Children First Act commencing December 11th

Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 was launched this week by Minister Zappone. This guidance is intended to help people to recognise child abuse and neglect, and report concerns to Tusla.

It was also announced that the remaining provisions of the Children First Act will be commenced on the 11th of December 2017. These include mandatory reporting of child abuse by certain child protection professionals and a legal obligation on organisations providing services to children to prepare and publish a Child Safeguarding Statement. The Athletics Ireland mandated person is Kieron Stout, National Children’s Officer, kieronstout@athleticsireland.ie.

The obligations on mandated reporters will take effect immediately on the date of commencement (11th of Dec), while organisations will have three months from that date to comply with their obligations in relation to publishing a Child Safeguarding Statement. Athletics Ireland will advise and support all clubs with their Child Safeguarding Statement obligations on the commencement of the Act.

More information on The Children First National Guidance 2017 and the accompanying supporting resources are available from the Tusla website. These include a guide for reporting child protection and welfare concerns. If you have any questions or queries please email Kieron at kieronstout@athleticsireland.ie.