Bishop Jim Moriarty of Kildare and Leighlin recently launched a new ‘policy and procedures’ document for safeguarding children in the diocese.The 60-page publication entitled Kildare & Leighlin Diocese: Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures is the result of a review process following on the earlier publication of revised national guidelines by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC).
The Kildare and Leighlin document closely follows the structure, resources and language of the NBSCCC document.
Bishop Jim Moriarty says in the Foreword: "I would like to commend the NBSCCC for the leadership they have given and to thank them for their on-going support. I would also like to acknowledge the very close working relationship our diocese has with the HSE and An Garda Síochána. We are committed to working in partnership with the civil authorities to ensure that all aspects of child welfare are managed promptly, professionally and justly. This means that all child protection concerns must be reported to the civil authorities without delay.
"It is worth noting that we have published our revised ‘policy and procedures’ within a ring binder. This serves as an indication that we understand them always to be a ‘work in progress’. The separate sections can be updated and extended as required. In particular, any change in the statutory guidelines will be fully and quickly reflected in future revisions."
Bishop Moriarty continues: “On behalf of the diocese, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who are part of our safeguarding structures either at diocesan or parish level. In particular, I would like to commend those who have taken on the role of Parish Designated Person.
"At the same time, it is essential that we promote the principle that everyone has their part to play. We share the obligation to protect children. As a diocesan community we are called to create and sustain a culture of safety. This requires more than the publication of documents. To recall a phrase from Scripture, it must be something ‘alive and active’ in all our planning and practices."
The Foreword concludes: "The deep wrong of child abuse which has scandalised and shamed the Irish Church in our times must remain a caution to us. To honour the suffering and courage of survivors we must take, in the words of Pope Benedict XVI, ‘whatever steps are necessary to prevent it from happening again’. The publication of this ‘policy and procedures’ document is an important step. It is a necessary and on-going reminder of a terrible truth and a signpost to a better future."
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