Northern Ireland Resources & Template Safeguarding Policy & Procedures

This page is under development as we gather more resources

Legislation

The legislative framework for Northern Ireland’s child protection system is set out in The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. This sets out parental responsibilities, rights and the duties and powers public authorities have to support children.

Guidance

Guidance is much easier to understand than the legislation and the guidance on reporting safeguarding concerns in Northern Ireland can be found in Cooperating to safeguard children and young people in Northern Ireland (2017). (This is augmented by more detailed operation guidance contained in the SBNI Core Policy and Procedures (2018)).

Chapter six contains information on raising concerns and making referrals to the relevant agencies.

For Northern Ireland contact the relevant Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) Gateway Services team. In circumstances that are not an emergency, the HSCT gateway services team is the first point of contact for all new referrals to children’s social services.

Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland safeguarding procedures for children & young people can be found here

Not reporting a relevant offence to the police, including those against children, is an offence in Northern Ireland.

For the most updated information the NSPCC has really helpful guidance for Northern Ireland

Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Childhood trauma is at the root of many social and personal issues in our society. Studies from the US, UK and elsewhere show clearly that ACEs can significantly raise the likelihood of over 80 negative life outcomes, including suicide attempts, alcoholism, drug addiction, criminality, mental ill health, heart disease, liver disease, obesity and many more.

List of services in Northern Ireland to support children & families here

Safeguarding Board or Adults can be found here

Recognising and Identifying Abuse in Adults here

NI Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland

Adverse-Childhood-Experiences-1-logo

Template Safeguarding Policy & Procedures for Northern Irish Churches