Children First
Implementation Plan for the Health Service Executive
March 2015
Version One
Contents
Page
Introduction
1
HSE Reform Programme
2
Children First: National Guidance (2011)
2
Designated Liaison Persons
3
Children First Bill 2014
4
Legislation
5
Interdepartmental Co-operation
7
Roles & Responsibilities of HSE staff under Children First
8
Child Protection and Welfare Policy
9
Children First Governance Structures
11
HSE System Reform Programme
18
Implementation Structure and Resource Requirements
19
Summary
25
Appendix 1: Detailed HSE Implementation Table
27
Appendix 2: Priorities in Action Plan by Month
48
Appendix 3: Priorities in Action Plan by Rating
54
Appendix 4: Resources to Support Implementation of CF
60
Summary of Estimated Costs (€ 000)
63
Appendix 5: List of Mandated Persons
64
Appendix 6: HSE Children First Oversight Committee
65
Appendix 7: List of HSE Integrated Service Areas
66
Appendix 8: List of HSE Community Health Organisations
68
Appendix 9: Community Health Organisations Map
69
Appendix 10: List of HSE Hospitals
70
March 2015
Version One
Introduction
The Health Service Executives (HSE) responsibilities for the protection and welfare of children
are outlined in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
2011. The primary purpose of this implementation plan is to outline the actions being taken to
ensure that the Health Service Executive (HSE) is fully compliant with Children First: National
Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011) and the Children First Bill 2014
when enacted. Reference to Children First refers to both Children First legislation and the
Children First National Guidance (2011), unless otherwise stated. The plan applies to all HSE
services; to all providers of relevant services that receive funding from the HSE including
General Practitioners providing services through General Medical Schemes. The term “staffs”
refers to staff, volunteers, and students on clinical training / work placements.
Following the enactment of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, statutory responsibility for
the protection and welfare of children moved from the HSE to the Child and Family Agency
(CFA), with effect from the 1st January 2014. While the HSE no longer holds statutory
responsibility under the Child Care Act 1991 for child protection and welfare, it continues to
have significant responsibilities under the policy framework due to the range and number of
services that are provided to children and by funded agencies through service arrangements.
Children First National Guidelines have been in place since 2001 and continue to apply to all
organisations that provide services to children. However the establishment of the CFA and the
impending Children First legislation has meant that the HSE must review how Children First
policy and legislation is implemented so that it can meet its obligations in this regard.
Close, co-operative working laid a positive foundation for the transfer of functions to the CFA.
The HSE and the CFA worked together to develop a Memorandum of Understanding and a Joint
Protocol to guide and assist the ongoing working relationships of the HSE and the CFA. This is
particularly important in light of the revised responsibilities of the HSE under Children First:
National Guidance for the Welfare and Protection of Children (2011).
In view of the transfer of certain functions and statutory responsibility for child protection and
welfare to the CFA, it is necessary for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to review
the Children First Guidance as the roles of HSE staff and CFA staff has changed following the
establishment of the Agency. The key role that health care professionals play in promoting the
welfare and protection of children is well recognised in the literature and HSE staff will continue
to play a major role in identifying child protection issues and working closely with staff in the
CFA.
1
Commitment to the consistent implementation of Children First and to assuring continuous
compliance is a strategic objective for the HSE. Delivery of this objective is manifested in the
governance arrangements that have been established by the HSE Leadership Team with
responsibility for Children First assigned to the National Director of the Primary Care Division,
appointment of a national Children First Lead, the establishment of HSE Children First
Committees at national, divisional and local levels in addition to the planned establishment of a
HSE National Children Office in 2015.
The HSE Children First Oversight Committee works with each of the Service Divisions and the
Functions1 to ensure compliance with the legislation and Children First National Guidance 2011.
The separation of Child and Family staff from the HSE has implications for the HSE Children
First Implementation Plan. Prior to the establishment of the CFA all staff and HSE funded
organisations availed of training and support in the development of child protection policies from
HSE Children First Trainers and Information and Advice Officers. As this resource transferred to
the CFA, the challenge now is to build a resource base to develop and deliver appropriate
training programmes and quality assurance processes on a phased basis.
Background - HSE Reform Programme
Future Health - A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service 2012-2015 outlines the
most significant reform in the history of the Irish Health Service. It includes structural, financial
and service delivery reform. The establishment of HSE Directorate, service Divisions structures
and the development of Hospital Trusts and Community Healthcare Organisations are key
elements of the reform programme. The creation of the CFA on 1st January 2014 and the
transfer of statutory functions in relation to child welfare and protection from the HSE to the
CFA together with approximately four thousand staff is also a major aspect of reform.
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011
The Children First Guidelines were first published in September 1999 and were revised in July
2011 by The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) as Children First: National
1
Includes: Acute Services, Primary Care, Social Care, Mental Health, Health and Well Being, Quality
Improvement, Clinical Strategy and Care Programmes, Shared Services, Human Resources, and the National
Ambulance Service.
2
Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The Guidance sets out a number of key
messages relating to the duty to protect children which include but are not limited to:

the safety and welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility and children will have safer
lives where everyone is attentive to their wellbeing

people who work with children across a range of areas understand their responsibility for
safe practice and the reporting of concerns

the roles and responsibilities of the health sector including those of general practitioners
and primary care teams, hospital staff, staff working in mental health and addiction
services, staff working in child and adolescent psychiatry services, other health
professionals

greater clarity and guidance for individuals and organisations in identifying and
responding appropriately to child abuse and neglect and sets out specific protocols for
Primary Care Teams, General Practitioners, Social Workers in the Child and Family
Agency, An Garda Síochána and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse
and neglect of children
As with the earlier version of Children First, there is an emphasis on the significant role health
care professionals have in:

identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect

fostering the development of interagency cooperation and multi–disciplinary working in
protecting children from abuse and neglect and

providing treatment and support to children and their families
While the Children First legislation will bring additional safeguards to children the
implementation of Children First National Guidance in all relevant organisations will ensure
compliance with the intention of the legislation.
Designated Liaison Persons
Under Children First National Guidance, every organisation, both public and private, that is
providing services for children or that is in regular direct contact with children should:

identify a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) to act as a liaison with outside agencies and a
resource person to any staff member who has a child protection concern
3

the DLP is responsible for ensuring that the standard reporting procedure is followed, so
that suspected cases of child abuse or neglect are referred promptly to the designated
person in the CFA or in the event of an emergency and the unavailability of the
designated person in the CFA, to An Garda Síochána

the DLP is required to ensure that they are knowledgeable about child protection and
undertake any training considered necessary to keep themselves updated on new
developments
The numbers of Designated Liaison Persons to be appointed and at the correct level of service
will be determined by the HSE Oversight Committee following consultation with HSE service
managers and relevant stakeholders.
Children First Bill 2014
The Children First Bill 2014 (published in April 2014) when enacted, will put elements of the
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011) on a
statutory footing and will place a wide range of responsibilities on the HSE and its funded
services.
The Bill provides a number of key child protection measures which include:

a requirement on organisations providing services to children to keep children safe and to
produce a Child Safeguarding Statement;

a requirement on defined categories of persons (mandated persons) to report child
protection concerns over a defined threshold to the CFA;

a requirement on mandated persons to assist the CFA and “to give to the Agency such
information and assistance as it may reasonably require”.in the assessment of a child
protection risk;

