Children First promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect. It sets out what individuals and organisations need to do to keep children safe and how to deal with concerns about a child’s safety or welfare. The term ‘Children First’ refers to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Children First Act 2015.
National Children First Awareness Week took place during the week of the 25 September 2023.
This year’s campaign focussed on the responsibility of organisations under Children First. All organisations and individuals providing services or activities to children and young people should have child safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect them from harm and promote their welfare. Organisations classed as providers of relevant services under the Children First Act 2015 are required to carry out a risk assessment and develop a Child Safeguarding Statement, which outlines how risks to children’s welfare and protection will be managed.
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There are many organisations and individuals who work together, and with families and communities, to safeguard children and young people. Juliette (Public Health Nurse), Ruairí (Social Worker) and Susan (Detective Garda) speak about how Children First guides them in their roles to help keep children safe.