A Support Person(s) is appointed by the Archbishop to those who make an allegation/disclose abuse under these procedures. The person (who can be a child or adult) making the allegation will be offered a choice between a male or female Support Person.

The role of the Support Person(s) is to assist, where appropriate, with communication between the child or adult making an allegation/disclosure and the Diocesan Designated Officer.

• To facilitate the child or adult in gaining access to information and help.
• To represent their concerns during the inquiry process.

The Archdiocese will provide appropriate training to the Support Person.  The Support Person(s) is not a counsellor to the child or adult, and must not be or act as their therapist.  Support Persons must be particularly attentive to the expressed needs and objectives of the child or adult and the fact that some may be reluctant to seek help. Support Persons should, therefore, consider how any therapeutic or spiritual needs, of a child or adult who has made an allegation/ disclosed abuse, may be met and will be mindful of his/her ongoing vulnerability during this process.

In addition, the Support Person should:

• consider any wishes of the child or adult disclosing abuse, in regard to a pastoral response by the Church to his or her family;
• be available to the child or adult throughout the course of the inquiry process, and thereafter as required;
• ensure the child or adult is kept informed of developments in relation to them;
• represent the wishes and any therapeutic needs of the child or adult to the Designated Officer, as required;
• arrange, if considered helpful, a meeting between the child or adult and the Archbishop.

Under no circumstances should the same Support Person be provided for the child or adult making the allegation/disclosure of abuse and for the respondent.

The consultative Advisory Panel has been appointed by the Archbishop in order to advise and assist him at all stages of the investigative process into alleged abuse.

The Panel provides a consistent and accessible source of guidance, through a process of risk assessment, for the Archbishop who is charged with specific responsibilities for decision-making in response to alleged or actual child abuse involving a priest or religious.

The Advisory Panel provides advice on:

• the complaint itself;
• ensuring the safety and welfare of the child(ren) remains paramount;
• the appropriateness of providing help to a child making an allegation and to the family of the child;
• the appropriateness of the respondent continuing in his or her present pastoral assignment, having regard to the paramount need to protect children;
• how the right of the respondent to a fair trial, on any criminal charge, may be preserved and his or her good name and reputation may be appropriately safeguarded;
• whether a specialist Risk Assessment of the respondent should be sought;
• the needs of a parish or other community in which a respondent has served;
• the needs of the wider community, including the appropriateness and timing of any public statement.

The Panel creates a record of its recommendations and notes the matters upon which it has been asked to advise and the documents which it has considered.

The Archbishop has established a Safeguarding Children Committee.  Their role is primarily focused on creating, maintaining and monitoring a safe environment for children in all aspects of church life and activity and for advising on the human resources required for implementing best Safeguarding Practice across services.  Their role is supportive and developmental. It is not related in any way to the management of individual cases of suspected or alleged abuse.

The Safeguarding Committee has responsibility for:

• the provision of training;
• the safe recruitment of volunteers and staff within the archdiocese;
• regular review of the Diocesan Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Children as and when required;
• communication and promotion of all aspects and developments in relation to Safeguarding Children in the Archdiocese.

The Diocesan Designated Officers are appointed by the Archbishop and should be widely identified so that everyone knows who to go to if they have a concern regarding the safeguarding of children, including a concern about a child or disclosure of abuse by a child or adult.  One way of doing this is to ensure that his/her details are highlighted in parish/congregational websites and at the back of all churches.

The role of the Diocesan Designated Officer is:

• to hear any concerns relating to safeguarding children, including any disclosures or allegations of abuse, and take responsibility for managing the response to that concern or disclosure, from start to finish. This would include the preliminary internal inquiry and referral to the Health and Social Care Trust/Health Service Executive/An Garda Síochána/PSNI, and any subsequent internal investigations.  Specific procedures have been drawn up for the Diocesan Designated Officer to follow and these can be made available on request;
• to ensure that the person raising a concern, disclosing abuse, or making an allegation and anyone who is implicated are regularly informed about the progress of the inquiry process;
• to liaise with the National Office and have an overview of all matters dealt with under these procedures within the Archdiocese;
• to carefully record all steps undertaken as part of these procedures.

The Archbishop has appointed two Diocesan Designated Officers who can act in the event that one Diocesan Designated Officer is not able to deal with a concern/allegation, where there may be a conflict of interest, or where they are unavailable due to absence or incapacity.