placing the Children First Interdepartmental Group on a statutory footing
The new legislation will operate in tandem with the existing Children First: National Guidance
for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011).
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Background to Children First Legislation
Mandatory reporting for child maltreatment was first recommended by the Kilkenny Incest
Investigation Report, (1993) and Putting Children First, A Discussion Document on Mandatory
Reporting of Child Abuse, (1996). In addition the Ryan Report (2009) recommended that
Children First: The National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (1999)
should be uniformly and consistently implemented throughout the State in dealing with
allegations of abuse. On 25th April 2012, Ms. Frances Fitzgerald TD, the then Minister for
Children and Youth Affairs published the Heads of the Children First Bill. In line with the
Government’s commitment to reform of the parliamentary and legislative processes, the draft
Heads were referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. The Minister
asked the Committee to consider the Heads of the Children First Bill and make
recommendations. A report was submitted in July 2012 and international research and further
consultations with experts and key stakeholders, other relevant Government Departments and
statutory agencies, was carried out to discuss and review the complex matters arising and the
development of the final Bill.
Purpose of the Children First Bill
The policy objective of the Bill is to make further and better provision for the care and protection
of children; to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect; to provide for mandatory reporting by
key professionals; to improve child protection arrangements in organisations providing services
to children, and to provide for inter-agency working and information-sharing in relation to
assessments by the Agency.
Obligations on Organisations under the Children First Bill
Organisations providing services to children and young people will now be required to undertake
an assessment of risk of child abuse while the child is availing of its services, and use this as the
basis for developing a Child Safeguarding Statement. The purpose of the Statement is to identify
how the organisation will work to eliminate or manage any risks identified in the risk
assessment. The Safeguarding Statement will also outline how staff and volunteers will be
provided with information to identify abuse that children may experience outside the
organisation, and what they should do with any concerns about child safety.
While the HSE will have an overarching Child Safeguarding Statement, and each Division will
have its own Divisional Child Safeguarding Statement, each manager of a relevant service in the
HSE and each funded agency, as set out in the Children First Bill 2014, will be required to
5
undertake their own risk assessment of any potential for abuse to a child while availing of the
service, and prepare their own child safeguarding statement – Figure 1.
Figure 1 – Risk Assessment and Child Safeguarding Statements
HSE Child Safe Guarding Policy, Risk
Assessment and Safeguarding Statement
HSE Divisional / Hospital Group and Community
Health Organisation Risk Assessment and
Safeguarding Statement
HSE internal service level and each funded agency,
Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Statement
Other Relevant Legislation
The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012
The National Vetting Bureau Act 2012, when enacted, will make it mandatory for persons
working with children or vulnerable adults to be vetted by An Garda Síochána. The Act also
provides for the use of "soft" information in regard to vetting.
The National Vetting Bureau Act 2012 will also make provision for retrospective vetting of
employees if they were not vetted prior to the commencement order in addition to re-vetting of
employees (time frame not specified but good practice suggests that all employees should be revetted every five years). It will be an offence for an organisation to employ someone to work
with children or vulnerable persons without going through the vetting procedure set out in the
Act.
6
The Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and
Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012
The Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable
Persons) Act 2012 makes it an offence for any person to fail to notify An Garda Síochána where
the person has information which he or she knows or believes might be of material assistance in
securing the prosecution or conviction of a serious offence which includes physical or sexual
abuse.
The Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998
The Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 will remain on the statute book.
This act lists a range of professionals (appendix 7) who are appointed as “Designated Officers”
for the purpose of receiving reports of child abuse.
The Act makes provision for the protection from civil liability of persons who have
communicated child abuse 'reasonably and in good faith' to designated officers of the HSE, to the
CFA or to any member of An Garda Síochána. This means that even if a reported suspicion of
child abuse proves unfounded, a plaintiff who took an action would have to prove that the person
who communicated the concern had not acted reasonably and in good faith in making the report.
The Act created a new offence of false reporting in cases where a report was made knowing the
statement to be untrue. A person who makes a report in good faith and in the child’s best
interests may also be protected under common law by the defence of qualified privilege. This
protection applies to organisations as well as individuals.
HSE Designated Officers have the following responsibilities:

To clarify with the person making the report that a report is being formally made

To inform the person that the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998
provides immunity from civil liability to persons that report child abuse “reasonably and
in good faith” to designated officers of the HSE

To establish whether reasonable grounds for concern exist.
Interdepartmental Co-operation
A significant provision in the legislation is the underpinning on a statutory basis of the Children
First Inter-departmental Group. This Group, which will include representatives of all
Government Departments, will be required to keep under review the implementation of this
7
legislation and the Children First Guidance, and to report on an annual basis to the Minister.
Departments will also be required to publish Sectoral Implementation Plans for their respective
areas of responsibility.
The Children First legislation will form part of a suite of child protection legislation which
already includes the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act, 2012 and
the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable
Persons) Act 2012. Other relevant legislation includes:

Child Care Act 1991

Child Care (Amendment) Act 2007

Children Act 2001

Child and Family Agency Act 2013

Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997

Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998

Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998
Roles and Responsibilities of HSE staff under Children First
It is important to note that when the Children First legislation is enacted there will be four
categories of staff who have defined duties and responsibilities:

All staff will have a corporate and societal duty to report child protection and welfare
concerns.

Designated Officers with duties as outlined above

Designated Liaison Persons appointed in accordance with Children First National
Guidance 2011 as outlined above

Mandated Persons with responsibilities under Children First legislation as outlined above.
Mandated Persons
Under the Children First Bill 2014, Mandated Persons are professionals who, by virtue of their
training, responsibilities and experience will have an awareness of issues relating to child
protection. These professionals either work with children or young people or they are in service
sectors that encounter adults or families and children where there is a risk of abuse and neglect.
Mandated Persons will be required to report information regarding child abuse above a defined
threshold which comes to their attention in the course of their professional or employment duties.
They will also be required to report any direct disclosures of abuse from a child where
8
information is received when at work in their professional role. While the definition of harm
outlined in the Children First legislation for mandatory reporting is a higher threshold than the
threshold of reasonable grounds for concern outlined in Children First National Guidance (2011)
it is expected that Mandated Persons will continue to report concerns under both thresholds. A
list of Mandated Persons as outlined in Schedule 2 Children First Bill 2014 is included in
Appendix 6. Under the planned legislation, Mandated Persons will be required to cooperate with
the CFA where the agency reasonably believes that the Mandated Person may be in a position to
assist the Agency in relation to assessment of child welfare and protection concerns by the Child
and Family Agency arising from a report made under the legislation. This may include being
asked to provide a written or verbal report within the professional’s area of expertise or to attend
a meeting.
Child Protection and Welfare Policy
All organisations in the statutory; non-statutory and/or not-for-profit sector involved with
children have an obligation to provide them with the highest possible standard of care in order to
promote their well-being and safeguard them from abuse. Organisations may also be legally
responsible for their failure to provide adequate care and safeguards for children in their care.
All statutory, voluntary and community organisations working with and in direct contact with
children are required to have procedures and guidelines derived from and consistent with
Children First: National Guidance (2011) for their staff, students and volunteers. The content of
such guidelines should not be at variance with the national guidance, but they may require
particular specificity or elaboration appropriate to local circumstances once the statutory
provisions are clear.
HSE Child Protection and Welfare Policy Statement
A fundamental prerequisite to the successful implementation of Children First is that the HSE
has an unambiguous policy in this regard. A key first action in the Implementation Plan
(appendix 1) is the development of the HSE Child Protection and Welfare Policy. This will
reflect all requirements in the National Guidance and will be developed in accordance with the
following high level policy statements:

It is policy of the HSE to regard the welfare of children as being of paramount
importance and to ensure that its staff and service providers are equipped to prevent harm
to children and to intervene urgently to prevent any harm arising from escalating. Every
member of staff employed directly by the HSE, by not-for-profit funded organisations
9
and other contractors engaged to provide services for or on behalf of the HSE shall
ensure that children are safe from harm while availing of a service

it is policy of the HSE to have up-to-date procedures and guidelines on child protection
and welfare that are grounded in, and consistent with, Children First: National Guidance
for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the pending Children First legislation

it is policy of the HSE to have its policies, procedures and guidelines reviewed every
three years or in accordance with recommendations from other reviews and best practice,
whichever is the sooner

it is policy of the HSE not to enter into to any service arrangements, agreements or
contracts unless the provider can certify their compliance in full with Children First
National Guidelines, that they have a child protection and welfare policy that is consistent
with Children First and the relevant legislation; that policies, procedures and practices
reflect the individual needs of the people with whom the provider works, and the HSE is
satisfied in this regard

it is policy of the HSE that each Division and Function has structures in place for the
effective monitoring of compliance with Children First National Guidelines and
legislation

it is policy of the HSE that concerns or suspicions regarding a child being abused or at
risk of being abused are reported, and that effective systems are in place and maintained
to support staff to report their concerns or suspicions

it is policy of the HSE that staff members, students and volunteers are aware of how to
recognise signs of child abuse or neglect and how to report their concerns or suspicions

it is policy of the HSE that the effective implementation of Children First forms an
integral part of the governance arrangements at every level, and that performances in this
regard is managed and monitored as part of the overall performance management and
performance assurance processes of the HSE
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Children First Governance Structures
There is a clear Government commitment to ensure the widest possible implementation of
Children First Guidance and the Children First legislation.
Level (1): Children First Interdepartmental Group
The Children First Bill 2014, when enacted, will place the existing Children First InterDepartmental Group on a statutory footing. The functions of the Group are to:

Promote compliance by Departments of State with their obligations under the Act

Monitor the implementation by Departments of State of the guidelines issued by the
Minister under the Act,

Provide support to departments of State in respect of the preparation and publication
of sector implementation plans

Promote a consistent approach by Departments of State in respect of the preparation
and publication of sector implementation plans

Report to the Minister when requested on the implementation of this Act and of the
guidelines issues by the Minister under the Act, and

