The Parish of Parish of Bodyke and Tuamgraney values and encourages the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and intellectual development, and will work in a partnership way with parents at all times.
The Gospel of Christ invites us to cherish and affirm each child as a gift from God with an inherent right to dignity of life and bodily integrity which shall be respected, nurtured and protected by all. Everyone in the Church has an obligation to ensure that the fundamental rights of children are respected.
In keeping with this, we in this parish undertake to do all in our power to create safe environments where the welfare of children and young people is paramount.
This duty of care extends to all the many and varied ways that children share in the life of the Church in our parish and diocese.
Partnership with Civil Authorities
Our Parish is committed to working in partnership with the civil authorities to ensure that all aspects of child welfare are managed promptly, professionally and justly. We will adhere to statutory policy, notably ‘Children First’: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011), and the HSE Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook (2011). All Child Safeguarding concerns shall be reported to the civil authorities without delay.
Procedures
The Bodyke and Tuamgraney parish is committed to following best practice as specified by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC). Our diocesan child protection policy and procedures are set out in our publication: Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures’. This document can be downloaded from the diocesan website – Killaloe Diocesan
As required of all church personnel in this diocese, we will adhere to the latest edition of Killaloe Diocese: ‘Safeguarding Children Policy & Procedures’.
Click here for Diocese of Killaloe SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN Policy and Procedures
Parish of Bodyke and Tuamgraney
Child Protection Code of Conduct
- Children, young people and adults working on behalf of the Church will be treated, and will treat each other, fairly, equitably and with respect.
- Children, young people and adults are expected to use respectful language while engaged in activities associated with the Church.
- Children, young people and adults are expected to respect an individual’s right to privacy.
- The physical integrity of children, young people and adults will be respected.
- Children, young people and adults are expected to respect property and premises associated with the Church and with parish activities.
- Children and young people will not be permitted to consume alcohol, to smoke or to take non-prescription drugs while participating in Church activities.
- If a child or young person, or their parent or guardian, is unhappy with any aspect of the child’s/young person’s care while working on behalf of the Church, all aspects of their complaint will be considered by an independent third party appointed by the Parish Pastoral Council.
The above code is in accordance with the most recent “Keeping Children Safe” guideline issued by the Diocese of Killaloe.
Parish Representatives for “Keeping Children Safe”: Denise O’Halloran