Governance

Child Safeguarding Statement

1. Type of Service

We are a community-based facility operated by a Board of Directors and managed by Hugh Doogan, CEO.

Board Members, Committee Members, staff and students of Archways who work with or have any interaction with children while at our Premises or while in our custody or care are “Mandated Persons” within the meaning of The Children First Act (2017) and The Children First Act 2015 (as amended by the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 (“the Acts”).

Accordingly reference to “Mandated Person” or “Mandated Persons” in this policy, within the meaning of The Children First Act (2017) and The Children First Act 2015 (as amended by the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 (“the Acts”) denotes all Board/Committee Members, staff and students of Archways.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of Archways is to provide the following to children, young people, vulnerable adults and their parents/guardians and/or carers:

Home Visiting Programmes
Families First
Systemic Family Support
Counselling
Parent Programmes

KEY INFORMATION:

Unit 7/8 Oakfield Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 D22EH52

Address:	Unit 7/8 Oakﬁeld Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin D22EH52
Phone Number:	01 457 4306
Email:	info@archways.ie

Key Personnel: In-House

Manager (Person in Charge)	Hugh Doogan, CEO
Deputy in the Absence of Manager	Sean McDonnell, Deputy CEO
Health and Safety Oﬃcer	Noel Fox
Fire Oﬃcer	Noel Fox
First Aid Co-ordinator	Noel Fox
DLP	Alice Ann Lee
Deputy DLPs	Stephen Coughlan Sarah Carr
Garda Vetting Oﬃcer	Natalie Lawlor
Data Controller	Noel Fox

Key Personnel: External

Tusla Early Years Inspection Team	Dublin Southwest & West, Early Years Inspector, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 T: 076 6955723
Tusla Social Work Department	Duty Social Work Department, Bridge House, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 T: 01 6206387
Garda	Clondalkin Garda Station T: 01 6667600
Doctor	Dr. John O’Grady T: 01 457 3243
Pharmacist	Boots Pharmacy T: 01 4577611
Hospital	Tallaght University Hospital T: 01 4142000
Fire Brigade	999
Garda Vetting	South Dublin Volunteer Centre
Water Leaks	1850 278778
Electricity Emergency	1850 372999 (24-hours)
Gas Emergency	1850 205050 (24-hours)

Regional Development Centre, Dundalk Institute of Technology A91 PWY6

Address	Regional Development Centre, Dundalk Institute of Technology A91 PWY6
Phone Number	+00353 (0)87 3673716
Email	criordan@archways.ie

Key Personnel: In-House

Manager (Person in charge)	Christina Riordan
Deputy in the absence of Manager	Sarah Carr
Health and Safety Oﬃcer	Christina Riordan
Fire Oﬃcer	Christina Riordan
First Aid Co-ordinator	Sarah Carr
DLP	Alice Ann Lee
Deputy DLP	Sarah Carr
Garda Vetting Oﬃcer	Natalie Lawlor
Data Controller	Noel Fox

Key Personnel: External

TUSLA Early Years Inspection Team	Early Years Services, The Ramparts, Dundalk, Co Louth 042 9389625 / 042 9389622
TUSLA Social Work Department	Child and Family Agency, Social Work Department, Tusla Offices, Louth Hospital Campus, Dundalk, Co Louth 042 9392200
Garda	Dundalk Garda Station 042 9368400
Doctor	The Square Medical, 1^st ﬂoor, Elgee Building, Market Square, Dundalk, Co Louth A91YR9X T: 042 942 0706
Pharmacist	Kelly’s Pharmacy, 2B College Heights, Hoey’s Lane, Dundalk, Co. Louth T: 042 932 0747
Hospital	Louth County Hospital Dundalk, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Louth, A91 X0DP T: 042 933 4701
Fire Brigade	999
Garda Vetting	South Dublin Volunteer Centre
Water Leaks	1850 278778
Electricity Emergency	1850 372999 (24-hours)
Gas Emergency	1850 205050 (24-hours)