Provide information or advice, or make proposals to the Minister on matters relating
to the functions of the Implementation Group referred to in the Act.
This Interdepartmental Group will promote the importance of Children First across Government
and ensure consistency of approach within each sector and provide an avenue for reporting on
implementation.
Level (2): Health Sector Children First Oversight Group
The Department of Health has established a Health Sector Children First Oversight Group in
accordance with the Children First Sector Strategic Implementation Plan (July 2013). This is
chaired by the Department and is supported by an independent expert, Dr. Helen Buckley,
Associate Professor and Co-ordinator Postgraduate Diploma in Child Protection and Welfare,
School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin. It also includes representatives
from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the CFA and the HSE.
11
The Terms of Reference for the Health Sector Children First Oversight Group are inter alia to:

give strategic direction and oversee at a high level the planning, implementation,
oversight, quality assurance, training/awareness measures, enforcement and reporting
requirements

facilitate the co-ordination and oversight of compliance with Children First across the
sector

keep under review the Children First Health Sector Strategic Implementation Plan

review Children First Implementation Plans including the HSE plan

consider any issues arising in relation to the implementation of Children First

monitor and report on the implementation of Children First across the health sector
Level 3 HSE - Oversight
Assignment of a National Lead Director
The HSE National Director, Primary Care Division, has been appointed by the Director General
as National Director with overall lead responsibility for the interface between the HSE and the
CFA in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, and Joint Protocol and for
implementation of Children First throughout the HSE and HSE funded agencies. He is also the
HSE representative on the Children First Inter-departmental Group and the HSE representative
on the Health Sector Children First Oversight Group.
Appointment of a HSE National Lead for Children First
A National Lead for Children First was appointed to assist delivery of key strategic goals.
HSE Oversight Committee
A national HSE Children First Oversight Committee has been established under the aegis of the
National Leadership Team and has been meeting since November 2013. This Committee is
chaired by the Head of Operations, Primary Care Division and has representatives at senior
levels from Acute Services, Primary Care, Social Care, Mental Health, Health and Well Being,
Quality and Patient Safety, Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Human Resources,
Shared Services and the National Ambulance Service. The nominations from the service
Divisions chair the Divisional Children First Committees. This ensures there is representation
12
from all relevant services involved in the development and implementation of Children First
across the organisation.
A list of the membership of the HSE Children First Oversight
Committee is attached (Appendix 8)
The Committee’s terms of reference are:

to ensure the development of a standard implementation plan for HSE compliance with
Children First: National guidance and legislation

to ensure that any adaptation of Children First by providers to local guidance is consistent
with Children First guidance and legislation

to provide oversight on compliance with Children First across all Divisions of the Health
Service Executive and funded agencies

to ensure that effective systems are in place to monitor and review the implementation of
Children First guidance and legislation and for updating policy, procedure and guidance
in a timely manner

to ensure that there is an adequate system of performance assurance in place regarding
compliance with Children First

to provide reports to the HSE Leadership Team on the implementation of Children First
and compliance with Children First

to make recommendations to the Leadership Team on all aspects of Children First
The Committee’s tasks and priorities for 2015
Within the Children First Implementation Plan the HSE Children First Oversight Committee has
identified the following priority actions for 2015:

the implementation of the Children First Plan across the organisation as identified in the
HSE Service Plan 2015

the development of child protection policies, procedures, protocols and practice guidance
across the Health Service Executive

the development of a Children First training strategy for the Health Service Executive
and support for training for funded agencies
13

ensuring that systems are in place to make private / for profit organisations aware of their
responsibilities and that they are operationally fully compliant with Children First in all
dealings with the HSE

the development of a Children First communication strategy for the Health Service
Executive and funded agencies

the development of a suite of performance metrics in support of performance
management and governance

the development of quality assurance mechanisms in relation to Children First for the
Health Service Executive and funded agencies

the preparation and submission of reports on Children First to HSE Leadership Team as
required

the preparation of compliance reports for the Leadership Team for submission to the
Health Sector Children First Oversight Group and for incorporation of required
information into sectoral reports to DCYA

to keep under review the Children First Bill 2014 and prepare for implementation and
compliance with the legislation when enacted
Divisional Children First Committees
The following Divisions of the HSE have established a Division-specific Children First
Committee with participation by funded organisations where appropriate;

Primary Care

Health and Well Being

Acute Services

Mental Health

Social Care
The role of the national Divisional Children First Committees is to ensure that national HSE
Children First policy and the national Implementation Plan reflects Division-specific issues in
14
relation to services or aspects of services that are provided by that Division. The Chair of each
Divisional committee is also a member of the National Oversight Committee.
Terms of Reference:
In conjunction with the National Children’s First Oversight Committee, Divisional Committee’s
will:

participate in the development of national policy on Children First in the HSE

develop division-specific policies and procedures in line with national policy, procedures
and guidance

provide Divisional reports on Children First when required

advise the National Director and Divisional Management Team regarding Children First
and the operation of Children First within the Division

provide feedback to the Children First Oversight Committee on Divisional issues

report to the Divisional National Director
Community Healthcare Organisations / Hospital/ Hospital Group/Other Services Implementation Committees
A Children First Implementation Committee, representative of relevant stakeholders, will be
established at Community Healthcare Organisation, Hospital Group or hospital, and other
services levels, at the discretion of the Chief Officers, Hospital Chief Executive Officers and
service managers. Local implementation plans at CHO, Hospital/Hospital Group and other
service levels will be developed, implemented and monitored by Chief Officers, Hospital Chief
Executive Officers and service managers. They will have responsibility for preparing their
Children First Implementation Plan, ensuring implementation and compliance with the National
Guidance, relevant legislation and HSE policy. They will be guided and supported in this by the
National Divisional and CHO/Hospital Group/other services Committees and the National
Children First Office. A list of CHOs and HSE Service Areas and hospitals is attached
(Appendix 9).
Implementation of and compliance with Children First will form part of the Performance
Agreements between the National Directors, Chief Officers and Hospital Group Chief Executive
Officers and
will be included in the HSE’s Performance Assurance Process. Compliance
requirements and obligations on funded organisations and contractors will form part of the
Service Level Agreement, Grant Aid Agreement and contract.
15
National services such as the National Ambulance Service will also have responsibility for the
implementation of Children First across their services, to develop a Child First Implementation
Plan for their service and to set up a Children First Implementation Committee.
Terms of Reference for CHO/Hospital/Other Service Level Implementation Committees

To develop a Children First Implementation Plan for the Community Healthcare
Organisation/Hospital/Hospital Group/Service

To develop CHO and or service specific policies and procedures in line with national
policy, procedures and guidance.

To monitor and review the performance metrics for Children First, advise the Chief
Officer/CEO/Service Manager and develop service improvement plans when necessary

To ensure staff are informed and aware of their responsibilities under Children First and
are updated on any developments.

To provide feedback to the National Divisional/Service Children First Committee on
service/Division-specific issues that arise in the implementation of Children First
Membership of the Committee will be decided by the Chief Officer/Hospital CEO/Service
Manager and may include representatives at senior manager level from Social Care, Primary
Care, Mental Health, Health and Well Being, HR, other functions and representation from
funded agencies as considered relevant.
16
Children First Governance Structure
Minister for Children and Youth
Affairs
Other Government Departments
Children First Interdepartmental
Overarching Group
Health Sector Oversight Group
Minister for Health
Department of Health
DOH MAC/HSE Leadership Team
Meeting (Standing Item)
HSE Children First Oversight
Committee
CF National
Ambulance
Service
HSE Performance Assurance Process
CF Social
Care
Divisional
CF Mental
Health
Divisional
CF Primary
Care
Divisional
Committee
Committee
Committee
CHO CF Implementation Committee
CF Health &
Wellbeing
Divisional
Committee
CF Acute
Services
Divisional
Committee
Hospital Groups CF
Implementation
Committies
HSE Funded Agencies & Contracted Providers
17
HSE System Reform Programme
As part of the HSE’s Transformation Change Agenda a Systems Reform Group (SRG) has been
established to project-manage the HSE Reform Programme and enable the management of
change across the broad portfolio of reform projects being undertaken. Programmes are listed as
strategic objectives or as service improvement projects and the implementation and compliance
requirements for Children First have been accepted by the System Reform Group.
Any
programme listed on the SRG Portfolio benefits from the strategic oversight provided by the
Systems Reform Group, and a dedicated Project Manager and Project Management approach
will also support the delivery of objectives. For the Children First Implementation Plan this will
include the scoping of risks and issues for the programme and milestone reporting on a monthly
basis for the deliverables outlined in the plan.
Performance Management – Review and Assurance
The Children First Implementation Plan is included in the Performance Management System.
Performance indicators will be developed for both the implementation of the plan and
compliance with the Children First legislation. Performance at CHO Area and Hospital/Hospital
Group levels will be reviewed at the monthly performance meetings between the National
Director and Chief Officers and Hospital Group managers. The HSE will also include Children
First Performance Indicators and a report in the HSE Performance Assurance Report to the
Department of Health.
The Performance Management Process will form part of the Quality and Safety Framework. Non
-compliance will be risk assessed, included on the appropriate risk register at local, divisional or
national level and managed in accordance with the HSE’s Risk Management and Serious
Incident Policy.
18
Implementation Structure and Resource Requirements
There is a vast range and number of services provided in public and private health facilities by
and on behalf of the HSE, and home based care and services are a significant feature of service
provision. The size, complexity and organisational structure of the service delivery models create
significant challenges for the HSE in implementing Children First. A critical success factor will
be effective inter-Divisional and intra-Divisional collaboration, assisted by corporate support
functions. Likewise will be the imperative to have Children First implemented in a consistent
way throughout the HSE; the governance framework will be essential to the achievement of this
principle.
National Children First Implementation Office
The appointment of a national lead for Children First was a vital first step and as a forerunner to
the establishment of a National Children First Office. A shared, centrally provided service
operating on behalf of the HSE is the accepted model as this will be best positioned to provide
standardisation, consistency of approach and optimal resource utilisation. At this stage it is
estimated that the office will initially require 20 staff to successfully support implementation and
maintain compliance with Children First in the HSE, by funded agencies and by contracted
providers. This estimate is based on the numbers of mandated persons, and section 38 and 39
funded agencies requiring training, on-going support, refresher training in their role as mandated
persons, in addition to training and on-going support for designated liaison persons, people
reporting concerns, etc.
For the HSE and Section 38 agencies this equates to:
Grade
HSE Staff
Medical and Dental
Practitioners
Nursing
Ambulance Service
Health and Social
Care Professionals
Clergy and Pastoral
Care Staff
Total
5,907
Section 38 agencies Total
staff
3,358
9,265
26,429
1,554
8,643
14,524
8
6,957
40,953
1,562
15,600
160
77
237
42,693
24,924
67,617
In addition, there are 2,381 GPs with GMS contracts, 2,000 Practice Nurses and an undetermined
number of students and volunteers to be included in the implementation plan. The number of
19
staff in HSE Section 39 funded agencies that require training will be available following
completion of a Training Needs Analysis for HSE funded agencies which has commenced.
The quality assurance role carried out by Information and Advice Officers in the past was limited
to HSE funded organisations that provided direct services to children. This focus has now
broadened to include all HSE funded agencies with particular emphasis placed on service
providers working directly with children.
The size, role, purpose and function of the HSE National Children First Office will be kept under
review in accordance with on-going requirements under Children First policy, needs and
demands at front-line service delivery level, issues arising during implementation, and overall
monitoring, assurance and governance requirements generally. The implementation strategy will
have to be reviewed when the Children First Bill is passed into law and the commencement and
lead-in timeframes are specified in the commencement orders.
Roles of the staff in the HSE National Children First Office will include:

