The Children First Act 2015 – Implications For Your Organisation?

From 11 December 2017, the Children First Act 2015 introduces new statutory obligations for professionals and organisations who provide a service to children and families. We examine the scope of these obligations and the significant implications for affected organisations and professions who provide a service to children.  

Changes to the reporting of child protection concerns 

Certain professions and organisation are now obliged to report to TUSLA Child and Family Agency, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child has been harmed, is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed.

New child safeguarding statements

There is also a new statutory requirement for all relevant services to produce a child safeguarding statement for staff members. This must be made available for inspection by TUSLA, service users and members of the public within three months of the commencement date i.e. by 11 March 2018.