Unit 13 Burnell Court, Mayne River, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Co. Dublin D17VK54

Address	Unit 13 Burnell Court, Mayne River, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Co. Dublin D17VK54
Phone Number	085-860 5833
Email	scoughlan@archways.ie

Key Personnel: In-House

Manager (Person in charge)	Stephen Coughlan
Deputy in the absence of Manager	Elisa Deniri
Health and Safety Oﬃcer	Stephen Coughlan
Fire Oﬃcer	Dave Gahan
First Aid Co-ordinator	Stephen Coughlan
DLP	Alice Ann Lee
Deputy DLP	Stephen Coughlan
Garda Vetting Oﬃcer	Natalie Lawlor
Data Controller	Noel Fox

Key Personnel: External

TUSLA Early Years Inspection Team	Dublin North City, Early Years Inspector, Ground Floor, Unit 4 & 5, Nexus Building, Block 6A, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Dublin 15 01 897 5178
TUSLA Social Work Department	Health Centre, Cromcastle Road, Coolock, Dublin 5.
Garda	Malahide Garda Station 01 666 4600
Doctor	Northern Cross Medical Centre, Dublin 17
Pharmacist	Limitless, Unit 4, Burnell Court, Malahide Rd, Northern Cross, Coolock, Co. Dublin, D17 KF95
Hospital	Beaumont Hospital
Fire Brigade	999
Garda Vetting	South Dublin Volunteer Centre
Water Leaks	1850 278778
Electricity Emergency	1850 372999 (24-hours)
Gas Emergency	1850 205050 (24-hours)

Declaration of Guiding Principles:

We believe the following:

Our guiding principles and procedures to safeguard children and young people reflect national policy and legislation and we will review our guiding principles and child safeguarding procedures every two years.
Our guiding principles apply to everyone in
Workers/staff/students must conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of Archways.

Clarification on any point may be sought from our DLP or Deputy DLPs (see above).

In the event of any of our DLPs and Deputy DLPs being unavailable, anyone wishing to raise a concern should contact our CEO Hugh Doogan at 01 4574306 or email hdoogan@archways.ie

Archways has a 48 hour call back period to any person raising a concern pertaining to abuse.

Guiding Principles:

Our priority is to ensure the welfare and safety of every child and young person who attends Archways Premises. The safety and welfare of the child is paramount to us. Our guiding principles and procedures to safeguard children and young people reflect national policy and legislation and we will review out guiding principles and Child Safeguarding Procedures every 12 months at least. We understand fully that the safeguarding of children is every adult’s responsibility. We are committed to upholding the rights of every child and young person who attends our Premises, including the right to be kept safe and protected from harm, to be listened to and to be heard. We understand that all children and young people have an equal right to attend a Premises that respects them as individuals and encourages them to reach their potential, regardless of their background.

Therefore, we are committed to ensure that all children in Archways are protected and kept safe from harm while using our Premises. We do this by:

Making sure that Board/Committee Members, staff or students are carefully selected, trained and supervised.
Having procedures readily in place to recognise, respond to and report concerns in relation to children’s protection and welfare.
Making sure all Archways Premises attendants and general staff employed by us at the Premises and students are Garda vetted prior to engagement.
Having clear Codes of Behaviour for Board Members, Committee Members, staff or
Having a procedure to respond to accidents and
Giving Board/Committee Members, staff or students information about what we do and what to expect from us.
Letting Board/Committee Members, staff or students, parents/guardians and children know how to voice their concerns or complain if there is something that they are not happy about. Having a procedure to respond to these complaints.
Having a clear reporting procedure to be followed should a Board/Committee Member, staff or student have a concern about a child in line with the obligations of Mandated Persons outlined in Children First (2017) and The Children First Act 2015 (as amended by the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024).
Having a procedure to respond to allegations of abuse and neglect against Board/Committee Members, staff or students Having a system where the policy and safeguarding statement is reviewed annually at least by the Board, or as regularly as is required following any changes or

Risk Assessment

RISK IDENTIFIED

PROCEDURES IN PLACE TO MANAGE RISK

RESPONSIBILITY

1. Risk of harm setting (as deﬁned in the Children First Act 2015) of bullying a child by Board/Committee Members, staﬀ or students, DLPs

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Repeated acts of bullying (i.e., verbal or psychological) in the form of taunting, criticising, slagging, humiliating, excluding etc. Unwanted texts or calls to a child’s personal device.