Supporting the HSE to discharge its responsibilities under Children First

Supporting Designated Officers, Designated Liaison Persons and Mandated Persons

Supporting frontline staff

Supporting each Division to produce Child Safeguarding Statements

Supporting each Division to undertake an assessment of the risks to children who attend
their services

The delivery of a suite of training programmes

Maintaining the centralised register of Mandated Persons and Designated Liaison Persons

Maintaining the Register of Employees that received Children First Training by date
received, type of training received and training model (face-to-face, e-learning, videotraining, etc).

Quality assurance and compliance of child protection policies and Child Safeguarding
Statements regarding HSE funded agencies

Provision of data, analytics and information including number of referrals to the CFA

Production of an annual report and other reports at relevant intervals for the Divisions
and the HSE as required
20
HSE Children First Implementation Plan
The purpose of the Plan is to outline what is required to achieve full compliance with Children
First, the timeframes involved and the resources required. Planning is an iterative process and
this Implementation Plan will be reviewed and revised in accordance with feedback from service
providers, experience gained during the implementation process, and any direction received from
the Health Sector Children First Oversight Group and the Department of Health.
The HSE Children First Oversight Committee will monitor any changes to Children First
including the draft legislation and will revise the Plan to reflect such changes.
Accordingly, the HSE Implementation Plan was developed, having regard to the following:

Report on the Implementation of Children First in the HSE by the Ombudsman for
Children, April 2010

A desk top review of HSE Compliance with Children First National Guidance (2011)

The Terms of Reference for the Health Sector Oversight Group and the HSE Children
First Oversight Committee

The Children First Bill 2014

Discussions with Department of Health in relation to HSE responsibilities and priorities.

Discussions with the National Manager Children First, Child and Family Agency.

Discussions with Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Feedback from the Health Sector Children First Oversight Committee Department of
Health on the Draft Implementation Plan.

Feedback from all HSE Divisions
The Implementation Plan includes a set of actions to address the following:

Standard Child Protection and Welfare Policies: development of standard child
protection and welfare polices for implementation throughout the HSE. Following the
establishment of the CFA and the transfer of approximately four thousand child care staff
from the HSE to that Agency, the HSE is now required to amend and update its policies,
procedures and practices for the protection and welfare of children to reflect these
changes and the transfer of functions.
21

Child Safeguarding Statement:
the development of a HSE Child Safeguarding
Statement which will include a Safeguarding Statement; a Child Protection Policy which
covers the management of child protection and welfare concerns in the HSE and any
HSE policy or guidance document which keeps children safe. The Children First Bill
requires all relevant services to undertake an assessment of any risk and to prepare a
Child Safeguarding Statement within three months of commencement of the Act. Part of
this policy development will include a review of relevant HR policies and guidance
documents as well as a risk assessment of relevant services. It will be necessary to assist
funded agencies in their safeguarding responsibilities so that the systems, policies and
procedures that they have in place comply with Children First Guidance and Children
First legislation.

Training Strategy: development of a Training Strategy will be predicated on a training
needs analysis as to the requirements for Children First training across the HSE and
funded agencies. It will be mandatory for each member of staff in the HSE to undertake
Children First Awareness Training in a manner proportionate to their role and
responsibilities. An E-learning Children First Awareness programme will be mandatory
for all staff irrespective of role within the organisation. Other levels of training and
support will include Foundation Training and training for Designated Liaison Persons.
The Training Strategy will define the different levels of Children First training to be
provided and the target audiences for each programme. It will be comprehensive and will
meet the varying needs of staff and providers. There will be a Records Management
System including Training Registers indicating who has been trained in Children First,
who requires additional training and notification when re-training is required.
The training modules will vary in content and application depending on the employees
level of
contact with children, designation as a “Designated Officer” (under the
Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998) or as a Designated Liaison
Persons (under Children First Guidance 2011) or as a Mandated Person ( under Children
First Bill 2014). Training methods will include a mix of attendance at traditional face-toface training days, E-learning and blended learning programmes. All existing staff
training resources will be utilised e.g. Performance and Development; Nursing and
Midwifery Planning and Development Units; Centres of Nurse Education, etc.
The HSE will also assist funded agencies in their compliance with the legislation and the
support available from the CFA to provide a Train the Trainers Programme will be
extended to the funded sector as appropriate.
22

Communication Plan: the development of a Communication Plan will inform all
internal and external stakeholders of their duties under Children First such as the changes
in legislation / vetting procedures and the HSEs Safeguarding Statement and
Safeguarding Plan. The need to ensure high levels of awareness among staff of the
corporate, social and legal responsibilities in relation to Children First National Guidance
and Children First legislation will be highlighted in the plan. The plan will include
information for clients/service users and young people.

Quality Assurance Framework: the development of a Quality Assurance Framework to
monitor compliance with all parts of the legislation and Children First Guidance. A suite
of performance indicators will be developed by a sub group of the Children First
Oversight Committee and will form part of the monthly performance report for HSE
services and for the monthly performance report from the HSE to the Department of
Health. A governance framework for progression of the Implementation Plan will be
included. The Quality Assurance framework will be cascaded to funded agencies with a
requirement that they ensure they are in full compliance and can provide evidence of
compliance.

Risk Management: identification of risks associated with non-compliance/nonimplementation and entry on the relevant Risk Registers. All risks will be managed in
accordance with the HSE Risk Management policy and strategy

Funded Agencies: the development of a programme for funded agencies to assess their
current compliance and their readiness for the Children First Bill 2014 when enacted and
to have access to Children First training.

Students: all students who are on clinical placements/training, internships or workplace
placements are comprehended by this plan. The inclusion of Children First Training for
students in undergraduate and post graduate training is included as actions in the
Implementation Plan. This will require discussion with third level colleges and the
education sector. All students on placements will also be required to undertake the HSE’s
Children First E-learning module.

Volunteers: the development of a comprehensive set of polices and guidance to address
requirements under Children First policy and Children First legislation in respect of
volunteers being engaged by HSE services. All volunteers will be required to undertake
23
Children First E-learning Module and additional training proportionate to their
volunteering role.

