Child Safeguarding
Child Safeguarding Statement (CSS) 2023 – 2024
Name of service being provided:
YMCA Dublin is a voluntary organisation that works with children, young people, families and the community, with particular regard to those who are disadvantaged and disaffected. As a Christian Social Action Charity Dublin YMCA is open to all, regardless of faith, social class, ethnicity, age or gender. Our mission is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind, and body. We value a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.
Our Programme areas are as follows:
- Youth Spaces
- Outreach
- Family support
- Targeted Youth Work
- Childcare
- Community Employment
- Community work
- Vocational Training
- Health & Fitness
See more information on About Us
The YMCA Dublin Board recognises that child safeguarding and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of life and must be reflected in all of the YMCA’s policies, practices and activities and in accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015.
YMCA Dublin will:
recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations;
fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters
adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children
protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect;
develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the services offered to their children;
fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.
YMCA Dublin will also adhere to the above principles in relation to any adults with a special vulnerability.
This Child Safeguarding Statement will follow the policies and procedures laid down in the Welfare of Users and programme manuals/guides.
The YMCA Board has ensured that the necessary policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the above listed items.
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment We have carried out a risk assessment of any potential for harm to a child while availing of our services. Below is a summary list of the areas of risk identified and the list of procedures for managing these risks.
| Risk identified | Procedure in place to manage risk identified | |
| Risk of harm of bullying a child by a member of staff/volunteer/peer | Anti-bullying policy Staff Training Supervision Discipline Procedure School-Age children can access complaints policy in child-friendly format | |
| Risk of harm of sexual abuse (as defined in the Children First Act 2015) of a child by a member of staff/visitor/child within setting | Vetting includes Garda vetting, police checks, validated references. No unsupervised access by unauthorised personnel. Staff aware of mandated requirement to report abuse. Staff trained in child protection DLPs appointed Mandated persons named and listed School-age children can access complaints policy in child-friendly format | |
| Risk of harm or physical / psychological/ emotional harm (as defined by the Children First Act 2015) of a child by a member of staff | Vetting includes Garda vetting, police checks, validated references No unsupervised access by unauthorised personnel Staff aware of mandated requirements to report abuse Staff trained in child protection DLPs appointed Mandated persons named and listed School-age children can access complaints policy in child-friendly format | |
| Lost child | Outing Policy in place and followed Risk assessments carried out | |
| Accidents Caused by Neglect | Safety Statement in place Risk Assessments & corrective action carried out following accidents Accident and Incident Policy in place and followed | |
| Risk of harm of abuse when on outings | Outings policy in place All Outings/excursions risk assessed Vetting includes Garda vetting, police checks & validated references No unsupervised access by unauthorised personnel Staff aware of mandated requirements to report abuse Staff trained in child protection DLPs appointed | |
| Unvetted Staff / students that may lead to children harm | Recruitment and Selection Policy in place Garda Vetting Policy in place | |
| Poor behaviour strategies where the dignity of the child is undermined | Managing Behaviour Policy in place and followed Positive strategies only used No corporal punishment or isolation Professional assistance sought for very challenging behaviour Support provided to staff in relation to very challenging behaviour | |
| Access to inappropriate online resources. Unauthorised sharing of images & Child info | Parental Consent Forms completed | |
Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance, and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice. In addition to the procedures listed in our risk assessment, the following procedures support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our service.
➪ Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of workers and volunteers to work with children
➪ Procedure for the reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to Tusla
Implementation:
We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Our service is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our service.
This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed at a Board Meeting in October on an annual basis, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.
Signed:
CEO
YMCA Dublin
Aungier St
Dublin 2
For queries, please contact : Barbara Atkinson
Relevant Person under the Children First Act 2015.