The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland has issued a new child safeguarding policy document that all Religious Orders have signed up to. The policy document ‘A Safe and Welcoming Church, Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2024’ is available here.

The National Board Guidance on implementing the policy is available here.

The signed Safeguarding Children Policy Statement 2024 is available here.

The signed Commitment by Church Authority form is available here.

For the procedures to implement the Child Safeguarding policy, the Order of Discalced Carmelites follows the guidance of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland available at www.safeguarding.ie/index.php/guidance

To read the Safeguarding Children Policy Statement for The Carmelite Priory and Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Derry N Ireland- Please click here.

The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland Final Review Report 2023 can be found here:

The Forms required for Adult Complaint Guide (2023) can be found here:

Form for use of Church Property by External Groups can be found here:

Details of Personnel to contact if you are concerned about the welfare and safety of Children – Ireland

Designated Liaison Person (DLP) of the Discalced Carmelites in Ireland: Mr. John Sheridan  Tel: 0044 7776321866 Email: dlp@ocd.ie

OR

Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP) for Order of Discalced Carmelites in Ireland 
Fr Vincent O’Hara, OCD: Tel: 087 6755850
Email: vincent.ohara@gmail.com

Ireland: You can also contact your local Tusla, Child and Family Agency (https://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/) or any Garda station

Northern Ireland: Local Social Services Gateway Team Western HSC Trust: 02871314090 or PSNI: 101 (Non-emergency telephone number- you will be put in contact with a specially trained police officer).