Collaborative Working: identification of, and implementation of, mechanisms to
support collaborative working arrangements and relationships with relevant agencies
including the CFA and An Garda Síochána.
The details for these key actions are outlined in the Implementation Table in Appendix 1. The
work will be carried out by sub groups of the Children First Oversight Committee to address the
following:

Child Protection and Welfare Policy

Training Strategy

Communications

Metrics and the Performance Assurance process

Quality and Patient Safety.
Other sub groups will be established as required to supplement the implementation process.
The HSE Leadership Team has reiterated its policy objective to be fully compliant with Children
First and system-wide implementation is a priority in the HSE Service Plan 2015. Full
compliance will be achieved over time and may be impacted by timeframes in the Children First
Bill 2014 when enacted. Resource requirements will be reviewed at that time and the
implementation schedule will be revised accordingly.
24
Summary
Following the enactment of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, statutory responsibility for
the protection and welfare of children moved from the HSE to the Child and Family Agency
(CFA), with effect from the 1st January 2014. While the HSE no longer holds statutory
responsibility under the Child Care Act 1991 for child protection and welfare, it continues to
have significant responsibilities under the policy framework due to the range and number of
services that are provided to children directly by HSE staff and by funded agencies through
service arrangements. Children First National Guidelines have been in place since 2001 and
continue to apply to all organisations that provide services to children. However the
establishment of the CFA and the impending Children First legislation has meant that the HSE
must review how Children First policy and legislation is implemented so that it can meet its
obligations in this regard.
The transfer of staff to the CFA has resulted in the removal of a significant body of knowledge
and expertise in relation to child protection and welfare from the HSE. Prior to the establishment
of the CFA, Children and Families Services in the HSE, under the National Director, Children
and Families, had overall responsibility for the management of child welfare and protection and
service providers and had access to staff and managers in the local child care and social work
departments for this purpose. While the eventual resource requirements will be more informed
when the pending legislation is enacted and by the Training Needs Analysis and Training
Strategy, the commitments in NSP 2015 provide the necessary support to commence
implementation.
HSE staff and staff in funded agencies availed of training, advice and support regarding all
matters relating to child welfare and protection and in the development of child protection
policies from Children First Trainers and Information and Advice Officers. When the Children
First Bill 2014 is enacted, all staff in the HSE will be obliged to undertake mandatory child
protection training commensurate with the reporting requirements of their post. This legislation
puts a greater obligation on the HSE to provide up-to-date information, support and training to
HSE staff and to staff in funded agencies.
The overriding priority for the HSE is to ensure the welfare and protection of all children that use
the health services provided by or on behalf of the HSE. This priority objective will be achieved
by the development of a standard Implementation Plan for Children First policy that will be
implemented in a consistent way across the HSE and in HSE funded services. This will be
enabled by the establishment of a National Office for Children First in the HSE charged with
supporting the implementation of Children First and related legislation.
25
Consistent implementation will be underscored by HSE governance arrangements at CHO,
Hospital, Divisional and Corporate levels, monthly performance review and performance reports,
monthly performance assurance and an annual audit process.
The timeframes for implementation are based on current understanding of a lead-in time of
approximately 18 months for commencement of the Children First legislation. It is also
recognised that it is an ambitious undertaking to achieve compliance with Children First within
the time frames as set out. These time frames will be constantly monitored to ensure the
anticipated deadlines are met. If the legislation is enacted and commenced within a shorter time
scale, the HSE Children First Oversight Committee will review the implications for the timelines
and requirements to meet revised targets; a revised Plan will be submitted to the Leadership
Team and to the Health Sector Children First Oversight Group.
26
Appendix 1 - Detailed Implementation Table
The implementation table on pages 26-45 outlines over 90 actions which will be needed to
deliver on Children First throughout the Health Service Executive. It also covers how the HSE
will provide support and oversight for HSE funded agencies and GPs in their implementation of
Children First. Many of these high level actions will require additional steps for implementation
which are not detailed in the implementation table and will require further discussion at sub
group level.
The Implementation Table identifies a key deliverable, the high level action(s) required to
execute that deliverable, an indicative time frame and a priority rating.
The Department of Health has also requested that the HSE reports on a monthly basis on the
implementation of this plan. It is recognised that it is an ambitious undertaking to achieve
compliance with Children First within the time frames as set out.
The attachment of a priority rating to an action was based an assessment of the basic foundations
which need to be in place to build compliance; for example having an organisational Child
Welfare and Protection Policy is a fundamental prerequisite; delivering a training strategy cannot
take place in a child protection policy vacuum and therefore both deliverables attract similar time
frames and priority ratings. Some the actions are relevant to more than one heading and are
repeated in the table for the sake of clarity; for example the section on funded agencies will have
references to actions already outlined in training and communication.
March 2015
Version One
Governance Framework
Key Result Area Deliverable
Action
1.1
HSE National
Lead Director
Assign responsibility for
Children First to a member
of the Leadership Team
1.2
HSE National
Children First
Oversight Group
Establish an Oversight
Group representative of the
Directorate
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
HSE National
Lead for Children
First
HSE Divisional
Implementation
Oversight Groups
HSE Area
Implementation
Groups in each
CHO
HSE Hospital
Group
Implementation
Oversight Groups
Performance
Monitoring
Responsible
Person(s)
Director General
Dependency
Target
Completion
Dec 2013
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Sept 2013
1
National Lead
Director,
Primary Care
Division
Recruit a Children First
Head of
Lead
Operations,
Primary Care
Division
Establish an Implementation Each National
Oversight Group in each
Director
Division
Establish Implementation
Chief Officers
Group in each CHO
Nov 2013
Nov 2013
March
2015
2
Establish Implementation
Group in each Hospital
Group
Group CEO
March
2015
2
The provision of systematic
monitoring arrangements of
the implementation of
Children First at local,
Divisional
Directors, Chief
Officers,
Hospital Group
1
May 2014
March 2014
1
June 2014
Aug 2014
1
The
June
development of 2015
a
suite
of
performance
3
March 2015
Version One
Key Result Area
1.8
1.9
Deliverable
Performance
Assurance
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
regional and national levels
by internal and external
stakeholders
The inclusion of Children
First as a specific key result
area in the performance
assurance process
Development of an audit
process as part of the
assurance process that is
independent of the local
area
CEO, service
managers
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
indicators
National
Directors
June
2015
2
National
Children First
Oversight
Committee
June
2015
3
Development of a self
certification and compliance
statement process for the
funded sector
National
Children First
Oversight
Committee
January
HSE Systems
Reform
Programme
Submit Children First to the
HSE System Reform
Programme
Director of
Primary Care
May 2014
Staff Delegations
amended to meet
requirements of
Children First
Establish requirements for
amendments to Delegations
for HSE staff prior to
enactment of Children First
legislation
National
Delegations
Office and
Children First
Lead
Audit Process
1.9.1
1.10
1.11
January
2015
3
2015
June 2014
3
Enactment
legislation
of June 2015
2
29
Key Result Area
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Develop a standard policy
which is consistent with
Children First Guidance and
legislation for application
across HSE.
Each Division will develop
Division-specific policies in
accordance with standard
HSE policy
Review requirements for
DLPs across the HSE and
make recommendations to
the Leadership Team
Child Protection
Policy Sub
Group
Children First
Oversight Group
March
2015
Establishment of
a register of
Designated
Liaison Persons
Develop a system for
recording, maintaining and
updating a register of
Designated Liaison Persons
in the HSE
National Lead
Children First
March
2015
Development of a
system to
generate a list of
Identify the list of staff from Health Business
the HR systems who are
Services
mandated persons
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Standard Child Protection Policy
2.1
The provision of
a single standard
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy for the
HSE
2.1.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
The appointment
of Designated
Liaison Persons
and Deputy
Liaison Persons
for reporting
neglect or abuse
March
2015
1
June 2015
March
2015
1
2
2
30
Key Result Area
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
mandated persons Ensure all mandated persons
in HSE
are provided with
information regarding their
responsibilities and are
aware of their
responsibilities under
Children First Legislation
Health Business
Services and
Children First
Lead
Service
Managers
2.5
Reporting
Procedures
Review procedures for
reporting concerns
2.6
Maintenance of a
log of child
protection reports
and child
protection and
welfare concerns
and issues
Develop a system for
ensuring all child protection
reports and child welfare
concerns are recorded.
Include in responsibilities of
DLPs and mandated persons
Child Protection
Policy Sub
Group
Child Protection
Policy Sub
Group
2.4.1
2.6.1
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Enactment date June
for Children
2015
First Legislation
3
October 2014 September
2014
2
June
2015
3
31
Key Result Area
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Child
safeguarding
Statement
Risk assessment: Complete
an assessment of any
potential for harm to a child
