EVERY parish in the diocese of Cork and Ross will have a trained child protection representative by the end of the year as part of policy to safeguard children. Under the policy, parents will have to give written consent before their children can take part in church-related activities, such as altar serving.
Bishop John Buckley of Cork and Ross launched the document yesterday and said it was a statement of the commitment of his diocese to ensure that children and young people involved in church-related activities were safeguarded and respected.
“It is a continuing source of sadness and regret that people were deeply hurt in the past through abuse by some church personnel,” said Bishop Buckley.
“It is also deeply regrettable that the church’s systems did not always deal effectively with such situations.
“We are determined to do everything possible to prevent similar situations occurring in the future.”
He said the policy was based on recognising the dignity and rights of all children — rights which were embedded in gospel values and civil legislation.
The policy contains principles and procedures guiding best practice in safeguarding children and young people, as well as a code of conduct that must be adhered to wherever children are involved in church-related activities. The policy demands that:
* Written parental consent be in place before children or young people can participate in church-related activities.
* Procedures be in place for the recruitment of adult leaders.
* There be an adequate supervision ratio of adult leaders to children/young people at all times.
* That the supervision be gender appropriate.
* Leaders will not work alone with children or young people.
* They will not smoke, consume alcohol or use drugs or illegal substances in the presence of children and young people.
* They will not use inappropriate language while with children, nor will they engage in rough play with children and young people.
Also included is the necessary contact information in the event of a disclosure.
The policy was drafted and developed by the members of the Diocesan Child Protection Committee, which was set up almost two years ago.
The committee will continue to monitor its implementation throughout the diocese. Two of its members, Ciarán Boland and Bernie O’Callaghan, have qualified as child protection trainers.
They have embarked on a programme to train child protection representatives in every parish.
This is due to be completed by December.
These people will ensure the recommended procedures are known and observed in their parish. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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