What is Children First?
- Published on: 31 October 2021
- Last updated on: 16 September 2023
- Introduction
- Children First Legislation and Guidance
- Introduction to Children First e-learning programme
- Types of abuse and how you can recognise them
- Report a concern
Introduction
Children First promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect. It sets out how to report concerns about a child to Tusla social work departments, and what organisations need to do to keep children safe.
Society has a duty of care towards children, and everyone should be alert to the possibility that children they are in contact with may be abused or at risk of abuse or neglect. If you are concerned about a child you should contact Tusla. Certain people, many of whom are professionals, also have a legal obligation to report concerns to Tusla.
All organisations 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. Most organisations will also have specific legal obligations, including a requirement to have a Child Safeguarding Statement in place.
Children First Legislation and Guidance
The Children First Act 2015 places a number of statutory obligations on certain people (for example, teachers, childcare professionals, nurses, or physiotherapists) and on particular organisations providing services to children and young people.
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children sets out non-statutory best practice for all persons coming into contact with children and young people. It also describes the legal obligations under the Children First Act and who they attach to.
See more information on Children First Legislation and Guidance.
Introduction to Children First e-learning programme
The Introduction to Children First e-learning programme has been developed to support people of all backgrounds and experience in recognising and reporting concerns about child abuse and neglect. It also explains the role of mandated persons and the responsibilities of organisations working with children and young people.
See more information on the Introduction to Children First e-learning programme.
Types of abuse and how you can recognise them
Everyone has a responsibility to keep children as safe as possible. We can do this by learning about the different types of child abuse and how to recognise them.
Report a concern
Everyone has a responsibility to keep children as safe as possible. If you are concerned that a child or young person may have been, is being, or is at risk of being abused or neglected, you should contact Tusla social work department.
See more information on how to make a report to Tusla.
In cases of emergency, where a child or young person appears to be at immediate and serious risk, contact An Garda Síochána.