while availing of the service
Child Protection
Policy Sub
Group and
Divisions
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Safeguarding
3.1
3.1.1
Child
Safeguarding
Statement
3.1.2
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
Clarification of
the obligations of
Agency Staff
Development of a HSE
Child Safeguarding
Statement
Develop Child Safeguarding
Statements for all HSE
Divisions
Dissemination of child
safeguarding statements
Notify employment
agencies of their obligations
under Children First by way
of an addendum to the
current contract
Ensure all agency staff
employed have undertaken
Children First Training
Link Children First
responsibilities with review
of nationally contracted
employment agencies and
ensure that all new contracts
awarded include details of
Health Business
Services and the
Children First
Lead
Guidance tool June
to issue from 2015
the Child and
Family Agency.
Dependent on June
commencement 2015
date
for
Children First
legislation
As above
June
2015
As above
June
2015
3
2
Health Business
Services
As above
Sept
2015
2
Health Business
Services
As above
March
2015
2
32
Key Result Area
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
obligations under Children
First
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
Clarification of
the obligations of
HSE Funded
Agencies under
Children First
and of their
compliance
All HSE funded agencies to
complete an assessment of
any potential for harm to a
child while availing of the
service and to develop a
safeguarding plan.
All HSE funded agencies to
carry out an assessment of
their compliance with
Children First and to
develop a compliance
implementation plan
All funded agencies to carry
out an assessment of their
readiness for the enactment
of Children First legislation.
Standard list of
Legislation/Regulation;
Quality Assurance; Codes
of Practice; Employment
practices, and all other
Codes to be included in all
service level agreement and
grant aid agreement
documentation
Each Division
and funded
agency
Guidance tool April
to issue from 2015
the Child and
Family Agency
1
Enactment
of
Children First
legislation.
Each Division
and funded
agency
Children First
Lead and
National
Contracts Office
Guidance tool June
to issue from 2015
the Child and
Family Agency
Sept
2014
1
September
2014
2
33
Key Result Area
Deliverable
3.3.4
3.4
General
Practitioners and
General Practice
Staffs’
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.5
3.5.1
Provision of
information for
Private
Healthcare
Providers
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Service Agreement
documentation and Grant
Aid Agreements to include
requirements for compliance
with Children First.
- All GP practices to
undertake an assessment of
any potential for harm to a
child while availing of the
service and to develop a
safeguarding plan.
Children First
Lead and
National
Contracts Office
Primary Care
Division and the
National GP
Lead
Dependency
Target
Completion
Dec
2014
Guidance tool Not Known
to issue from
the Child and
Family Agency
- All GP practices to assess
readiness for obligations
under Children First
legislation.
Enactment
of Not Known
Children First
legislation.
- All Practices to be
compliant with requirements
under Children First
Enactment of
Children First
legislation.
Ensure that all private
healthcare providers are
aware of their obligation to
implement Children First
Guidance.
Develop information sheet
for private health providers
to report child protection
and welfare concerns to the
Child and Family Agency
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
December
2014
4
3
Not Known
CFA
Awaiting
Not Known
guidance from
the CFA
4
Children First
Lead
Awaiting
Not Known
guidance from
the CFA
4
34
Key Result Area
3.6
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
A fully Garda
vetted workforce
in the HSE,
funded sector and
service
contractors
Develop a plan to have all Health Business
persons
working
with Services,
children vetted
Human
Resources and
service
Divisions
Policy and
guidance
regarding the
engagement of
Volunteers
Develop and disseminate a
standard national suite of
policies for the engagement,
vetting, code of behaviour,
role, and managing
allegations against
volunteers.
Development of a
Training Strategy
for the
implementation
of all levels of
Children First
Training across
HSE and funded
agencies
Carry out a Training Needs
analysis in each Division
Dependency
Capacity in the
Garda Vetting
Bureau
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Dec
2015
3
National
Oversight
Group;
Human
Resource
Division
Sept
2015
3
Children First
Over Sight
Group, Training
Sub - Group
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub – Group
March
2015
1
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub-group with
HR Division
June
2015
Volunteers
4.1
Training
5.1
5.5.1
5.2
5.2.1
Development of
e-learning
module for
Children First
awareness
Identify all potential
Children First Training
resources across Divisions,
National Ambulance
Service, Functions and in
HSE funded agencies
Work with communications
to implement e-learning
modules
January
2015
January
2015
1
1
35
Key Result Area
5.3
5.4
5.4.1
Deliverable
training
Implement a certification
process for all HSE staff
and students
Recording all
Children First
Training
Development and
implementation
of a training
strategy based on
Train the Trainers
module for:
Basic Children
First Training
Comprehensive records
maintained in Children First
Office
Carry out a training needs
analysis for Children First
Basic Training to include
mandated persons and
designated officers.
5.4.2
5.5
Action
Development and
implementation
of a Train the
Trainers module
for DLPs across
the HSE in
collaboration
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub-group and
HR Division
Children First
Lead
May
2015
1
May
2015
2
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub – Group
and each
division
Develop a prioritisation
Children First
system for Children First
Over Sight
Basic Training.
Group Training
Sub – Group
Implement a certification
Children First
process for all HSE staff
Over Sight
who have undertaken
Group Training
Children First basic training. Sub – Group
April
2015
1
April
2015
1
May 2015
1
Carry out a training needs
analysis for Designated
Liaison Persons in HSE
April 2015
1
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub – Group
36
Key Result Area
5.5.1
5.6
5.6.1
5.7
Deliverable
Action
with the Child
and Family
Agency
Develop a prioritisation
system for DLP
training
Development of
a blended module
for multidisciplinary
Children First
Training for staff
who cannot be
released on a full
day basis
Training content to reflect
all aspects of policy and
legislation on a proportional
basis appropriate with role
and duties
Develop a system
to ensure that
Refresher
Training for all
levels of Children
First Training
across all
divisions is
available
Implement a certification
process for all HSE staff
that complete blended
learning.
Develop a prioritisation
system for all Refresher
Training
Responsible
Person(s)
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub –Group,
National
Manager
Children First
Child and
Family Agency
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub – Group
and the Child
and Family
Agency
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub – Group
Children First
Over Sight
Group Training
Sub – Group
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
The level of April
support
2015
available from
the Child and
Family Agency
1
May
2015
2
May
2015
2
Oct
2015
4
37
Key Result Area
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Development of a
training strategy
for all levels of
Children First
Training for HSE
funded orgs.
Carry out training needs
analysis
Develop a prioritisation
system for all levels of
Children First Training for
HSE Funded Agencies
All HSE Funded
Agencies
All HSE Funded
Agencies
March
2015
March
2015
2
5.11
Children First
and Regulation
HSE Children
First Oversight
Group
Sept
2015
4
5.12
HSE Students to
be provided with
Children First
Training
Supervision
Training
The inclusion of Children
First Training as a
requirement for undergraduate and post graduate
courses leading to the
registration for professionals
The inclusion of Children
First Training into undergraduate education for
professionals
Develop and implement
Supervision Training for
HSE Supervisors who work
directly with child
protection and welfare
services
Develop and implement
Supervision Training for
HSE Supervisees who work
directly with child
protection and welfare
HSE Children
First Oversight
Group
Sept
2015
5
HSE Children
First Oversight
Group
Sept
2015
3
HSE Children
First Oversight
Group
Sept
2015
3
5.10
5.10.1
5.13
5.13.1
38
Key Result Area
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Promote staff awareness of
corporate, professional and
social responsibilities under
Children First through use
of HSE Website; dedicated
Children First section on
HSE Website; regular
broadcasts and updates; tag
lines on e-mails; posters and
literature
Communication
Sub- Group
March
2015
3
Ensure all staff are aware of
their roles and
responsibilities under
Children First
Each Division &
Communication
Sub- Group
March
2015
2
Ensure that all Designated
Liaison Persons receive
written communication of
their child protection
responsibilities.
Communication
Sub- Group
Feb
2015
1
March
2015
3
Communication
6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
Development of a
Communication
Plan for internal
and external
stakeholders
Development of notices and Communication
information leaflets for HSE Sub- Group
staff on their Children First
responsibilities
Publication and
dissemination of child
Communication
Sub- Group
Enactment of
June
Children First 2015
3
39
Key Result Area
Deliverable
6.1.4
safeguarding statements
under Children First
Ensure wide dissemination
of HSE Child Protection
Policy to all staff
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
legislation
Communication
Sub- Group
March
2015
3
Communication
Sub- Group
June
2015
4
6.2.2
Ensure children are aware of Communication
HSE’s Child Protection
Sub- Group
Policy in a manner
appropriate to their age and
maturity.
June
2015
4
6.2.3
Promote HSE Child
Each Division
Protection Policy in all HSE
premises where services are
provided directly to children
June
2015
4
6.2
6.2.1
Publication of
HSE Child
Protection Policy
to staff and
clients
Action
Ensure all parents are made
aware of HSE’s Child
Protection Policy
40
Key Result Area
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
7.1
Recruitment
7.2
Include Children
First Awareness
Training in
Corporate
Induction
Update job descriptions for
mandated persons to include
responsibilities under
Children First
Update Corporate Induction
programme when e learning
module is available
Health Business
Services and
Human
Resources
Training Sub
Group and HR
Division
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Recruitment
Enactment
of Not Known
Children First
legislation.
3
March
2015
2
Review of all relevant policies to ensure compliance with Children First as outlined in interim Guide for the
Development of Child Protection Policies and Child Safeguarding Statement
