The checklist identifies those elements that need to be in place in each parish to ensure the creation and maintenance of safe environments for children and young people.
This checklist is to be read in association with the Parish Audit Form (Appendix 2).
Information to be Displayed and Available
Information to be Displayed in Church/Parish Hall
- Safeguarding Children Policy Statement Appendix 3
- Sacristy Safeguarding Poster Click the link
Information Leaflets available Online
- Information for Young People Click the link
- Information for Parents/Guardians Appendix 35
Requirements in respect of Volunteers that have access to, or have an involvement with, children, young people and/or vulnerable persons within and on behalf of the parish.
- Completed the appropriate Volunteer Application form (Appendix 8)
- Submitted the required References (Appendix 8)
- Completed Confidentiality Declaration forms. (Appendix 7)
- Undergone Garda vetting
- Received the appropriate safeguarding information and/or training.
- Been advised as to the content of the diocesan safeguarding policy & procedures
- Signed the agreement to comply with the diocesan safeguarding policy & procedures (Appendix 8)
- Forms and paperwork relating to the above are securely stored locally
Parish Safeguarding Representative
- Has the Parish appointed Parish Safeguarding Representative(s) who have been appropriately trained and Garda vetted?
Registers for individuals/groups/organisations, involving children, associated with the parish or diocese, i.e.-
- Altar Servers.
- Youth Choir
- Adult Choir with children involved
- Sacramental preparation (includes ‘Do This in Memory’ and ‘You should be My Witness’ Programmes)
- Children’s Liturgy
- Mass Readers
- Youth Club
- Youth Retreat
- Other groups
Groups/organisations involved with children on behalf of the parish
- Has each group been approved to work within the Parish by the Parish Priest?
- Has each group been provided with the Information Pack for Parish groups involving children?
- Is each group complying with the requirement in the Information Pack for Parish groups involving children?
Children involved in ministry
- Has each parent/child signed a Joint Consent Form? (Appendix 24)
- Has each parent/child received a copy of the Information Leaflet for parents/children involved in Parish/Diocesan youth activities? (Appendix 3)
Training
- Have all Safeguarding Representatives and Leaders of Groups working with young people, attended the One Day Training Programme?
- Have all other staff who have ministry with children attended a Safeguarding Information Session?
- Is there any other form of role-specific training which would enhance safeguarding in your parish?
Non-church groups working with children and using Church property
- Has each group completed the appropriate Application Form? (Appendix 27)
- Has the Parish Priest given permission for the group?
- Has each group confirmed that it has:
- Its own Insurance indemnifying the Church
- Its own Safeguarding Policy including Vetting
Sacristy
- Is the Sacristy Poster on display in the Sacristy?
- Is the Sacristy Protocol followed?
- Is the Sacristy sign in/out book always completed? (Appendix 23)
- Are visiting clergy asked for Celebret/Letter of Permission to Minister?
The Storage of Records and Information
- Are all safeguarding-related information/records stored securely?
Dealing with Complaints or Concerns
- Have all safeguarding complaints/concerns been reported to the Designated Liaison Person/Director of Safeguarding?
Information for Parents & Guardians
- Click here or on the image below to view the Information for Parents & Guardians Leaflet
Information for Young People:
- Click here or on the image below to view the Information for Parents & Guardians Leaflet
This checklist is to be read in association with the Parish Audit Form (Appendix 2).