CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation In accordance with the Children First Act 2015.
Name of Service
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation provide in home nursing care and respite support to children from birth to seven years of age with severe learning disability associated with complex medical needs. We also provide end-of-life care to all children under seven years of age irrespective of their diagnosis. We also provide a family day once a year and catch up and connect coffee mornings for families to come together.
Description of Service
Jack and Jill delivers in home nursing care and respite support in family homes throughout Ireland. Services are provided by registered nurses, carers  and other personal working in partnership with families to support children with complex medical needs. Support includes home nursing, respite care, end-of-life care, family support and organised family events.
Principles of Safeguard Children from Harm
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is committed to safeguarding all children who use our services.
The welfare and safety of every child is paramount. We recognise our responsibility under the Children First Act 2015 to protect children from harm while they are availing of our services.
Our safeguarding practice is informed by:
- Children First Act 2015
- Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
- Child Care Act 1991
- National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Relevant Data Protection legislation
This statement applies to all employees, registered nurses, volunteers, Board members, contractors, students and any person carrying out work on behalf of The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment
This Child Safeguarding Statement is informed by an assessment of the potential risk of harm to children while receiving services from The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
Risk Identified
Risk of harm by a member of staff, volunteer or contractor
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Safe recruitment procedures; Garda Vetting; Code of Behaviour; Child Safeguarding Policy; induction; supervision; mandatory safeguarding training.
Risk Identified
Risk of harm by a member of staff, volunteer or contractor
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Professional nursing standards, safeguarding procedures; regular management oversight. Due diligence completed on caregivers – Garda Vetting, reference checks, qualification checks
Risk Identified
Failure to recognise or report child protection concerns
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Mandatory Children First training; Designated Liaison Person (DLP); reporting procedures; supervision; ongoing safeguarding education.
Risk Identified
Risk of harm to children with disabilities and complex medical needs
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Child and Family centered care; specialist nursing practice; safeguarding guidance; regular assessment and supervision.
Risk Identified
Allegations made against staff or volunteers
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Procedures for managing allegations; immediate referral to the DLP; reporting to Tusla and An Garda SÃochána where appropriate.
Risk Identified
Family events involving children
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Appropriate supervision; safeguarding procedures; staff and volunteer briefing; reporting arrangements.
Risk Identified
Online communication, photography or social media
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Social media guidance; confidentiality procedures; GDPR compliance; appropriate professional boundaries.
Risk Identified
Information sharing and safeguarding records
Procedures in Place to Manage the Risk
Secure record management; GDPR compliance; restricted access to safeguarding records.
Secure record management; GDPR compliance; restricted access to safeguarding records.
Procedures
- Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
- Procedures for reporting child protection and welfare concerns to Tusla and An Garda SÃochána.
- Procedures for Mandated Persons under the Children First Act 2015.
- Appointment of a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Deputy DLP.
- Safe recruitment and Garda Vetting procedures.
- Mandatory safeguarding training and refresher training.
- Procedures for responding to allegations against personnel.
- Secure recording and management of safeguarding concerns.
- Complaints procedures relating to child safeguarding.
- Ongoing review of safeguarding risks, policies and procedures.
Relevant Person
The Relevant Person appointed for the purposes of this Child Safeguarding Statement is:
Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
Sinead Moran
Head of Nursing
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 087 380 3145
Deputy Designated Liaison Person
Saundra Nolan
Head of Nursing
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 087 383 2683
Implementation
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation recognises that implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement is an ongoing process.
We are committed to reviewing this Statement every three years, or as soon as practicable following any material change to legislation, national guidance or the services provided by the Foundation.
Prepared by: Head of Nursing
Approved by: Chief Executive Officer
Version: 1.0