8.1
Garda Vetting
Update HSE Garda Vetting HR Division ,
Policy to cover retrospective Health Business
vetting of HSE staff
Services and
each Division
Enactment
of May
National
2015
Vetting Bureau
Act 2012
8.2
Code of
behaviour
Update Code of behaviour
to include the information
contained in Our Duty to
Care regarding children
HR division and
Children First
Lead
June 2015
8.3
Record keeping
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies to
include recording of child
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Dec
2014
2
2
Dec 2014
2
41
Key Result Area
Deliverable
8.4
Record Retention
8.5
Data Protection
8.6
8.7
8.8
Action
protection concerns and
concerns that may not be
initially be reported to Child
and Family Agency
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies to
include recording of child
protection concerns and
concerns that may not be
initially be reported to Child
and Family Agency
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Develop a system for
coordinated working
arrangements between acute
hospitals and the Child and
Family Agency
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Interagency
Child and
Cooperation
Family Agency,
Acute Division,
HSE Children
First Oversight
Group
Policy on
Development of an
Child and
Information
information sharing protocol Family Agency
Sharing regarding between the HSE and the
and the HSE
child protection
Child and Family Agency
Children First
issues
Oversight Group
Supervision
Review HSE Supervision
Child Protection
Policy
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
June
2015
3
March
2015
3
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
42
Key Result Area
Deliverable
8.9
Induction
8.10
Managing
allegations
between a worker
and child
8.11
Managing
challenging
behaviour
8.12
Complaints
8.13
Holidays/trips
away
8.14
8.15
Action
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Responsible
Person(s)
Group
HR Division
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
HR Division
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
1
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
Health and
safety/Accident,
Incidents
Procedures
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
Anti- bullying
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Child Protection
and Welfare
Dec
2014
Dec 2014
2
43
Key Result Area
8.16
Deliverable
Personal/
intimate care
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Review against Child and
Family Agency Interim
Guide for developing child
protection policies
Policy Sub
Group
Child Protection
and Welfare
Policy Sub
Group
Dependency
Target
Completion
Dec
2014
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
Dec 2014
1
Quality Assurance
9.1
Performance and
Compliance
Metrics
Develop a suite of metrics
for inclusion in the
performance management
and performance assurance
system in respect of
compliance with Children
First
Planning and
Performance
and Business
Information
Units
July
2015
4
9.2
Reports to the
Leadership Team
Provide reports to HSE
Leadership Team on
Children First
implementation and
compliance
HSE Children
First Oversight
Group
On Going
1
9.3
Performance
Assurance
Reports
National
Directors
Monthly
9.4
Progress reports
on
Specific Children First
monthly compliance
assurance reports to be
provided
Reports to Health Sector
Children First Oversight
HSE Children
First Oversight
Monthly
1
44
Key Result Area
9.5
Deliverable
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
implementation
Group
submitted to DoH
Group
Maintain list of
mandated persons
for reporting
suspicions and/or
disclosures
Develop a system for
recording, maintaining and
updating a register of
Mandated Persons
Health Business
Services;
Human
Resources,
National Lead
Children First
Dependent on June
enactment
of 2015
Children First
legislation
2
Non compliance will be risk
assessed, managed and
included on the relevant risk
registers.
Serious incidents will be
managed in accordance with
the serious incidents policy.
Quality and
Safety Division
and each HSE
Division
April
2015
3
Guidance to be developed
Child and
Development of April
1
Risk Management
10.1
Children First
will form an
integral part of
HSE Risk
Management
Strategy.
HSE Funded Agencies
11.1
HSE Funded
45
Key Result Area
11.2
11.3
11.4
Deliverable
Agencies to carry
out risk
assessment of
compliance with
Children First
Development of a
Training Strategy
for HSE Funded
Organisations
Funded Agencies
to include
Children First
Training in
Induction
Training for all
Performance and
Compliance
Metrics for HSE
funded agencies
Action
Responsible
Person(s)
by the Child and Family
Agency for use by the
funded agencies in
undertaking their risk
assessment
Agree prioritisation for
access to Train the Trainers
Programme for funded
agencies
Funded agencies can avail
of E-learning module when
developed
Family Agency
and each
Division
Develop a suite of metrics
for
inclusion
in
the
performance management
and performance assurance
system in respect of
compliance with Children
First by funded agencies
Dependency
Target
Completion
Actual
Priority
Completion Ranking
1-5
guidance by the 2015
Child
and
Family Agency
Children First
Training Sub
Group
March
2015
1
Each Division
June
2015
3
Planning and
Performance
and Business
Information
Units
July
2015
4
46
Appendix 2 - Priorities in Action Plan by Month from June 2014
Month
June 2014
September 2014
September 2014
September 2014
December 2014
December 2014
December 2014
December 2014
December 2014
December 2014
December 2014
Action
Establish an Implementation
Oversight Group in each
division
Establish a Reference Group to
make recommendations on the
appointment of DLPs
Standardise list of
legislation/regulation/standards
and codes for inclusion in
service documentation 2015
Review procedures for
reporting a child abuse or
neglect concern
Service arrangement
documentation to include
requirements for compliance
with Children First
Identify all potential train the
trainers and potential training
resources
Agree professional support
available from TUSLA
Review of following policies:
Garda Vetting; Code of
behaviour; record keeping;
record retention; data
protection; supervision ;
induction; managing
challenging behaviour;
complaints; holidays/trips
away; health and
safety/accident /incidents; anti
bullying; personal intimate
care.
Review or development of the
following national policies
managing allegations between
a worker and child; intimate
care.
Priority Rating
1
All funded agencies to carry
out an assessment of their
compliance with Children First
and develop a compliance
implementation plan
The development of a suite of
metrics for the performance
management and performance
1
1
2
2
4
1
2
2
1
4
March 2015
Version One
December 2014
December 2014
January 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
Feb 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
assurance system in respect of
compliance with Children First
The provision of systematic
monitoring arrangements of
the
implementation
of
Children First at local, regional
and national level.
Development of an internal
audit
process
that
is
independent of the local area
Develop information sheet for
private health providers to
report child protection and
welfare concerns to the Child
and Family agency.
Review requirements for DLPs
across the HSE and make
recommendations
to
the
Leadership Team
Ensure that all Designated
Liaison Persons appointed
have received written
communication of their child
protection responsibilities
Develop and implement a
Train the Trainers module for
DLPs
Develop a prioritisation system
for DLP training
Establish Implementation
Group in each CHO
Develop a prioritisation system
for CF Basic Training
Carry out a training need
analysis for DLPs in HSE
Develop a system for ensuring
all child protection reports and
child welfare concerns are
recorded.
Link Children First
responsibilities with review of
Nationally Contracted
Agencies
Promote
staff
awareness
through use of HSE Website;
regular
broadcasts
and
updates; tag lines on e-mails;
posters and literature
Ensure all staff are aware of
their roles and responsibilities
under Children First
Carry out training needs
analysis and develop training
3
3
4
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
3
2
3
3
1
48
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
April 2015
April 2015
April 2015
strategy
Develop and implement a
training strategy based on
Train the Trainers module for:
Basic Children First Training
to include mandated
professionals and designated
officers.
Work with Communications to
develop E-learning module
HSE Funded Organisations to
carry out a training needs
analysis
Develop a prioritisation system
for all levels of Children First
Training for HSE Funded
Agencies
Funded agencies to include
Children First Training in
induction for all staff
Update Corporate Induction
Programme when e-learning
module is available
Development of notices and
information
leaflets
on
Children First Responsibilities
for HSE Staff
Ensure wide dissemination of
HSE Child Protection Policy
to all staff
All GP practices to be
compliant with requirements
of Children First
Link Children First
responsibilities with review of
nationally contracted Agencies
and ensure that all new
contracts awarded include
details of obligations under
Children First
Development of an effective
information sharing protocol
between HSE and TUSLA
Develop a standard Child
Protection Policy for
application across the HSE
HSE Funded Agencies to carry
out risk assessment of
compliance with Children First
Non compliances will be risk
assessed, managed and
included on the relevant risk
register. Serious incidents will
1
1
2
2
3
2
3
3
3
2
3
1
1
3
49
May 2015
May 2015
May 2015
May 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
be managed in accordance
with serious incident policy.
Develop a blended module for
multi- disciplinary Children
First Training for staff who
cannot be released on a full
day basis which is quality
assured by TUSLA
Implement a certification
process for staff who have
undertaken CF Basic training
Records to be maintained by
Children First Office
Implement a certification
process for all HSE staff who
undertake blended learning
Ensure children are aware of
HSE’s Child Protection Policy
in an age appropriate manner
Promote HSE Child Protection
Policy in all HSE premises
who provide direct services to
children
Risk assessment: Complete an
assessment of any potential
harm to a child while availing
of the service
Develop Child Safeguarding
Statements for all HSE
Divisions
Dissemination
of
Child
Safeguarding Statements
All funded agencies to carry
out an assessment of their
readiness
for
the
commencement of Children
First legislation
Notify agencies of their
obligations under Children
First by way of amendment to
the contract
Develop
a
system
for
coordinated
working
arrangements between acute
hospitals and TUSLA
Establish requirements for
amendments to delegations for
HSE staff prior to
commencement of Children
First legislation
Ensure all mandated persons
are provided with information
regarding their responsibilities
2
1
2
2
4
4
3
3
3
1
2
