Bishop spells out diocesan child protection policies

The Bishop of Meath, Most Rev Michael Smith, has issued a document outlining what child protection structures are in place within the church in the Meath diocese, which takes in part of Offaly. In the three page document - available on the diocesan website - www.dioceseofmeath.ie - he appeals that to anyone who has a child protection concern, or who wishes to report an allegation of child abuse to contact their local parish representative or the Designated Officer, Fr Sean Henry. The Bishop also points out that complainants may also go directly to the Health Services Executive and/or An Garda Siochana. The diocese now has a "Safeguarding Committee", appointed by the Bishop to manage all aspects of policy development, training and support at diocesan and parish level. The members are as follows: Fr Paul Crosbie, Jackie Faulkner, James Nugent, Neil O"Brien, Sean Waite, Joan Walshe and Marie Willoughby. 'Central to the committee"s task is implementing diocesan guidelines, assisting parishes in their efforts, and overseeing an annual audit of activities in this area,' the Bishop advises. Also in place is an "Advisory Care Management Committee", which has been appointed by the Bishop to work on his behalf to advise on all aspects of case management, including reporting and pastoral care. The members of this committee are: Fr Sean Henry, Nuala Kiernan, Sr Rose King, Fr Brendan Ludlow, Martin Marshall and Tom Shaw. The Diocese of Meath also has three resource persons - Anne Feely, Sandra Neville and Joan Walshe - trained by the Health Services Executive, with which, the Bishop says, the Diocese has fostered a very good relationship in the provision of child protection measures. They resource persons are to work on behalf of the Safeguarding Children Committee, facilitating the training of church personnel in child protection policies and procedures. Anne is available to the deaneries of Duleek, Kells and Ratoath; Sandra is available to the deaneries of Clara, Fore and Mullingar; Joan is available to the deaneries of Navan and Trim. Sandra has also been trained as Authorised Signatory for the Garda vetting of Church personnel and volunteers. The role of designated officer in the Diocese of Meath is carried out by Fr Sean Henry. His task is described in the national guidelines "Safeguarding Children" and involves hearing concerns relating to safeguarding, including any disclosures or allegations of abuse, and taking on responsibility for managing the response to that concern or disclosure, from start to finish. This includes the preliminary internal inquiry and referral to the Health Services Executive and/or An Garda Síochána. In addition each parish has been asked by Bishop Smith to nominate two representatives who will help the parish to develop awareness of best practice in working with children.