Saint Philomena’s Parish values and encourages the participation of children and young people in Parish liturgies and in activities which enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development.

The Parish recognises the dignity and rights of all children and is committed to their protection and support.

Our 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 of Palmerstown is committed to have the following procedures in place. These Procedures and Code of Conduct will be made known to both parents/guardians and to children and young people:
• A code of conduct for children, young people and all adults who work with them
• Procedures for recruiting, overseeing and supporting adult leaders working with children and young people (see appendices)
• Appropriate supervision ratios of adults to children and young people (see appendices)
• Adequate record keeping processes (see appendices)
• A clearly communicated Accident/Emergency plan
• Procedures to respond to internal conflicts and disciplinary issues
• Procedures for reporting Child Protection concerns and or complaints
• The Archdiocese has appointed a Designated Person to whom all relevant concerns and/or complaints are brought. He/she will respond promptly and will liase with the required civil authority and church authority

Each parish will have access to a Child Protection Representative. The responsibilities of the Parish Child Protection Representative will be:

• To promote awareness of the Church’s child protection policies
• To ensure that the public has ready access to contact details for the Designated Person and relevant HSE officials, and are aware of the nature of these roles.

The Parish is committed to healing and reconciliation. Support persons are available to complainants, victims and accused persons.

Parish of Palmerstown

Child Protection Policy
Code of Conduct
This code of conduct applies to all adults who work with children and young people on a professional or voluntary basis and to all children and young people in their care:

• Children and young people will be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity
• There will be an adequate ratio of leaders to children and young people at all times.
• Mixed gender groups should have an appropriate number of male and female leaders.
• Leaders must not work in isolation with children and/or young people. In instances where pastoral need may require privacy for a young person, working in isolation should be undertaken in a transparent and open manner.
• Physical contact between children/young people and leaders must be appropriate at all times.
• Photographs of children/young people engaged in church related activities may only be taken and/or made public with parental consent.

For away trips:

• A pre-check on accommodation and transport arrangements must be undertaken.
• Information sessions for all young people and their parents must be held.
• Children/Young people will not be permitted to consume alcohol or use illicit drugs while participating in Church-related activities.
• Adults working with children and young people will be treated with courtesy, respect and dignity.
• Leaders will not consume alcohol or use illicit drugs while having responsibility for or while in the presence of children/young people.

Parish of Palmerstown
Child Protection Policy Confidentialitv Statement
The Parish of Palmerstown is committed to keeping confidential all personal information about children and their families. The only exception may be when child protection concerns arise in relation to a child. In this situation information will be shared with the required civil and religious authorities on “a need to know” basis in the best interest of the child. In this context no undertakings regarding secrecy can be given.

Information obtained for one purpose must not be used for another without consulting the person who provided that information.