St. Senan’s Parish values and encourages the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and intellectual development, and will work in a partnership way with parents at all times.

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.

National Safeguarding Policy Document 

The safeguarding children policy document is now available to download: National Safeguarding Policy Document. There is also a concise version of the Safeguarding Policy Document which can be downloaded here.

Child Safeguarding Statement 

This statement has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and is derived from Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016 and can be downloaded here: Child Safeguarding Statement March 2018

Guidance 

For the procedures to implement the child safeguarding policy, the Diocese of Ferns follows the guidance of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) which is available here.

More information

The Diocese of Ferns has developed a  Safeguarding Handbook for Ferns 2018 which is a quick reference book reflecting frequently asked questions. More information is available on the Ferns Diocese website.