Procedures in place:

Anti-Bullying Policy

Discipline and Complaints Procedure.

Child Safeguarding Statement and Policy.

Board Members

Committee

Members Students DLPs

2. Risk of harm (as deﬁned in the Children First Act 2015) of sexual abuse or abuse of a child within the setting by Board/Committee Members, staﬀ or students

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Children placed at risk due to inadequate supervision.

Children being harmed because of Board/Committee Members, DLPs not reporting appropriate concerns.

Children being harmed by inappropriate actions or interactions by Board Members or staﬀ –

An incident of sexual abuse by Board/ Committee Members

Procedures in place:

Vetting in place to include Garda vetting, police checks, validated references.

Child Safeguarding Statement and Policy.

Board Members, Committee Members, staﬀ or students, DLPs are trained to recognise signs and aware of the principles of a Mandated Person’s requirement to report. DLPs appointed.

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ Students DLPs

3. Risk of harm (as deﬁned by the Children First Act 2015) or physical / psychological/ emotional harm of a child by Board/Committee Members, staﬀ or students

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Rough handling of children by Board/ Committee Members in a way that causes harm to a child.

Board/Committee Members shouting at or chastising children to the extent that it causes harm to a child.

Procedures in place:

Vetting in place to include Garda vetting, police checks, validated references.

Board Members, Committee Members, staﬀ or students are trained to recognise signs and aware of the principles of a Mandated Person’s

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ DLPs

requirement to report.

Board Members, Committee Members, staﬀ or students trained in child safeguarding (Children First).

DLPs appointed.

Child Safeguarding Policy.

Disciplinary Procedure.

4.Risk of harm (as deﬁned by the Children First Act 2015) of a child from an unauthorised Visitor/ Contractor

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Children placed at risk due to inadequate supervision.

Risk of children absconding from services due to procedures for entering and exiting buildings not being adhered to, such as doors being closed etc.

Risk of physical, sexual or emotional abuse to children from visitors.

Procedures in place

Visitor Signing in Procedure/ Policy .

Child Safeguarding Policy.

No unsupervised access by unauthorised personnel.

Visitors or persons unknown to staﬀ will not have unsupervised access and visiting times will, if possible, be arranged by appointment only and when children are not present.

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ DLPs

5. Lost child

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Risk of children absconding from services due to procedures for entering and exiting buildings not being adhered to, such as doors being closed etc.

Risk of physical, sexual or emotional abuse to children from strangers.

Children placed at risk of harm due to inadequate supervision

Procedures in place CCTV in operation. DLPs appointed.

Only authorised Persons allowed access to the service.

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ DLPs

6.Accidents Caused by Neglect

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Child tripping or falling due to unnoticed hazards.

Procedures in place

Board Members

Committee

Members

Accidentally ingestion of a hazardous substance due to poor storage and accessibility.	Safety Policy and Statement in place and followed.	Staﬀ Students
	Daily Risk Assessments carried out.	DLPs
	Monthly and annual Safety Audits carried out.
	Risk Assessments carried out following an accident and corrective action taken.
	Accident and Incident Policy in place and followed.
	Correct storage procedures for all potentially hazardous substances (cleaning and medications).
7.Medical Neglect	Procedures in place	Board Members
Examples of risk include, but are not limited to: Accidentally ingestion of a hazardous substance due to poor storage and accessibility.	Inaccessible safe storage and labelling of hazardous substances place.	Committee Members Staﬀ
Failure to administer required medication to a child. Failure to follow care plans for a child.	Archways Health and Safety Statement in place.	Students DLPs
8.Child not collected/ Unauthorised collection and Access Rights or Persons unﬁt to collect	Procedures in place	Board Members
Examples of risk include, but are not limited to: Risk of physical, sexual or emotional abuse to children from strangers or unauthorised care persons.	Visitor Signing in Procedure/ Policy. Child Safeguarding Policy.	Committee Members Staﬀ Students
Children placed at risk of harm due to inadequate supervision or care capabilities of unauthorised persons.	No unsupervised access by unauthorised personnel.	DLPs
	Visitors or persons unknown to staﬀ will not have unsupervised access and visiting times

