CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
7th Louth Coastal Scout Group Child Safeguarding Statement
7th Louth Coastal is a member of Scouting Ireland. This group provides Scouting activities to members of this community in this Scout centre/hall, and when away (i.e. out of Doors) on Scouting activities for Children and Young People (Youth Members) aged 6-18.
Principles to safeguard children from harm
This statement recognises that the welfare and interests of youth members is paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, age disability, race and membership of the traveller community, ALL youth members have a positive and enjoyable experience of Scouting in a safe and child centered environment and are protected from any form of abuse while taking part in Scouting activities.
This Scout group aims to ensure that all our youth members will be protected from bullying/abuse within all Scouting activities and all relevant policies will be reviewed annually.
Risk assessment
We have carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while availing of our services.
Below is a list of the areas of risk identified and the list of procedures and/or policies for managing these risks.
This document is a legal requirement in the Republic
of Ireland and best practice in Northern Ireland.
Scouting Irelands Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children’s First Act 2015 (R.O.I.), Children’s First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice. In addition to the procedures listed in our risk assessment, Scouting Ireland’s Code of Behaviour and Scouting Ireland’s policies and procedures support our intention to safeguard children during Scouting activities.
The procedure in respect of any member of staff/volunteer who is the subject of any investigation (howsoever described) in respect of any act, omission, or circumstance in respect of a child availing of our service is outlined in Scouting Ireland’s Child Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
| Risk Identified | Policies and/or Procedures in place to manage Risk |
|---|---|
| Bullying of a child | Anti-bullying Policy |
| Risk of harm of sexual abuse of a child by a member of staff/volunteer. | Child Safeguarding Policy; Vetting of each volunteer, relevant Safeguarding training completed, all Adults re-vetted and re-trained every 3 years. |
| Risk of harm of physical/psychological/ emotional abuse of a child by a member of staff/volunteer. | Code of Behaviour: assisting adults engaging with children in Scouting |
| Risk of harm of abuse when away for overnight stays / excursions. | Camping and out of Doors policy & The Camping And Out of Doors Guidelines. |
| Risk of harm of online abuse through social media. | Online Safety policy implemented across all social media platforms |
| *As defined in the Children's First Act 2015 |
Anyone can report a concern about a member of Scouting Ireland to the Safeguarding Team. Scouting Ireland’s Relevant Person (Steven Maclean) at Scouting Irelands National Office:
00353(0) 1 4998014 or safeguarding@scouts.ie
Section 2 of Scouting Irelands Child Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy & Procedures state our policy for appointing a relevant person and the policy on our register of mandated persons which is retained at National Office. Please email us if you are a Scouter and hold a mandated role.
The procedure for Managing Allegations & of Abuse or Misconduct against volunteers is available on our website.
All Policies listed are available on www.scouts.ie or on request from Scouting Ireland National Office at safeguarding@scouts.ie
Implementation and review
We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process.
The 7th Louth Coastal Scout Group is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying child safeguarding policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our service.
This Statement will be reviewed by 1st February 2025 or as soon as practical following any changes. It is readily available to all stakeholders.
This statement has been published and is displayed in a prominent place on the premises.
It has been provided to all staff, volunteers and any other persons involved with this Scout Group. It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this Statement will be made available to the Health and Social Care Trust Gateway Service and members of the public if requested.
