Child Safeguarding
National Child Safeguarding Website
National Child Safeguarding Programme, Early Learning and Care website: http://childsafeguardingelc.ie/
This website is a one-stop shop for information on child safeguarding for ELC services, parents and trainers, where you will find a wealth of information, resources and publications.
Please see link for the Tusla Children First e-learning Programme below:
https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/children-first-e-learning-programme/
Tusla e-Learning Module for DLP's
This module is designed to support DLP’s and Deputy DLP’s in their safeguarding role. It is universally accessible and can be completed in approximately 90 mins. This module is hosted on the Tusla website.
Click here to launch Tusla’s DLP eLearning module: LINK
In order to get the full benefit from this module, educators should have already completed the “An Introduction to Children First” eLearning programme.
Further to this, there is an eLearning Module available for mandated persons.
Please note that the DLP eLearning does not replace the Children First Foundation training for DLP’s, it is an add on for those in the DLP role. The National Child Safeguarding Programme DLP Face to Face training will be available in 2024 and this eLearning module will form part of that training.
Note: There is no certificate available for this eLearning module. For those who require evidence of completion, it is suggested that they screenshot the completion-page.
Tusla e-Learning Module for Mandated Persons
This eLearning module has been developed to provide information on, and an understanding of, the role and responsibilities of mandated persons, as outlined in the Children First Act 2015.
The key learning outcomes of the Tusla Mandated Person Role and Responsibility eLearning Module for the learner are to:
1) Understand mandated persons legal responsibilities.
2) Be aware of the definitions and thresholds for mandated and non-mandated reports.
3) Know how to make a report to Tusla.
4) Understand mandated assisting and the process involved.
5) Understand the mandated persons role to liaise and communicate with Tusla.
This eLearning module will take the participant approximately 60 minutes to complete. There is no certificate of completion for this module.
As this eLearning module was developed to continue the learning journey of the mandated person, we recommend that the mandated person firstly complete the Tusla Children First eLearning Programme as an introduction to Children First and to the role of the mandated person. The mandated person and all other staff, workers and volunteers may also wish to avail of the National Approach to Practice Signs of Safety briefing.
The Child Safeguarding foundation training, we deliver at Clare CCC, is only for DLP's/DDLP'S, therefore, we encourage you to ask your ELC staff, to complete this module, as it will inform their role further, as a mandated person. For new staff, it will also be very useful at induction stage.
Please also note that School Age Practitioners are not mandated persons, currently.
Please click here for module: https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/mandated-persons/
Tusla - Signs of Safety eLearning Programme
Tusla has developed a child protection e-learning briefing programme for professionals working with children and families in the community. It has been developed to support professionals in making referrals or reporting concerns to Tusla. It will introduce professionals to Tusla’s National Approach to Practice – Signs of Safety and explain how this is applied at each stage of our work with children and families - reporting, assessment and intervention.
The briefing will cover the principles and key components of the approach and detail how Signs of Safety is applied at every stage of Child Protection and Welfare Work. Through a true to life case study, the viewer is guided through what they can expect as a referrer when they report a concern, the kinds of questions they may be asked and how each stage is linked to safety planning.
Link to e-learning programme: https://www.tusla.ie/signs-of-safety/
Child Safeguarding Resource Document
Child Safeguarding Statement, Policy and Procedures; Guidance for Early Learning and Care and School Aged Childcare Services in Ireland.
The National Child Safeguarding Programme; Early Learning and Care.
To view this revised document, please click here.
Please click on the link below to the Tusla website for information on:
- Children First National Guidance 2017
- Children First Act 2015
- the online Child First e-learning module
http://www.tusla.ie/services/child-protection-welfare/children-first/
Developing your Child Safeguarding Statement - Laura Dagger Podcast
Early Childhood Ireland - Podcast
Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare services are providers of relevant services under the Children First Act, 2015. This means that the owner of the service or the chairperson of the Board of Management has a legal obligation to ensure that the Child Safeguarding Statement is in place.
In this podcast, Laura Dagger, Coordinator of the National Child Safeguarding Programme, Early Learning and Care takes us through the steps of developing a Child Safeguarding Statement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt9BKZLIn04&t=32s
What is a Child Safeguarding Statement - Tusla Information & Video
https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/organisations/what-is-a-child-safeguarding-statement/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQPXEnHYq4Q
Tusla Videos:
Organisations working with Children and Families:
https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/organisations/
Individuals working with Children and Young People:
https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/individuals-working-with-children-and-young-people/
The Tusla website has very detailed information on many areas:
Worried about a child:
http://www.tusla.ie/children-first/report-a-concern
Publications and Forms:
http://www.tusla.ie/children-first/publications-and-forms
Support Documents:
http://www.tusla.ie/children-first/publications-and-forms
E- learning Children First Module:
http://www.tusla.ie/children-first/children-first-e-learning-programme
Contact Number - DUTY SOCIAL WORK TEAM CLARE
Tel: 061 588688
Making a Mandated Report Out of Hours
Mandated reporters can now access Tusla's emergency out-of-hours social work service. If you are a mandated reporter and wish to report a case of child harm to Tusla, you can contact our out-of-hours social work service on 0818 776 315 between 6pm and 6am every night and between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
If you cannot contact Tusla and have an immediate concern about the safety of a child, please contact An Garda Síochána.
http://www.tusla.ie/children-first/mandated-persons/making-a-mandated-report-out-of-hours/
Clare County Childcare Committee's - Child Safeguarding Procedures
Please go the the 'About Us' section of this website, if you are looking for some information about Clare County Childcare Committee's Child Safeguarding Procedures.
