Introduction
Foróige is committed to providing safe developmental settings and structures in which young people can grow and thrive. Equally we are conscious of our responsibility to inform the appropriate authorities of any reasonable grounds for concern that a child/young person may have been, is being or is at risk of being abused or neglected. Everyone must be alert to the possibility that children and young people with whom they are in contact may be suffering from abuse or neglect. It is an important responsibility. This section of our website contains information and documents designed to support all Foróige volunteers in their role in this.
Policy Statement
The National Council of Foróige believes that the protection and welfare of children and young people is of paramount importance. It is the policy of the National Council of Foróige that the organisation’s staff and adult leaders take all reasonable care to ensure that all children and young people involved in its services are protected from abuse of any kind. This policy is grounded in Foróige’s philosophy which outlines the importance of young people being treated with respect, listened to and having their views taken into consideration. The National Council of Foróige commits to reviewing this Child Protection Policy and the Guidelines for Staff regarding Child Protection and Welfare every two years.
Key Office Contact Details
While a volunteer concerned about a young person will normally contact the staff person with whom they engage in their role, here are numbers for our main offices. In an emergency situation, where it is not safe for a young person to go home and you cannot get a staff person or social worker, you should call an Garda Síochána on 999.
- Foróige Head Office, Dublin 01 6301560
- Foróige’s Southern Regional Office, Blackpool, Cork 021 4396521
- Foróige’s Western Regional office, St Augustine Street, Galway 091 561002
- Foróige’s South Eastern Regional Office, Kilkenny 056 7788134
- Foróige’s North Eastern Regional Office, Drogheda 041 9846817
- Foróige’s CRIB Youth Centre Sligo 071 9120775
- Blanchardstown Youth Service 01 8212012
- Tallaght Youth Service 01 4516322
Volunteer Training and Support
All Foróige volunteers receive mandatory training in relation to good practice in child welfare and protection and in the implementation of the organisation’s child protection policy and guidelines. This is called the “Child Protection Awareness Programme” delivered as part of, or quickly following on “Starting Out in Foróige”, Volunteer Training. If you have any questions about this training, or you need to know when it is next available in your area, please contact a Foróige staff person.
Documents to download or read online
Should you have any questions on these documents please feel free to consult a staff person. The use of these documents is covered in child protection training.
1. Protecting Young People, Guidelines and Information for Foróige Volunteers regarding Child Protection and Welfare Concerns
2. Code of good practice for volunteer adult leaders/paid staff in working with young people
3. Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse
4. Relevant Legislation - Child Protection (more detailed information than is contained in the first document on this list)
5. Social work contacts countrywide
6. HSE blank reporting form
7. Template for a child protection note