All parishes and diocesan groups will have at least one Safeguarding Representative assigned by the Parish Priest/Administrator or, in the case of Diocesan Groups, the group’s Committee.  It is recommended that larger parishes or diocesan organisations have a Safeguarding Committee.  The clergy and Safeguarding personnel in some Pastoral Areas may also wish to work together to address the issue of Safeguarding.  This partnership approach is supported by the Diocesan Committee for Safeguarding.

The position of Safeguarding Representative is voluntary.  All those accepting the role must undergo the Recruitment and Selection Procedure through the Diocesan Office and attend training organised by the Diocesan Training Team.  Regular updates and network meetings will be planned by the Diocesan Committee.  Safeguarding Representatives are expected to attend these meetings.  Updates and advisory leaflets will also be available on the diocesan website.

The responsibilities of the Safeguarding Representative are:

• to promote awareness of the Diocesan Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding;
• to ensure that all parishioners have ready access to contact details of the Diocesan Designated Officers and other relevant agencies;
• to support or facilitate anyone in their parish/diocesan groups working with children and/or vulnerable adults;
• to attend Safeguarding Representative meetings arranged within Pastoral Areas or at diocesan level.

Each parish and diocesan group working with children must have a Safeguarding Representative who takes responsibility for training and a Safeguarding Representative who takes responsibility for the recruitment process.  A Safeguarding Representative may fulfill both roles in their parish/diocesan group. The additional responsibilities of these roles are outlined below:

Recruitment and selection

• To ensure the parish carry out the Diocesan Requirements for Recruitment and Selection for all staff, whether paid or unpaid, in their parish/diocesan group.  This will include two way communication with the diocesan personnel implementing the Recruitment Procedures.

Training

• To ensure that all those people in the parish working with children and/or vulnerable adults attend an information evening on good practice.
• To liaise with the Diocesan Training Coordinator in the implementation of the Diocesan Strategy for Training.
• To arrange training dates and venues for parish/group volunteers.
• The overall responsibility for safeguarding children in any Church Organisation remains with the relevant church authority, such as the Parish Priest/Administrator.

Any safeguarding concerns raised with a Parish Safeguarding Representative should immediately be passed on to the Diocesan Designated Officer.

DUNDALK Health Service Executive (HSE)

Tel:  0429392200 (9.30am to 5.30pm, lunch 1.00pm to 2.00pm)

After hours contact Garda Station

Dundalk Tel: 0429335577

DROGHEDA Health Service Executive (HSE)

Tel: 0419833163

After hours contact Garda Station

Drogheda:  Tel: 0419836919

Ardee: Tel: 0416853222

ISPCC

CHILDLINE Tel: 1800666666

Other enquiries Tel: 016767960

RAPE CRISIS & SEXUAL ABUSE CENTRE (NE)

PO Box 72

Clanbrassil Street

Dundalk

Co Louth

Helpline: 1800 212122

Phone: 0429339491

Fax: 0429339491

FAOISEAMH HELPLINE was set up in February 1997 to listen to and, if required, arrange face-to-face counselling for victims of abuse by members of religious orders.  Faoiseamh is completely private and confidential except with the express wish of a particular client to provide further contact.

The operational hours of the Helpline are –

Monday and Wednesday 11.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Friday 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

An answering machine service is available at all other times and any messages are followed through on next ‘open day’.

Freefone: 1800 33 1234

PSNI Tel: 0845600800

This is a centralized number.  Ask to be put through to the police station you require.  The station you need to contact is the one serving the area where the incident/alleged incident took place.

The Health and Social Care trusts in Northern Ireland have Gateway services in all departments including the Children’s Social Work department.  Anyone reporting a concern or making an allegation of abuse should contact this service.  Contact information for these departments in each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts are outlined below:

GATEWAY SERVICES: Tel: 08007837745

Gateway is a social work service for children and families.

