Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children
Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, first published in 1999 and revised in 2011, has been the national guidance
for social workers, professionals, organisations and individuals to help keep children safe and protected from harm.
The need to revise the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children came about because of the enactment of the Children First
Act 2015. This Act places a number of statutory obligations on specific groups of professionals and on particular organisations providing services to children.
This revised Guidance includes information on the statutory obligations for those individuals and organisations under the Act. It also sets out the best practice procedures that should be in place for all organisations providing services to children.
Download Children First National Guidance (PDF) - 3,948 kbs
Our Duty to Care
Our Duty to Care, is aimed at community and voluntary organisations of any size or type that provide services for children. It offers guidance on the promotion of child welfare and the development of safe practices in work with children. It also gives information on how to recognise signs of child abuse and the correct steps to take within organisations if it is suspected, witnessed or disclosed. The process of reporting suspected or actual child abuse to the health board is described step by step, and guidance is given on how to handle sensitive areas.
Download Our Duty To Care (PDF) - 208 kbs
Child Protection Policy and Code of Behaviour for working with children/young people
Sligo County Council is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of all the children and young people with whom it works. Sligo County Council is committed to promoting the rights of the child, including the participation of children and young people in matters that affect them. We aim to create a safe and healthy environment for the young people with whom it works and is committed at all times to ensuring their safety and welfare.
A set of child protection guidelines is operated by Sligo County Council based on Children First – National Guidance and Our Duty to Care – The Principles of Good Practice for the Protection of Children and Young People. In accordance with these documents, it is good practice for all organisations that have contact with children and young people to introduce a child protection policy. This policy also helps to provide safeguards and support for staff when they are working with children and young people.
Sligo County Council Guidelines for the Protection of Children (Policy Document) (PDF) - 1,035 kbs
Each employee, member of staff, volunteer working with / for this authority is required to be compliant with the guidelines laid out in this policy where it is applicable in your work. (i.e. if your work brings you into contact with children)
