Faithful Companions of Jesus – Ireland Policy Statement for Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk

Revised 2022

The FCJ Sisters, inspired by Gospel values and in compliance with Irish law respect the dignity and fundamental rights of all people and especially children and adults who may be vulnerable.  We commit ourselves to foster wellbeing and promote safety in every ministry and activity with children and adults who may be vulnerable.

Children

The FCJ Sisters in Ireland have adopted the Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland as its policy:  https://www.safeguarding.ie

As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this.  We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

We will safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.

Adults who may be at Risk

The FCJ Sisters recognize the special responsibilities which arise towards adults who may be vulnerable to harm or in need of protection.

Vulnerability is linked to seriously impaired capacity to make informed decisions or to defend from harm.  For the purposes of this Policy, the definition of vulnerable persons provided in the Vetting Legislation is applied.

A „vulnerable adult” is a person other than a child, who:

(a)   is suffering from a disorder of the mind, whether as a result of mental illness or dementia,
(b)   has an intellectual disability,
(c)    is suffering from a physical impairment, whether as a result of injury, illness or age, or
(d)   has a physical disability,
which is of such a nature or degree

(i)   as to restrict the capacity of the person to guard himself or herself against   harm by another person, or
(ii) that results in the person requiring assistance with the activities of daily living including dressing, eating, walking, washing and bathing.

It may not always be straightforward in deciding if a person is vulnerable and in such circumstances it is important to seek advice from the Designated Liaison Person.

In all our ministry with children and adults who may be vulnerable we commit to:

• Creating and maintaining environments and practices that are safe for children and adults who may be vulnerable and that prevent abuse and promote welfare;
• Notifying the statutory authorities of suspicions, concerns, knowledge or allegations that a child or adults who may be vulnerable is being or has been abused;
• Responding in a compassionate, just and supportive manner to any person who has suffered abuse or who reports abuse or who is affected by abuse by Church personnel and
• Responding pastorally to persons who are the subject of safeguarding complaints and all others who may be affected.

Designated Liaison Person – Ireland

(All concerns/complaints should be directed to the DLP who will ensure that all necessary responsibilities and reporting obligations are met)

Mr Ger Crowley
Tel:  087 221 5407
Email: [email protected]

Contact person for the FCJ Sisters in Ireland

Sr Eileen Foley fcJ
Email: [email protected]

FCJ Area of Europe Leader

On behalf of the F.C.J. Sisters, I commit to safeguarding children and adults who may be vulnerable by ensuring that the F.C.J. Sisters, staff and volunteers are bound to follow this safeguarding policy in all their interactions with children and adults who may be vulnerable.

Leader, FCJ Area of Europe
Sr Patricia Binchy FCJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 8232 9570
Email: [email protected]

 

Support Services

Towards Healing
Confidential counselling service
Helpline 1800 303 416
Web: www.towardshealing.ie

Towards Peace
Spiritual support for survivors of abuse by Catholic Church personnel in Ireland
Tel: 01 5053028
Web: www.towardspeace.ie

HSE National Adult Counselling Service
Counselling and Psychotherapy for Adults who experienced childhood abuse or neglect
Tel: 1800 234 115
Web: www.hse.ie

National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland  (NBSCCCI)
Tel:   01 505 3124
Web: www.safeguarding.ie

 

Statutory Agencies

Gardai
National Protective Services Bureau, Harcourt Street Dublin 2
Web: www.garda.ie

Tusla – The Child & Family Agency
To discuss or report a concern see www.tusla.ie  for dedicated contact points

HSE
For details of the Safeguarding and Protection Teams in each CHO area see www.hse.ie

 

 

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