NSPCC

CHILDLINE: Tel: 08001111

Help for adults: Tel: 08007837745

SOUTHERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE TRUST

Gateway Services (Armagh, Coalisland, Ballygawley, Dungannon, Markethill, Moy, Portadown and Newry)

Tel: 08007837745 (9.00am to 5.00pm)

Out of hours Emergency Service

Tel: 02838334444 (ask for duty social worker)

NORTHERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE TRUST

Gateway Services (Cookstown, Lissan, Magherafelt and Pomeroy)

Tel: 03001234333 (9.00am to 5.00pm)

Out of hours emergency service

Tel:  02894468833 (ask for duty social worker)

WESTERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE TRUST

Gateway Services (Carrickmore and Beragh)

Tel: 02871314090 (9.00am to 5.00pm)

Out of hours emergency service

Tel: 02871345171 (ask for duty social worker)

RAPE CRISIS & SEXUAL ABUSE CENTRE (NI)

29 Donegal Street

Belfast

BT1 2FG

Helpline: 02890 329002

Phone: 02890329001/2

Fax: 02890329001

FAOISEAMH HELPLINE was set up in February 1997 to listen to and, if required, arrange face-to-face counselling for victims of abuse by members of religious orders.  Faoiseamh is completely private and confidential except with the express wish of a particular client to provide further contact.

The operational hours of the Helpline are –

Monday and Wednesday 11.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Friday 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

An answering machine service is available at all other times and any messages are followed through on next ‘open day’.

Freephone: 0800 973 272

Guidelines on use of modern technology when working with children

Use of photography and video

The use of photography and video is an issue of great concern among those working with children.  The Archdiocese recognises that every parish has their own arrangements in relation to its use in schools, youth groups and for the sacraments however the guidelines have been devised below to aid parishes and diocesan groups:

• it is always good practice to seek written permission from a parent or guardian before taking any photographs or video footage of children.  This written permission must be sought from the parent/guardian or the person who owns the photograph before it can be displayed on promotional materials or websites.  This can be incorporated in the registration form when a child joins a group (template permission Resource 10);
• neither names nor any personal information should be displayed alongside any photographs;
• special consideration should be given where taking photographs or video footage might be misinterpreted, or the images could be seen as provocative (eg beach trip or gymnastics display etc). It is not to say, however, that with the right planning, these events cannot be recorded and enjoyed.

Photography and video recording are important methods of recording social activity and providing an historic record – illustrating and validating important moments in people’s lives. This process is a powerful and personal one, and therefore, we must respect the rights of everyone to make the choice whether or not to be photographed.

Use of mobile phones

The use of mobile phones for communication is growing rapidly and many young people use their own personal mobile.  In addition to this many mobiles can be used for photography and video as well as for the internet.  It is therefore important for groups to be very clear on their stance in relation to use of mobile phones for church personnel.

The following guidelines are recommended:

• when responsible for the supervision and safety of young people church personnel should not use mobile phones, for social or business purposes, unless in the case of emergency.  To do so before we would consider this to be both unsafe and inappropriate conduct.  Anything which compromises the ability to maintain a safe environment and give full attention to the supervision of children should be actively discouraged;
• most mobile phones have a facility to take photographs and videos which can be immediately uploaded onto the web or social networking sites without permission. Therefore, group leaders should discourage the use of mobile phones during church activities. The group may wish to produce a mobile phone Code of Conduct to ensure safe usage;
• mobile phones with photographic and video facilities are not to be used in changing facilities or residential accommodation;
• contacting children by phone, text or e-mail should never be undertaken without parental knowledge or consent.  Additional communication should be directed to the child’s parent/guardian.

There are situations when access to a mobile phone will make a positive contribution to the safety and welfare of children, particularly when an emergency occurs.

Use of the internet and e-mail in Church

Many parishes and diocesan groups have websites and use e-mail as a form of communication with children and families.  Through these websites they give information on many things including Catholic faith and social teaching, parish and diocesan activities, activities organised by other agencies whether community or faith based and give links to other websites.  Information relating to groups working with young people should only be included in diocesan/parish websites if they adhere to a child protection policy which has been sent to the Diocesan Training Team for approval.

Acceptable internet use policy

Use of the internet by church personnel to promote, inform and educate, is encouraged where such use supports the ethos of the Archdiocese.  It is the responsibility of those church personnel using the internet and the Parish Priest/Administrator/Diocesan Contact Person for each of the diocesan groups to ensure that they:

• comply with current legislation;
• use the internet in an acceptable way.

It is recognised that many young people communicate through social networking sites and personal e-mails.  This method of communication is generally not shared with parents/guardians.  It is therefore the responsibility of the group leader/organiser to ensure that any information shared with a child through a social networking relationship or through e-mail is shared with parents.  Advice in this area can be sought from the Diocesan Youth Director.  The following are some guidelines to follow:

• all e-mails sent and received from children should be retained for 2 years;
• young people should only be contacted by group e-mail and should also be forwarded to parents;
• it is the right of each individual to decide who has access to their e-mail address.  All e-mail providers offer a BCC function which allows the sender to send an e-mail to many people without revealing the addresses of the other people receiving the e-mail.  In order to ensure the privacy of children and parents/guardians, individual addresses from group e-mails should be sent using the BCC box.  If you are unsure how to do this contact the Diocesan Office or the Youth Ministry Office and someone will advise you;
• group e-mails should give individuals the opportunity to have their contact details removed from the list by including a statement such as: “If you wish to be removed from this e-mail list please contact the administrator”.

