The Children’s First Act 2015

All service providers of a “relevant service” including hospitals, and schools are required to ensure as far as practicable that each child is safe from harm when using the services. Each service provider must prepare a “child safeguarding statement” which includes a written assessment of risks and procedures to manage any risks to children in accessing their services. Guidelines are available on www.tusla.ie

The Child Safeguarding statements must be available for inspection and all staff members are required to be trained to be familiar with these. The Child Safeguarding statement must be updated at least every 2 years. Failure to produce a Child Safeguarding statement to the Child and Family Agency may result in a non-compliance notice being served and inclusion in a public register of non-compliant organisations.

Mandated persons which include nurses, doctors, dentists, and teachers are required to make a mandatory report to Tusla if they have knowledge of or suspect that a child has been harmed, is being harmed or is at risk of harm.

All staff should receive training in relation to this important development.