Safeguarding Policy
Our commitment to a safe church for every child and every vulnerable adult.
Ministry of Jesus Ireland (Registered Charity RCN 20207036) is committed to providing a safe environment for all children, young people and vulnerable adults who take part in our worship services, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and other church activities.
Our commitment
We uphold the safeguarding standards set by the Charities Regulator, Túsla (the Child and Family Agency), and the National Vetting Bureau. We believe that every child and vulnerable person has the right to be treated with respect, kept safe from harm, listened to, and taken seriously.
Key principles
- All volunteers and staff working with children or vulnerable adults are Garda vetted through the National Vetting Bureau before beginning ministry.
- Every volunteer completes annual safeguarding training that covers recognising, responding to and reporting abuse.
- Two adults are present at all times during children’s ministry activities.
- Registration and consent forms are collected for every child attending Sunday School or VBS, including emergency contacts, medical information and photography consent.
- Children are supervised at all times — including drop-off, activities and pick-up.
- Physical contact is limited, appropriate and only used in the context of care, first aid or child-initiated hugs with witnesses present.
- Any concern about a child’s welfare is reported to the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) immediately and, where appropriate, to Túsla and An Garda Síochána.
Raising a concern
If you have a safeguarding concern about any child or vulnerable adult in our church community, please contact our Designated Liaison Person immediately by phoning+353 87 231 9966or emailing info@ministryofjesus.ie. In an emergency, contact An Garda Síochána on 112 or 999. You can also contact Túsla directly viatusla.ie.
Vetting & training
All persons in leadership or with regular access to children or vulnerable adults are required to hold current Garda vetting through the National Vetting Bureau. Our Sunday School, VBS and youth teams receive refresher safeguarding training each year.
Record keeping
Safeguarding records are kept confidentially for the periods required by Túsla guidance (typically 25 years from the child’s 18th birthday). Access is strictly limited to the DLP and any responsible statutory authority.
Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Trustees of Ministry of Jesus Ireland and updated to reflect changes in Irish safeguarding law and best practice.