Child Protection Issues
In 2006 the government set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the handling by the diocesan authorities of child sexual abuse by clergy working in the Archdiocese of Dublin. The Commission of Investigation is expected to present its report to the Minister for Justice in the near future and the report will be published. It will bring to the surface once again many things we would prefer to forget; but we can’t afford to forget them. As Jesus once remarked “the truth will set you free.” I am alerting you now because I don’t want people to be taken unawares when the report is published.
It will be a painful time for all of us, priests and parishioners alike. Our instincts may be to distance ourselves from it and say it has nothing to do with us. By accepting the pain, however unfair it may seem, we will be in solidarity with the many children whose innocence was stolen from them, and with their parents and all who love them. Their pain is surely far greater than ours.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to ensuring that children are safe-guarded in all activities associated with the Church. From time to time he has also provided an up-date on child protection issues in the Archdiocese of Dublin. The most recent up-date includes statistics which indicate that during the period from 1940 up to the present time:
• Allegations have been made against 77 priests of the Diocese.
• Suspicions have been raised concerning 9 priests of the Diocese.
• Allegations have been made against 54 Religious priests or priests from other Diocese who held an appointment in Dublin.
• Allegations have been made against 9 Religious priests or priests from other Diocese which related to their doing supply in Dublin.
• Suspicions have been raised concerning 3 Religious priests who held appointments in the Diocese.
These statistics date over a period of 68 years. Since 1940 over 1,350 Diocesan priests have served in Dublin and around 1,450 priests from Religious Congregations have held appointments from the Archbishop of Dublin.
These statistics include all the allegations made irrespective of the eventual outcome of the investigation. It is the policy of Archbishop Martin that all allegations and suspicions are reported to the civil authorities, in accordance with the policy document Our Children Our Church. Eight priests have been convicted in the criminal courts. Three Dublin Diocesan priests who have been the subject of allegations of child sexual abuse are currently before the courts.
One thing we can do is to ensure that our Parish Child Protection procedures correspond with best practice. I want to be sure that Parish property is the safest possible place for children. To that end I am calling all individuals, groups and organising working with children and or young people, under the aegis of the Parish or using Parish property, to a meeting on Monday 30 March at 8.30 pm in the Parish Centre. The purpose of the meeting will be to spell out the implications of our Parish Child Protection Policy for all ad rem individuals, groups and organisations. That meeting will be followed by a Child Protection Training Day which will take place on Saturday 18 April from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm in the Parish Centre.
In the meantime, can I ask you all to be vigilant and, if you become aware of any indication that children may be at risk, please don’t remain silent. I am sorry that you will have to go through all of this again, but I am all the more sorry for the pain that has been caused to children and their families through the actions of priests or, in some cases, the failure to act of the Church authorities.
The Parish Child Protection Policy is on display in our two Churches and in the Parish Centre and copies of it are available to take away. The text of what I have just said is also available to take away.
Fr Michael Murphy, 1st March 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.