04 January 2009

Child Protection Statement

Archdiocese of Dublin: Parish of Kilcullen Child Protection Policy Statement (Based on the guidance provided in Our Children, Our Church, Child Protection Policies and Procedures for the Catholic Church in Ireland.)

The Parish of Kilcullen values and encourages the participation of children and young people in Parish Liturgies and in activities that will help their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

The Parish undertakes to do all in its power to create a safe environment for children and young people and to ensure their protection from physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

The Parish recognises:

The dignity and rights of all children and young people and is committed to ensuring their safety and well being at all times.

The need to protect children and young people and aims to do this in a way that promotes their human dignity, integrity and worth as children of God.


That all involved in working with children and young people have a special duty of care towards them.


The Parish has procedures and a code of conduct in place to implement this policy statement and is committed to reviewing the policy and good practice annually.


Our Parish Child Protection Representative is:
Margaret Walker, Telephone 0877504040

The Designated Person for the Child Protection Service of the Archdiocese of Dublin is:
Philip Garland, Telephone 01 8842590

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Code of Conduct for Clergy, Staff and Volunteers working with Children and Young People

1. Garda Vetting applies to all persons working with children and or young people.

2. Pastoral Ministry to a child or young person should only take place in a publicly accessible place, e.g., designated office or room with a clear glass window. The door should always be left open. The length and number of meetings should be limited.

3. Clergy, staff and volunteer workers should never be alone in a building, car or a closed room with a child or young person.

4. Providing accommodation in the parochial house for children and young people is prohibited except in the case of family members or children or young people accompanied by parents or guardians.

5. When the need for a visit to a home of a child or young person arises, professional boundaries must be observed at all times, i.e., parents or guardian or other adult must be present at all times.

6. Children and young people should not be permitted to work or remain in churches, parish property or schools unless there are at least two adults present. (See Our Children, Our Church, page 22.)

7. Ensure that adequate and appropriate supervision is in place before organising activities with children and young people.

8. Written consent must be obtained from parents or guardians before organising activities for children or young people in your care and do establish whether there are any specific medical or dietary requirements.

9. Particular care should be taken to ensure that the privacy of children or young people is respected at all times and in all places.

10. When working with children or young people you should take care to avoid the trap of becoming a “parental figure” or over involved with one particular child.

11. All trips organised by groups require careful advanced planning and a proportionate number of suitable volunteers to provide adequate supervision. Keep gender balance in mind.

12. Do not take photographs of children or young people while they are in changing areas.

13. Photographs of children and young people generally may not be taken without parental consent.

14. Use only age appropriate language, media products and activities when working with children and young people. Sexually explicit materials or language are never appropriate.

15. Under no circumstances give alcohol, tobacco or drugs to children or young people.

16. Physical punishment, emotional or verbal abuse is not permitted under any circumstances.

17. Ensure that the buildings and or facilities used for activities with children or young people are suitable, safe and secure.