Unacceptable internet use

In particular the following is deemed unacceptable internet use or behaviour:

•  visiting internet sites that contain offensive, obscene, hateful, pornographic or otherwise illegal material;
•  using the computer to perpetrate any form of fraud, or software, film or music piracy;
•  using the internet to send offensive or harassing material to other users;
•  using obscene or racist language;
•  hacking into unauthorised areas;
•  publishing defamatory and/or knowingly false material about others on social networking sites, ‘blogs’ (online journals), ‘wikis’ and any online publishing format;
•  introducing any form of malicious software into the corporate network;
•  intentional damage to computers, computer systems or computer networks;

• intentional damage to any information communication technologies equipment;
• using another users password or giving their password to another user;
• using the network for unapproved commercial purposes.

If a diocesan or parish group uses the internet or emailing as part of its activities, the group leader must ensure that each leader and young person is aware of what is acceptable and unacceptable usage, using the above points as a guide.   The area of cyber bullying should also be addressed in drawing up and implementing an anti bullying policy.

USEFUL WEBSITE ADDRESSES

Church organisations can get further help and guidance about online safety from the following:

For adults – Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)

www.ispai.ie

www.copine.ie

www.ceop.gov.uk

For children – Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

NSPCC

www.childline.org.uk/Info/Pages/OnlineSafety.aspx

For information on Cyber Bullying

www.bullying.co.uk/schools/cyberbullying

Various Safeguarding Children Roles in the Diocese

The paragraphs below outline the roles of personnel within the Archdiocese that form the essential elements of the safeguarding framework. Those fulfilling any of the roles listed below must abide by the highest possible standards of professional conduct in all aspects of their work, including the maintenance of confidentiality.

Safeguarding Representative
 
Designated Persons

Diocesan Safeguarding Committee

Advisory Panel

Support Person(s)

Adviser(s)

Contact details for Safeguarding (Diocesan and Statutory)

Armagh Diocesan Personnel for Safeguarding

Aidan Gordon
Diocesan Designated Officer
Armagh Diocesan Safeguarding Office
Archdiocese of Armagh
Cathedral Road
Armagh
Co Armagh
BT61 7QY

Tel: 028 37525592 (NI)
048 37525592 (RoI)
Mob: 078 4110 1687 (NI)*
0044 78 4110 1687 (ROI)*
E-mail: [email protected]

Eleanor Kelly
Diocesan Designated Officer
Armagh Diocesan Safeguarding Office
Archdiocese of Armagh
Cathedral Road
Armagh
Co Armagh
BT61 7QY

Tel: 028 37525592 (NI)
048 37525592 (RoI)
Mob: 075 8432 3138 (NI)*
0044 75 8432 3138 (ROI)*
E-mail: [email protected]

*These numbers are exclusively to report allegations and suspcions of abuse.

Mrs. Edel O’Neill
Chairperson of Diocesan Committee for Safeguarding

Tel: 028/048 37525592

Mrs. Eleanor Kelly
Diocesan Training Co-ordinator
Armagh Diocesan Safeguarding Office
Archdiocese of Armagh
Cathedral Road
Armagh
BT61 7QY
Tel: 028/048 3752 5592
E-mail: [email protected]

Safeguarding Contact Details for Relevant Agencies and Services

Below is contact information for relevant agencies/services which are available to provide assistance, respond and give support to all children.  Children and adults can seek advice and support for a range of issues not just about abuse.  This may include issues regarding: teachers, parents/ carers, bullying, relationship problems, medical advice and legal advice.

Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland

National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC)

Remember: Anyone involved in working with children in the Archdiocese of Armagh, including the Diocesan safeguarding children personnel can access specialist advice about protection issues from the National Board for Safeguarding Children.

Postal Address:
National Office for Safeguarding children in the Catholic Church in Ireland
New House
Saint Patrick’s College
Maynooth
Co.Kildare

Tel: 01 505 3124
Fax: 01 505 3026
Website