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Child Safeguarding Policy Statement of the Constituent Members of the Catholic Church in Ireland

As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.


On behalf of this Church body, as part of the Catholic Church in Ireland, I commit to safeguarding children by agreeing to follow this Child Safeguarding Policy.

On behalf of the Anglo-Irish Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites:

Fr. James Noonan, OCD
Provincial

Date: 1 July 2023. (For review January 2024)

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 (2019) 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; Mobile: 00447776321866. Email: johnsheridan253@gmail.com

or

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).

Commitment Statement re New Policy June 2024