CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY STATEMENT OF THE CONSTITUENT MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRELAND
As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.
You can view or download that policy here: Child Safeguarding Statement for Mount Saint Joseph Abbey
Safeguarding Procedures We have adopted the Procedures and Guidance published by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland. These Procedures and Guidance are available on the NBSCCCI website.
During 2015 the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) undertook a review of the Safeguarding practices in the Irish Cistercian Monasteries. The report on this review was published in September 2015.
You can view or download that report here: NBSCCCI Review of Safeguarding in the OCSO
The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance in Ireland accepts this report and its recommendations and has made the following response: Response to OCSO Safeguarding Review
The Report on the NBSCCCI Review made seven recommendations concerning Safeguarding practices in the Irish Cistercian Monasteries. The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance in Ireland accepts these recommendations and has submitted a progress report to the NBSCCCI on their implementation.
You can view or download that progress report here: Progress Report on OCSO Safeguarding Review Recommendations
Below are the contact details for personnel to contact if you have any concerns about the welfare and safety of children.
Designated Liaison Person: Ms Loraine Byrne. Safeguarding Manager Cistercian Order Ireland & Northern Ireland. Telephone: 00 353 87 795 1510. Email. safeguarding@ocso.ie
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau Telephone: 01 6663430 / 6663435
Child and Family Agency – Tusla
Athlone Health Centre,
Coosan Road,
Athlone,
Co Westmeath
Telephone: 09064 83106
Those who may have suffered sexual abuse and would like to speak with someone are encouraged to contact one of the services below:
Towards Healing – www.towardshealing.ie
Free phone 1800303416 (Republic of Ireland) Free phone 0800 0963315 (Northern Ireland)
Towards Peace – www.towardspeace.ie
Phone: 01 5053028 Mobile: 086 7710533 Email: towardspeace@iecon.ie
One-In-Four – www.oneinfour.ie
Phone: 01 6624070, Monday – Friday 9.30 to 5.30pm Email: info@oneinfour.ie