Child Safeguarding
Child Safeguarding Statement (CSS) 2022
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 Work
- Youth Spaces
- Family Youth Work
- Community Childcare
- Childcare
- Community Employment
- Community work
- Family Youth 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 | |
| 1 Risk of young person being abused as part of a YMCA Service | Recruitment Procedures in place. Guarda vetting in place. Department policies and procedures which outline how we work with children and young people. | |
| 2 Lack of access to appropriate safeguarding training. | All staff who work directly with children and young people are required to complete the e-learning module on Tulsa Website. In addition staff also receive YMCA Dublin training in terms of our internal policies and procedures. | |
| 3 Staff not clear on correct reporting procedures | All staff receive information as part of their safeguarding training on the YMCA Dublin procedure in terms of reporting. Information on reporting is visible in areas for staff who work directly with children and young people. | |
| 4 Inappropriate behaviour of young people that could cause harm to other young people. | All young people are made aware of a code of conduct of behaviour. Department policies and procedures are in place. Signed Parental forms in place. | |
- Procedures 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.