child protection reporting procedure and the employment\/contractual issues.<\/p>\n – The agreed reporting procedureshould be followed by mandated persons and\/or the DLP. Generally the CEO\/Chairperson of the Board (or equivalent) or the human resource department will manage procedures relating to employment issues (including any internal investigation).<\/p>\n – Any action taken should consider the applicable employment contract and the rules of natural justice.<\/p>\n – When an allegation is made against a worker\/volunteer a quick resolution should be sought for the benefit of all concerned.<\/p>\n – The procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against workers\/volunteers should be objectively applied in a consistent manner.<\/p>\n – All stages of the process must be recorded.<\/p>\n – Care must be taken by the employer to ensure that any actions or investigations do not prejudice or compromise the statutory investigation or assessment.<\/p>\n – Close liaison should be maintained between the employer and Tusla and An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na (where appropriate).<\/p>\n Code of Behaviour for Staff Working with Children and Young People<\/b><\/p>\n It is important for all employees and volunteers and others in contact with children to:<\/i><\/p>\n – Treat all children with respect<\/p>\n – Provide an example of good conduct you wish others to follow<\/p>\n – Be visible to others when working with children whenever possible<\/p>\n – Challenge and report potentially abusive behaviour<\/p>\n – Develop a culture where children can talk about their contacts with staff and others openly<\/p>\n – Respect each child\u2019s boundaries and help them to develop their own sense of their rights as well as helping them to know what they can do if they feel that there is a problem<\/p>\n – Seek parental consent for taking and using photography<\/p>\n In general, it is inappropriate to<\/strong>:<\/i><\/p>\n – Spend time alone with children<\/p>\n – Take children to your own home<\/p>\n Employees,volunteers and others must never<\/strong>:<\/i><\/p>\n – Hit or physically assault or abuse children<\/p>\n – Develop sexual relationships with children<\/p>\n – Develop relationships with children which could in any way be deemed exploitative or abusive<\/p>\n – Act in ways that may be abusive or may place a child at risk of abuse<\/p>\n Employees, volunteers and others must avoid actions or behaviour that could be construed as poor practice or potentially abusive. For example, they should never<\/strong>:<\/i><\/p>\n – Use language, make suggestions or offer advice which is inappropriate, offensive or abusive<\/p>\n – Behave physically in a manner which is inappropriate or sexually provocative<\/p>\n – Have a child\/children with whom they are working stay at their home<\/p>\n – Do things for children of a personal nature that they can do for themselves<\/p>\n – Condone, or participate in, behaviour with children which is illegal, unsafe or abusive<\/p>\n – Act in ways intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade<\/p>\n – Discriminate against, show different treatment, or favour particular children to the exclusion of others.<\/p>\n Discipline and dealing with challenging behaviour<\/b><\/p>\n \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al follows the following ‘Our Duty to Care’ guidelines from Tusla.<\/p>\n The use of discipline with children should, as far as possible, be in the form of positive reinforcement. Rules about discipline and sanctions should be agreed as part of the policy of the organisation, andaccepted by all workers and children as a condition of becoming involved with the organisation. It isrecommended that every organisation develop a policy on bullying that is known to and accepted byeveryone. Sanctions should be implemented consistently, fairly and firmly and not used as threats, andchildren should be helped to understand why they are being imposed. When a sanction has beenimposed, it is important that a child is able to feel that she or he is still valued.<\/p>\n Sometimes, children can be disruptive and their behaviour can be challenging. When it happens, it canput the safety of the child him or herself at risk, as well as that of other children and workers. Workers need to be trained and prepared for coping with disruptive behaviour.<\/p>\n It is recommended that:<\/i><\/p>\n – More than one worker is present when challenging behaviour is being dealt with<\/p>\n – A record is kept in an incident book, describing what happened, the circumstances, who was involved, and any injury to a person or to property and how the situation was resolved.