will, if possible, be arranged by appointment only and when children are not present.

9. Unvetted Board Members, Committee Members or staﬀ that may lead to children being harmed (including not recognising or reporting signs of abuse)

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Children being harmed as a result of Board/ Committee Members not

reporting appropriate concerns.

Children being harmed by inappropriate actions or interactions by Board/Committee Members

Procedures in place

Recruitment and Selection Policy in place.

Garda Vetting Policy in place No unsupervised access to children by unvetted persons.

Child Safeguarding Policy in place.

Risk Assessment of Disclosures on Garda Vetting forms completed if required.

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ Students DLPs

10.Risk of abuse by Board/Committee Members, staﬀ or students not knowing correct procedures (such as not recognising or reporting signs of abuse)

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Children being harmed as a result of Board/Committee Members or staﬀ not reporting appropriate concerns.

Children being harmed by inappropriate actions or interactions by Board/Committee Members

Procedures in place

Board/ Committee Members or staﬀ training Procedure/Policy.

Board or Committee Members Supervision Procedure/Policy.

Reporting

Procedure/Policy.

Child Safeguarding Procedure/Policy.

Allegations of Abuse against Board Members, Committee Members or staﬀ Procedure/Policy.

Complaints Procedure/Policy.

Code of Behaviour for Board Members, Committee Members or staﬀ

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ Students DLPs

Procedure/Policy on Managing Behaviour.

No unsupervised access to children by Members of the Board of Management, Committee Members or staﬀ or any unvetted personnel.

11.Poor behaviour management strategies where the dignity of the child is undermined

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Rough handling of children by staﬀ, students in a way that causes harm to a child including but not limited to ﬁnger pointing; aggressive body language; looming over a child and not coming down to a child’s level; corporal punishment, use of time out; shouting at or chastising children to the extent that it causes harm to a child; exemption, humiliation or isolation methods used to behaviour manage.

Procedures in place

Managing Behaviour Policy in place and followed.

Positive Reinforcement Skills and Strategies only used.

No corporal punishment.

No isolation or exemption used.

Disciplinary procedures for staﬀ; code of conduct for students.

Professional assistance and support sought for very challenging behaviour.

Staﬀ trained in evidence-based behaviour management strategies, example, Incredible Years.

Students trained in behaviour management strategies.

Management support provided to staﬀ and students in relation to very challenging behaviour.

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ Students DLPs

12.Risk of harm (as deﬁned by the Children First Act 2015) or abuse of

a child when on outings by Staﬀ Member/Student/ Peer

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Children placed at risk of harm due to inadequate supervision on outings. A child going missing, or is unaccounted for, for any period of time

Procedures in place

Outings policy in

place.

All Outings/excursions risk assessed.

Risk checklist used.

Vetting in place to include Garda vetting, police checks, validated references.

No unsupervised access to children by unauthorised or unvetted personnel.

Staﬀ aware of mandated requirement to report abuse.

Staﬀ trained in Child Protection and Safeguarding.

Critical Incident Plan

in Place.

Supervision (assessment and awareness of any area blind-spots and enhanced supervision of these).

DLPs appointed.

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ Students DLPs

13. Risk of harm (as deﬁned in the Children First Act 2015) of a child

through social media/internet use

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Accidental exposure to children of inappropriate online material (violence /pornography)

Unauthorised sharing of images and information about a child.

Poor management of images or recordings of children, including those shared publicly or on social media.

