Safeguarding and child protection

We in the Parish of Kilbarron value and encourage the participation of children and young people in all parish activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We recognise the dignity and rights of all children and are committed to ensuring their protection and support. In keeping with this we will work to do all in our power to create safe environments for children and young people in order to secure their protection and enable their full participation in the life of the Church.

For the names of the Kilbarron parish representatives, please telephone the Parish Office on 071 985 1295, or write to the Raphoe Safeguarding Office below. A concern about a child should still be reported to the Designated Liaison Person, the Gardaí or Túsla.

How do we safeguard children in our parish?

• We have robust Policy and Procedures in place. Please see the Diocese of Raphoe policy or the national guidance on safeguarding.ie.
• A Child Safeguarding Statement is in place which is compliant with the requirement of Children First legislation and has been verified by Túsla’s Compliance Unit (please ask for a copy), or see the diocesan forms and policies.
• All clergy, staff and volunteers working with children must attend Safeguarding Children Training.
• All clergy, staff and volunteers must undergo Garda vetting. The vetting form is on the diocesan forms and policies page.
• Safe Recruitment procedures are in place.
• Parental Consent must be obtained.
• There is a Code of Behaviour for Adults working with Children.
• Supervision ratios must be adhered to by Leaders.
• Sign-in book and attendance records are maintained.
• Child friendly posters are on display.
• Information is made available to parents/guardian should they have a concern.
• Each parish has at least 2 Safeguarding Parish Representatives who work with their Parish Priest to ensure best practice in safeguarding.
• All child protection concerns are taken seriously and reported to the statutory authorities.

How to report a concern

If you have been abused in the past or have a concern about the welfare and safety of a child, please contact Margaret Northage, Designated Liaison Person, on 086 218 3011, or alternatively you can go directly to the Gardaí or Túsla.

Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau: 01 666 3430 or 01 666 3435.

In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station: 074 91 67100.

Túsla – Child and Family Agency: 074 91 02233.

Towards Healing

Towards Healing is an independent organisation providing free professional counselling and support for people who have suffered clerical abuse. Free counselling is also available for spouse/partner. The service is offered in a safe and respectful manner and is appropriate to the person’s needs.

Tuesday to Friday 9am–5pm.

Freephone 1800 303 416 (Republic of Ireland). Freephone 0800 096 3315 (Northern Ireland and UK). Hearing-impaired text line: 085 802 2859. Website: towardshealing.ie.

Towards Peace

The vision of Towards Peace is to provide a safe supportive space, where people who have been affected by abuse in a Church context can be accompanied as they seek their own experience of spiritual peace, one step at a time.

Towards Peace realises that abuse by Church personnel in particular may have an especially traumatic impact on spirituality; shattering a person’s sense of wholeness, rupturing their inherent trust of their own goodness and sacredness, and fracturing their relationship with the presence of God within themselves and their lives. We are very much aware that this kind of abuse can create deep lifelong spiritual wounds.

Towards Peace Coordinator: Ms Una Allen.

Phone: +353 (0) 1 505 3028. Mobile: +353 (0) 86 771 0533.

The service is available on Monday and Tuesday from 9am–4pm and on Wednesday from 9am–12 noon.

For out of office hours, please call +353 (0) 86 771 0533 and leave a message. The call will be returned as soon as possible.

Email: towardspeace@iecon.ie. Website: towardspeace.ie.

Raphoe Safeguarding Office

Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Cathedral Square, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 HP66.

Director of Safeguarding: Margaret Northage. Tel: 074 912 5669. Email: safeguarding@raphoediocese.ie.

For Garda vetting enquiries, email: gardavetting@raphoediocese.ie.