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<< Operation Encompass

Why is my child’s school taking part in Operation Encompass Drogheda Pilot?

Your child's school is participating in the Operation Encompass Drogheda Pilot so it can receive timely awareness when a child or young person may have been affected by domestic abuse. This enables the school, where appropriate, to respond through its existing wellbeing procedures while also contributing to learning from the pilot that will inform the future implementation of Operation Encompass in Ireland.

What information will my child’s school receive through an Operation Encompass Drogheda Pilot notification?

Operation Encompass provides participating schools with a limited notification to support timely awareness following attendance by An Garda Síochána at certain domestic abuse incidents involving an eligible child or young person.

For the purposes of the Operation Encompass Drogheda Pilot, the notification is limited to confirming that:

• An Garda Síochána attended a domestic abuse incident;
• A child or young person habitually resides at the location where the incident occurred;
• If the child or young person was present/absent during the incident.

The notification is intended solely to provide participating schools with timely awareness so they can respond, where appropriate, through their existing child wellbeing procedures. Only the minimum information necessary to achieve the agreed purpose of the pilot is shared.

Operation Encompass notifications do not include:

• details of the domestic abuse incident;
• information relating to any criminal investigation;
• witness statements or evidence;
• information about the people involved in the incident;
• or any operational policing information.

Who in the school will receive the notification?

Each participating school has two nominated staff members who receive Operation Encompass notifications.

An Garda Síochána will only provide notifications to these nominated staff members.

The information is handled securely and managed in accordance with the school's existing data protection requirements and records management policies.

Will other members of staff be told about the notification?

Operation Encompass notifications are treated confidentially. The nominated staff members will only share relevant information from the notification with other members of staff where they need to be aware in order to support the child or young person's wellbeing.

The information is handled securely and managed in accordance with the school's existing data protection requirements and records management policies.

What does receiving an Operation Encompass notification mean for my child?

Receiving an Operation Encompass notification does not mean your child will be treated differently at school.

The notification helps the school to better understand your child's circumstances so that, where appropriate, staff can respond with understanding and care through the school's existing wellbeing procedures.

Any response will take account of your child's individual needs and circumstances and will be provided in line with the school's existing child wellbeing procedures.

Will the school contact me if they receive an Operation Encompass notification?

No. The school will not contact parents or guardians solely because it has received an Operation Encompass notification. Operation Encompass notifications are treated confidentially and managed in line with the school's agreed Operation Encompass procedures.

Any communication with parents or guardians will continue to follow the school's existing policies and procedures.

Where can I access information or support about domestic abuse?

If you, your child or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available.

Information on supports is available here.