Procedures:

Use of Internet, Photographic and Recording Devices Policy in place.

Only staﬀ are permitted to take photographs of children on Archways’ phones or cameras.

Board/Committee Members, staﬀ and

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ Students DLPs

Archways Child and Family Policies & Procedures Version 1 / November 2025

students are not permitted to take photographs of children in Archway’s Premises or on outings on any device either privately owned or belonging to Archways.

Parents are aware of Internet and Photographic and Recording Devices Policy and their responsibilities.

Social Media Procedure/Policy.

Retention of Records

Procedure/Policy.

Board/Committee Members, staﬀ and students are not permitted to provide children in Archways’ Premises with access to Wi-Fi or the internet on any device belonging to Archways, a Board Members, Committee Members, staﬀ, student, child or that child’s parent or guardian at Archways’ Premises.

14. Risk of harm (as deﬁned by the Children First Act 2015) of a child from unauthorised Photography in the setting

Examples of risk include, but are not limited to:

Unauthorised distribution of a photo of a child on social media or other platforms.

Poor management of images or recordings of children, including those shared publicly or on social media

Procedures:

Use of Internet, Photographic and Recording Devices Policy in place.

Only staﬀ are permitted to take photographs of children on Archways’ phones or cameras.

Board/Committee Members and students are not

Board Members

Committee

Members Staﬀ Students DLPs

permitted to take photographs of children in Archway’s Premises or on outings on any device either privately owned or belonging to Archways.

Parents are aware of Internet and Photographic and Recording Devices Policy and their responsibilities.

Social Media Procedure/Policy.

Retention of Records

Procedure/Policy.

Responsibility

Hugh Doogan, CEO is fully responsible for ensuring the above risks are managed.

Procedures

Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, the Children First: National Guidance and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice.

In addition to the procedures listed in our risk assessment, the following procedures support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of Archways :

Procedures to manage any risk
Procedure for reporting harm or abuse or allegations of these to Tusla by Board/Committee Members, staff and students.
Archways follows the principles of the role of the Mandated Person as defined within the Acts and obligates its Board/Committee Members, staff and students to uphold such
Procedure for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct against workers of a child while attending Archways Premises.
Procedure for the provision of information and, where necessary, instruction and training to Board/Committee Members, staff and students in relation to the occurrence of harm.
Procedure for the appointment of a Relevant Person for the purposes of this statement who is Hugh Doogan.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be displayed prominently.

Implementation

We recognise that implementation is an on-going process. Archways is fully committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while in Archways Premises. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed every twelve months or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed by the 30^th November 2026 or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

For further information on this Statement please contact the named Relevant Persons: Relevant Persons Name

Hugh Doogan, CEO

Phone: 087 218 6864

Email: hdoogan@archways.ie

2. Nature of service and principles to safeguard children from harm

Archways Vision is:
‘We work towards an Ireland where children and families experiencing challenges have the capacity to create lasting positive change in their lives, with access to timely, high-quality support programmes. We do this by affecting real and lasting change for children and families experiencing behavioural, social, and emotional issues. We do this by developing and scaling up evidence-based and innovative national solutions and interventions that support families to realise their potential. We undertake all necessary steps to ensure that we safeguard children from harm through our staff recruitment, training, policies, and procedures.’

3. Risk Assessment

We have assessed any potential for harm to a child while availing of our services including the area of online safety when accessing the internet. Appendix 1 outlines a list of the areas of risk identified and the procedures for managing these risks.

4. Procedures

Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, Children 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 our Risk Assessment, our Child Protection Policy contains the following to safeguard children while they are availing of our service:

Procedure for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct against employees of a child availing of our service.
Procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of employees and volunteers to work with children.
Procedure for provision of and access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm.
Procedure for the reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to Tusla.
Procedure for maintaining a list of the persons who are mandated.
Procedure for appointing a relevant person.

All these procedures listed are detailed in our Child Protection Policy and available to view.

