Child Protection
Whilst DkIT owes a duty of care to all its students, it also has a particular responsibility to ensure as far as practicable, that each child availing of the service is safe from harm while availing of that service’. (Children First Act 2015).
Overview
We value and encourage the participation of students in any activity that enhances their educational, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. We are committed to safeguarding the dignity and rights of all members of its community. We do all in our power to create a safe environment.
The Institute acknowledges that this responsibility applies whether the child is a student of the Institute or is otherwise under the care or supervision of Institute staff or students. The Institute will uphold the key principle that the welfare of the child is paramount and that children are protected, treated with respect, listened to and have their views taken into consideration.
DkIT Child Protection Structures
Chair: Dr. Edel Healy
Ms Siobhan Molloy
Ms Patricia Rahill
What to do if you have any concerns about a Child Safeguarding Issue
Notice signs of harm, neglect, abuse, or inappropriate behaviour.
This could be something a child says, something you see, or something you hear about.
Write down what you saw, heard, or were told — as factually and accurately as possible.
Include dates, times, names, and exact words if possible.
In DkIT your Designated Liaison Person is Ms Siobhan Molloy, [email protected], Deputy Designated Liaison Person — Ms Patricia Rahill, [email protected], or email [email protected]
DkIT has procedures on how concerns are handled.
Tusla (Child and Family Agency): www.tusla.ie
Gardaí (Irish Police): Dial 999 or 112
Under the Children First Act 2015, certain professionals are Mandated Persons and legally obliged to report serious concerns directly to Tusla.
Only share the information with those who need to know for the child’s safety.
Do not discuss it casually with others.
Children First E-Learning Programme
All employees (staff and volunteer members) of DkIT are recommended to undertake the Túsla Children First e-Learning Programme called “Introduction to Children First” which has been written to support people of all backgrounds and experience in recognising concerns about children and reporting such concerns. A certificate is provided on successful completion.
We recommend all staff and student complete the Children First E-Learning Programme
Children First E-Learning ProgrammeTusla - Child and Family Agency
The programme takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete but it can be done in a number of sittings. The programme will allow you to log back in and resume where you left off. It covers topics including:
- Recognising and reporting child abuse;
- The role of mandated persons;
- The responsibilities of organisations working with children to safeguard children;
- The role of designated liaison persons.