The Hibernia Centre

Child Protection & Vulnerable Adult Policy

Introduction

The Hibernia Centre seeks to provide an environment where all those attending are able to do so, free from harm, neglect or abuse. The Committee and Tutors are committed to the implementation of a Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy recognising that there is a moral and ethical need to protect the interests of children as well as vulnerable adults.

Principles of the Policy

The Hibernia Centre exists to promote the teaching and enjoyment of Irish, and related traditional music, dance & culture. In so doing we seek:-

• To protect the welfare of all children or vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from neglect, exploitation and abuse whilst participating, contributing or enjoying classes, workshops or events either at the Hibernia Centre or events supported by the Hibernia Centre.

The policy towards mitigating the general risk of harm to children and vulnerable adults is based upon:-

·         Awareness

·         Supervision

·         Avoidance of isolation.

The special risks which we have identified in relation to our activities and the measures taken in mitigation are as follows:

·         RISK:  Children and adults mix in teaching groups. As attendance at all activities is open to anyone and we go out of our way to  stress accessibility it would be possible for an adult with malicious intent or even a record of abuse which would  prevent membership of other groups involving children to join us.          

MITIGATION: Supervision, awareness and avoidance of isolation will be used to mitigate this risk.  Involvement of parents as tutors, students or general helpers is encouraged.

·         RISK: Tutors are adults and many students are children so there is risk to children from abusive tutors.

MITIGATION: There will never be one to one teaching in which children are isolated with one adult.   Wherever possible, teaching will be in open or glazed areas.   Tutors will be vetted as appropriate.

·         RISK : We are often invited to attend outside events which puts children at risk from abusive tutors, helpers or strangers

MITIGATION: Normal rules will apply to rehearsals and transport arrangements i.e. Supervision, awareness and avoidance of isolation.  Involvement of parents will be encouraged.

·         RISK: Emergency arises during a teaching session when parents are not present.

                MITIGATION: A register will be maintained, including emergency contact details.

·         RISK: Children may be collected at the end of a session by someone inappropriate.

MITIGATION: The Committee and Tutors will maintain awareness of this issue.  Parental involvement in the activities will be encouraged to reduce this risk. However, we would expect parents to give warning of this risk.

·         RISK : Tutors and other adults may arrange to meet children outside our events

MITIGATION: This is forbidden and will be regarded as a matter for reporting.  It will of course be permissible for additional lessons to be arranged privately but parents must be involved in this.

·         RISK: Children may discuss confidential matters with tutors as trusted adults.

                MITIGATION: Any cause for suspicion will be reported to a Committee member who                 will liaise with the Police or Social Services.  There will be no attempt at                 investigation.

What is abuse?

Abuse is caused not only be those who perpetrate it, but also by those who fail to prevent it, or condone it, minimize it or tolerate it. The main forms of abuse are:

a)       Physical Abuse – Occasions where an individual deliberately inflicts injuries on a child or vulnerable adult or knowingly does not prevent such injuries. Introduction of drugs, alcohol or toxic substances is also a form of physical abuse.

b)       Sexual Abuse – This may occur when an adult or young person uses children or a vulnerable adult to meet their sexual needs. Showing children pornographic material, making sexually suggestive comments, various sexual acts, inappropriate touching and witnessing of sexual acts.

c)       Emotional Abuse – When adults fail to show due care and attention or threaten, use sarcasm, taunt or shout at a child or vulnerable adult, causing him or her to lose self confidence, self esteem and become nervous and withdrawn. In addition acts of bullying constitute emotional abuse.

d)       Neglect –  Is defined as a persistent failure to meet a child or venerable adult’s basic needs, or leaving them alone and unsupervised. It could also mean failing to ensure they are safe or exposing them to harm or injury.