5. Implementation

We recognise that implementation is an on-going process. Archways is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our service. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed on 1st July each year, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

6. Key Contacts

Designated Liaison Person (DLP) Name: Alice Ann Lee
Deputy DLP Name: Stephen Coughlan
Relevant Person Name: Hugh Doogan

Archways Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment

Appendix 1: In accordance with Section 11 of the Children First Act 2015, the following is the written Risk Assessment of Archways:

List of Activities	Identified risk of harm in respect of Activities	The following procedures are in place to address the risks of harm identified
Group-Based Programmes Training Peer Support Learning Networks	Parents/participants may disclose inappropriate disciplinary practices or incidents of harm caused to a child. Disclosure made by practitioners at session regarding their interaction with a child or family.	Programmes are designed to improve parenting/professional practices and provide the tools and strategies they need to cope with challenging situations. Facilitators have Children First training and Garda Vetted and understand what to do if a disclosure is made. Follow the procedures as outlined in the Child Safeguarding Statement. Participants are given a copy of our Child Safeguarding Statement before training so they are aware that what is shared in the group is confidential except regarding a child welfare concern and that action will be taken to protect all children and ensure their safety and wellbeing. Facilitators/staff are fully trained in programmes they are delivering.
One-to-One Programmes & Supports Families First Systemic Family Support Ante & Post-Natal MACE Supports Infant Massage ParentChild+	Facilitator may have concerns about participants ability to cope and/or their mental health. Travel Working Alone Children are sometimes present during parental meeting. Facilitator/staff may witness parent harming child, an incident or behaviour of concern. Child may make a disclosure. Parent may disclose domestic violence from their spouse or child abuse.	Programmes are designed to improve practices and provide the tools and strategies they need to cope with challenging situations. Facilitators/staff have Children First training and Garda Vetted and understand what to do if a disclosure is made. Follow the procedures as outlined in the Child Safeguarding Statement. Participants are given a copy of our Child Safeguarding Statement before training so they are aware that what is shared in the group is confidential except regarding a child welfare concern and that action will be taken to protect all children and ensure their safety and wellbeing. Facilitators/staff are fully trained in programmes they are delivering. Meet families in office, public spaces, or when children are at school. Alert office when such visits are taking place in the home and ring referrer to confirm when leaving or concluding visits. Facilitators/staff never left alone with any baby/babies. Parents are asked to keep child partially clothed during session (e.g., wearing a nappy). Staff follow family risk management plans. Off-site Activity verbal risk assessment completed with line manager and external waivers to be signed by young person and/or child
Online Sessions	Online Sessions may highlight a child neglected harmed or abused.	Access to online groups restricted to pre-registered attendees. Parents are asked not to take pictures or screenshots of other babies or parents while attending an Online Session.
Events Halloween Crafts Graduation Events Fun Days	Potential for team member to observe child being harmed or behaviour of concern. Potential for member of the public to access or harm child. Adult or child may disclose child protection concerns.	Suitable venue selected for event where children can be suitably supervised. Parents attend with children. Facilitators/staff have Children First training and Garda Vetted and understand what to do if a disclosure is made.
Record Keeping & Sharing	Risk of harm to a child or young person from records being breached. Children have a right to access all Children First reports when they are 18 years - 23 years. Concern of breach of GDPR that could cause further harm to the young person.	Archways have clear procedures in relation to record keeping of all child protection and welfare reports. Records are kept securely and are processed in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018. When a young adult requests access the reports about themselves as a child, we will share these as per Freedom of Information Act. Full informed consent is received from the caregiver. Staff have completed GDPR training. Staff follow Data Protection Policy and guidelines.
Recruitment	Risk of harm to a child or young person from an unsuitable person being allocated to support them.	Archways Staff Handbook outlines the procedure for the safe recruitment and selection of staff. Archways practice complies with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. All Contracts of Employment are offered subject to Garda Vetting. Employment will not commence until the vetting process has been completed.

Important Note: It should be noted that risk in the context of this Risk Assessment, is the risk of “harm” as defined in the Children First Act 2015 and not general health and safety risk.