<\/p>\n Safe Management of Activities<\/b><\/p>\n \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al follows the following ‘Our Duty to Care’ guidelines from Tusla.<\/p>\n Safe management practices will not only enable an organisation to run smoothly and efficiently, but it will also help to minimise the opportunities for accidents or harm to happen to children. The following pointers should be considered:<\/p>\n Know the children:<\/i><\/p>\n – Have defined criteria for membership of the organisation,<\/p>\n – Have a registration system for each child, keep a record of any special needs and emergency contact telephone numbers.<\/p>\n Keep records of:<\/i><\/p>\n – Attendance<\/p>\n – Accidents \u2013 keep an incident book (accident records should be reviewed regularly andany unusual patterns reported to senior management)<\/p>\n – Consent forms<\/p>\n – Any complaints or grievances<\/p>\n Know the workers:<\/i><\/p>\n – Follow thorough recruitment and selection procedures, as outlined in Section Three<\/p>\n – Have a work schedule displayed so that everyone knows who is on duty<\/p>\n – Respond to any allegations or complaints made about workers<\/p>\n – Make sure there are always sufficient workers of either sex to supervise activities<\/p>\n Pay attention to health and safety matters making sure that:<\/i><\/p>\n – Any buildings being used are safe and meet required standards<\/p>\n – There is sufficient heating and ventilation<\/p>\n – Toilets, shower areas and washing facilities are up to standard<\/p>\n – Fire precautions are in place<\/p>\n – First aid facilities and equipment are adequate<\/p>\n – There is access to a phone<\/p>\n – Equipment is checked regularly<\/p>\n – Insurance cover is adequate<\/p>\n Supervising children in all activities:<\/b><\/p>\n – Children are less likely to experience accidents or other harms if they are supervised properly. Activities should be organised so that they maximise participation, fun and learning, but also safety. So it is important to ensure that<\/p>\n – Children are not normally left unattended<\/p>\n – Adequate numbers of workers of both sexes are available to supervise the activities<\/p>\n – Workers know at all times where children are and what they are doing<\/p>\n – Any activity using potentially dangerous equipment has constant adult supervision<\/p>\n – Dangerous behaviour is not allowed<\/p>\n If the activities involve staying away from home overnight, attention should also be paid to the following:<\/i><\/p>\n – Safe methods of transport<\/p>\n – Adequate insurance, to cover all aspects of the trip<\/p>\n – Written parental consent (for each individual trip)<\/p>\n – Any information about the children which may be relevant to staying away overnight, like allergies, medical problems, or special needs<\/p>\n – Appropriate and well supervised sleeping arrangements<\/p>\n – Respect for the privacy of children and young people in dormitories, changing rooms, showers and toilets.<\/p>\n Mandated Person<\/b><\/p>\n The co-ordinator of The Unfinished Book of Poetry<\/em> project, \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al director Paul Casey<\/a> facilitates creative writing at all ages and levels and works via Poetry Ireland’s Writers in Schools scheme. He has attended the child protection best practice and policy guidelines course provided by the Arts Council and Health Services Executive. In December 2017 he was appointed as the Garda Vetting Officer for \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al via the Public Participation Network and the Cork Volunteer Centre. For more please refer to \u00d3 Bh\u00e9al’s Garda Vetting Policy.<\/p>\n For more detailed information about Child Protection Procedures, Policies and Guidelines, refer to the following links:<\/p>\n Department of Children and Youth Affairs Child Protection Policy Jan 2011<\/a><\/p>\n Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017)<\/a><\/p>\n Criminal Justice Act 2006<\/a><\/p>\n Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools<\/a><\/p>\n
\n(a) has been harmed,
\n(b) is being harmed, or
\n(c) is at risk of being harmed,
\nhe or she shall, as soon as practicable, report that knowledge, belief or suspicion, as the case may be, to the Agency.<\/p>\n
\n(a) has been harmed,
\n(b) is being harmed, or
\n(c) is at risk of being harmed,
\nand discloses this belief to a mandated person in the course of a mandated person\u2019s employment or profession as such a person, the mandated person shall, … as soon as practicable, report that disclosure to the Agency.<\/p>\n
\n(a) 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 welfare, or,
\n(b) sexual abuse of the child.\u2019<\/p>\n