Child Safety Policy - hairtogether.ie

Introduction
At Hair Together CLG, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in all of our activities. We recognise that the welfare of children is paramount and are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for every child involved in our services. This Child Safety Policy is based on the principles outlined in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and aligns with our legal and moral obligations.
Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders are aware of and uphold their responsibilities in relation to child protection. This policy is designed to prevent child abuse and ensure any concerns or allegations are handled appropriately and in accordance with statutory requirements.
Our Commitment

To safeguard and promote the welfare of children in our care.
To create a culture of transparency and openness regarding child protection issues.
To ensure that staff, volunteers, and stakeholders are appropriately trained and supported in their roles, particularly in relation to safeguarding children.
To adhere to relevant legislation and best practice guidelines regarding the protection of children.

Definitions of Abuse
Hair Together CLG recognises the four main types of child abuse as defined in Children First:

Physical Abuse: Any form of physical injury or injury resulting from an action or inaction.
Emotional Abuse: Any act that causes emotional harm, such as rejection, humiliation, or isolation.
Sexual Abuse: Any form of sexual activity with a child, including exploitation or coercion.
Neglect: The failure to provide for the child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, and medical care.

Designated Liaison Person (DLP): Hair Together CLG has appointed a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) who is responsible for ensuring compliance with child protection policies. The DLP will also be the point of contact for anyone who has concerns about a child’s welfare.
Deputy Liaison Person (DLP): A Deputy Liaison Person will assist the DLP and step in when the DLP is unavailable.
Staff and Volunteers: All staff members, volunteers, and external contractors working with children are required to follow this policy and complete child protection training. They are responsible for reporting any concerns they may have regarding a child’s safety or welfare.

Any individual who has concerns about a child’s welfare must report the matter to the DLP immediately.
The DLP will assess the concern and decide whether the matter should be reported to Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), the Gardaí, or both.
Hair Together CLG will ensure that no child suffers due to a delay in responding to allegations of abuse.

All concerns about child welfare must be documented and submitted immediately to the DLP.
The DLP will maintain a confidential record of all reports and actions taken.
Hair Together CLG follows the procedures outlined in Children First for reporting child protection concerns to Tusla and the Gardaí, as appropriate.

Recruitment and Selection
Hair Together CLG is committed to ensuring that only suitable individuals work with children. The following procedures will be followed:

Safer Recruitment Practices: All new staff members and volunteers must complete appropriate background checks, including Garda vetting, prior to commencing work.
Reference Checks: We will contact references for all new staff and volunteers to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

Respect and Dignity: All interactions with children must be respectful, fair, and appropriate. We promote positive relationships and will not tolerate any form of bullying, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour.
Supervision: Children will be appropriately supervised at all times. We will ensure that the ratio of adults to children is sufficient to provide appropriate care and attention.
Physical Contact: Physical contact with children will only occur when necessary, appropriate, and respectful. Staff should always be mindful of their behaviour, and physical interaction should be limited to what is necessary for the child’s safety and well-being.

All staff and volunteers must undergo Child Protection Training based on Children First This training will be refreshed regularly.
Hair Together CLG will provide ongoing awareness sessions to keep child protection at the forefront of staff and volunteer responsibilities.

Confidentiality
Hair Together CLG is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all child protection concerns. Information about a child protection concern will only be shared with the relevant authorities (e.g., Tusla, Gardaí) and individuals involved in managing the concern, on a need-to-know basis.
Evaluation and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Any changes in legislation, best practice guidelines, or feedback from stakeholders will be considered in the review process. Feedback from staff, children, and families will be sought to improve child safety and welfare practices.
Queries and Complaints
If you have any concerns or complaints regarding the application of this policy, please contact the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) at [email protected]