1. Department of Education and Science Guidelines and Procedures
Session 2
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2. Department of Education and Science Guidelines and Procedures
Session Aim:
To inform teachers about the Department of Education and Science Guidelines and Procedures
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3. Session Objectives
To outline the duties of the DLP in responding to suspicions/allegations of child abuse
To raise awareness of the procedures for handling suspicions/allegations against school staff
To outline the necessity for monitoring and accurate record keeping .
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4. Department of Education and Science Guidelines and Procedures
“…it is incumbent on school authorities and teachers to adhere to these guidelines in dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse.”
DES p.5
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5. Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
Senior staff member … specific responsibility for child protection ( )
If unavailable … arrangements in place for another nominated member of staff to assume responsibilities ( )
DES Guidelines p.8
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6. Action to be taken by school personnel
3.1.1: If a school employee receives an allegation or has a suspicion that a pupil is being abused, the school employee should, in the first instance, report the matter to the DLP in that school.
DES Guidelines p.11
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7. Confidentiality
Give information on ‘need to know basis in the interests of the child’ (1.2.1)
Staff? BOM?
It is not the responsibility of school staff to make enquiries of parents or guardians…
DES Guidelines p.5-6
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8. Handling a disclosure from a child
Listen
Do not ask leading questions
Offer reassurance…no promises
Allow child to talk… time
Do not over react
Explain regarding further action
Record, record, record…
DES Guidelines (2.4.3), p.9
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9. Keeping records
Note carefully what they have observed and when they observe it (FACTS ONLY)
Signs of injury should be described in detail, and if appropriate, sketched
Any comment about how an injury occurred should be recorded – quoting words actually used, as soon as possible after the comment has been made
All records - highly confidential and retained in a secure location by the DLP (Signed and dated)
DES Guidelines p.10
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10. How to proceed…
Employee discusses with DLP who keeps record of discussion (2.4.3)
DLP retains all records in secure location (2.5.1)
DES Guidelines p.9
Liaise with Health Service Executive (social worker and others) for advice, record same and always act on advice (3.2.2)
DES Guidelines p.11
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11. How to proceed… If making a report Inform Chairperson
In emergency report to An Garda Síochána
DES Guidelines, 3.2.1, p.11
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12. Co-operation with parents
Inform parents unless doing so is likely to endanger the child or place the child at further risk (1.2.3)
Do not make enquiries (1.2.4)
Adopt a non-judgemental approach
Explain the guidelines/parameters
Record
DES Guidelines p.5-6
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13. Not reporting… Retain records
Clear statement (in writing) to school employee as to the reason why referral is not being made
Employee free to consult/report to HSE
DES Guidelines, 3.2.3, P.12
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14. Peer abuse Sexualised behaviour between children should not be ignored
If appropriate, refer to HSE
DES Guidelines, 5.1.1, p.19
Children First, Chapter 11, p
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15. Peer abuse – Procedures (5.2)
DLP seeks advice
School makes arrangements to minimise recurrence of abusive behaviour
Principal and class teacher meet each child’s parents separately
DES Guidelines p.19
Responsibility of the HSE to establish appropriate treatment programmes if necessary. Refer to 5.2.2
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16. Bullying – Procedures School management is responsible
Policy must be in place
If serious and/or abusive, consult with HSE
DES Guidelines p.20
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17. Allegation against school employee (Ch.4)
DLP is informed and is responsible for reporting the matter to the HSE
DLP seeks details of allegation in writing (either immediately or subsequently - depends on circumstances)
Inform Chairperson of the Board of Management
Chairperson informs employee privately
DES Guidelines p.15
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18. Allegations against school employee - Procedures
DLP/Chairperson of the Board of Management seeks legal advice (4.1.2)
DLP/Chairperson’s response and course of action is guided by legal advice – having regard to the particular circumstances applicable
DES Guidelines p.15
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19. HSE response Report received – allocated to social worker
Preliminary Enquiry/screening process
Initial Assessment
Case
Closed
Family Support
Child Protection Plan
CPNS
(Child Protection Notification System)
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20. Child Protection Conferences (CPC)
Multi-agency forum
School employee may be requested to attend through the DLP
DLP consults with Chairperson of BOM
Clarification regarding those attending the CPC may be sought
DES Guidelines p.13
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21. Child Protection Conferences
Substitute will be paid if letter of attendance is sent from HSE
Teacher attending provides a report (sample in Appendix 3 DES Guidelines and Procedures)
School employee may be asked to observe the child
DES Guidelines p.13
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22. What to record Attendance and punctuality Appearance, hygiene, care
Physical injury
Child’s behaviour
Child’s language
Child’s drawings, writing, play
Mood changes
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23. Monitoring Record using pupils registration number
Keep in secure place … Strictly confidential!
Remember to sign and date
Record in chronological order
Include sketches if necessary
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24. Sample record
Code
Date
Observation
Signed
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25. Where to from here ? Initiate local contacts Monitoring
Feedback to staff
Access to training – PPDS - CAPP
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26. Remember….
RECORD!
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