3
4
3
50
July 2015
July 2015
September 2015
September 2015
September 2015
September 2015
September 2015
September 2015
Oct 2015
December 2015
To be agreed following
enactment of Children First
legislation
and
aware
of
their
responsibilities under Children
First legislation
Develop a system to generate a
list of mandated persons in
HSE
Development of a self
certification and compliance
statement process
Develop a national suite of
policies for recruitment,
vetting, code of behaviour,
allegations for volunteers
Develop
and
implement
Supervision Training for HSE
Supervisees who work directly
with child protection and
welfare services
Develop
and
implement
Supervision Training for HSE
Supervisors who work directly
with child protection and
welfare services
The inclusion of Children First
Training into undergraduate
education for professionals
Ensure all agency staff have
undertaken Children First
Training
The inclusion of Children First
Training as a requirement of
registration for professionals
Develop a prioritisation system
for refresher training
All staff working in HSE to be
garda vetted
Update job descriptions for
mandated staff to include
responsibilities under Children
First
2
3
3
3
3
5
2
4
4
3
3
51
Appendix 3 - Priorities in Action Plan by Rating from June 2014
June 2014
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
April 2015
March 2014
December 2014
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
February 2015
March 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
December 2014
Establish an implementation
Oversight Group in each
division
Establish an implementation
Group in each area
Establish an implementation
Group in each hospital group
Review requirements for DLPs
and make recommendations
Ensure that all Designated
Liaison Persons appointed have
received written communication
of their child protection
responsibilities
HSE Funded Agencies to carry
out risk assessment of
compliance with Children First
Carry out training needs
analysis and develop training
strategy
Identify all potential train the
trainers and potential training
resources
Work with Communications to
develop E-learning module
Carry out training needs
analysis and develop training
strategy
Develop and implement a
training strategy based on Train
the Trainers module for:
Basic Children First Training to
include mandated professionals
and designated officers
Develop a prioritisation system
for CF Basic Training
Implement
a
certification
process for staff who have
undertaken CF Basic training
Carry out a training need
analysis for DLPs in HSE
Develop and implement a Train
the Trainers module for DLPs
Develop a prioritisation system
for DLP training
Review or development of the
following national policies
managing allegations between a
worker and child; intimate care;
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
March 2015
Version One
December 2014
April 2015
April 2015
December 2014
April 2015
June 2015
February 2015
February 2015
February 2015
September 2014
October 2014
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
December 2014
Develop system for maintaining
list of mandated persons
Develop a standard Child
Protection Policy for application
across the HSE
HSE Funded Organisations to
carry out a risk assessment of
compliance with Children First
All funded agencies to carry an
assessment of their compliance
with Children First and develop
a compliance implementation
plan.
All funded agencies to carry out
an assessment of their readiness
for the commencement of
Children First legislation
Notify agencies of their
obligations under Children First
by way of amendment to the
contract
Establish
a
register
for
recording, maintaining and
updating
a
register
of
Designated Liaison Persons and
Deputy Designated Liaison
Persons in the HSE
Establish Implementation Group
in each CHO
Establish Implementation Group
in Hospital Group
Standardise the list of
legislation/regulations/standards
and codes for inclusion in
service documentation in 2015
Review procedures for reporting
a child abuse or neglect concern
HSE funded organisations to
carry out training needs analysis
Develop a prioritisation system
for all levels of Children First
Training for HSE Funded
Agencies
Update Corporate Induction
Programme when E-learning
programme is available
Review of following policies:
Garda Vetting; Code of
behaviour; record keeping;
record retention; data protection;
supervision ; induction;
managing challenging
behaviour; complaints;
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
53
holidays/trips away; health and
safety/accident /incidents; anti
bullying
December 2014
Agree professional support
available from TUSLA
2
July 2015
The inclusion of Children First
as a specific key result area in
the performance assurance
process
Develop a system for
developing, updating and
maintaining Mandated Persons
Lists.
2
Link Children First
responsibilities with review of
Nationally Contracted Agencies
and ensure that all new contracts
awarded include details of
obligations under Children First
Develop a blended module for
multi- disciplinary Children
First Training for staff who
cannot be released on a full day
basis which is quality assured by
TUSLA
Implement a certification
process for all HSE staff who
undertake blended learning
Ensure all agency staff have
undertaken Children First
training
Non compliances will be risk
assessed, managed and included
on the relevant risk register.
Serious incidents will be
managed in accordance with
serious incident policy.
Update job descriptions for
mandated persons to include
responsibilities under Children
First
Develop a system for ensuring
all child protection reports and
child welfare concerns are
recorded
The provision of systematic
monitoring arrangements of the
implementation of Children
First at local, regional and
national levels by internal and
2
January 2015
March 2015
May 2015
May 2015
September 2015
September 2015
To be agreed
March 2015
July 2015
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
54
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
March 2015
June 2015
March 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
July 2015
external stakeholders
Promote staff awareness through
use of HSE Website; dedicated
Children First section on HSE
Website; regular broadcasts and
updates; tag lines on e-mails;
posters and literature
Ensure all staff are aware of
their roles and responsibilities
under Children First
Ensure all mandated persons are
provided
with
information
regarding their responsibilities
and
aware
of
their
responsibilities under Children
First legislation
Funded agencies to include
Children First Training in
induction for all staff
Development of notices and
information leaflets on Children
First Responsibilities for HSE
Staff
Ensure wide dissemination of
HSE Child Protection Policy to
all staff
Development of an effective
information sharing protocol
between HSE and TUSLA
All GP Practices to undertake an
assessment of any potential
harm to a child while availing of
the service and develop a
safeguarding plan.
All GP practices to be compliant
with requirements of Children
First
Complete a risk assessment of
any potential harm to a child
while availing of the service
Develop Child Safeguarding
Statements for all HSE
Divisions
Dissemination of Child
Safeguarding Statements
Develop a system for
coordinated working
arrangements between acute
services and TUSLA
Development of an internal
audit process that is independent
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
55
July 2015
September 2015
December 2015
To be agreed
December 2014
July 2015
March 2015
June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
Oct 2015
September 2015
of the local area
Development of a self
certification and compliance
statement process
Develop a national suite of
policies for recruitment, vetting,
code of behaviour, allegations
for volunteers
All staff working in HSE to be
garda vetted
Establish requirements for
amendments to delegations for
HSE staff prior to enactment of
Children first legislation
Service
arrangement
documentation
to
include
requirements for compliance
with Children First
The development of a suite of
metrics for the performance
management and performance
assurance system in respect of
compliance with Children First
The inclusion of Children First
training as a requirement of
registration for professionals
Ensure all parents are made
aware of the HSE’s Child
Protection Policy
Ensure children are aware of
HSE’s Child Protection Policy
in an age appropriate manner
Promote HSE Child Protection
Policy in all HSE premises who
provide direct services to
children
Develop a prioritisation system
for refresher training
The inclusion of Children First
Training into undergraduate
education for professionals
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
56
Appendix 4 - Resources to Support Implementation of Children First
Responsibility
Requirement
Costing €0.00
Recurring (R)
One Off (O/O)
1
HSE
19 staff
1.500 Recurring
1
HSE
Nil
N/A
Publication is best
practice for HSE in
compliance with CF
legislation
Children First
Webpage for
recognition and
reporting guidance,
e-publications,
information,
announcements,
links, etc
1
HSE
0.050 R
0.005 R
2
HSE
50,000
E Copy of Child
Protection Policy
Design for web
Web Page content
design and maintenance
Leaflets, Booklets Parent and Child
versions of CF
Policy available for
clients
2
HSE
HSE
0.005 R
Staffing
Implementation
Governance
Document
HSE Statement re
roles and
responsibility
Policy
Child Protection
Policy
Communications Website
5 Implementation
Officers
10 Training Officers
4 Support Staff
0.005 R
March 2015
Version One
Appendix 4 - Resources to Support Implementation of Children First
Training
Training Modules
Awareness Training
1
Responsibility
Requirement
Costing €0.00
Recurring (R)
One Off (O/O)
HSE with support
on content from
CFA
Development of elearning resource.
Publication of
associated materials
0.050 O/O
Publication of
associated materials
0.005 R
Mandatory Reporter/
Mandatory Assisting
2
HSE with support
on content from
CFA
Training Manuals and
associated material
0.005 Recurring
DLP
1
HSE with support
on content from
CFA
0.050 O/O
0.050 R
Training for Trainers
1
HSE with support
on content from
Child and Family
Agency
HSE with support
on content from
CFA
Development of elearning resource
Training Manuals and
associated materials
Training Manuals and
associated materials
Publication of Training
Manuals and associated
materials
0.005 R
Refresher/ Info for
4
staff not working
directly with children
0.025 O/O
0.005 R
58
Appendix 4 - Resources to Support Implementation of Children First
HSE Child
Safeguarding
Statement.
3
Responsibility
Requirement
Costing €0.00
Recurring (R)
One Off (O/O)
HSE with support
on content from
CFA
Training Manuals and
associated materials
0.005 R
Child safeguarding
Statement for each
division
QA system for
training
Training
On line certification 1
of training completed
by trainees
HSE
0.005 R
depending on
numbers trained
Oversight
/coordination of
training programmes
2
HSE
Designation of at least
To be allocated
5WTE admin support at through resenior level across
deployment
divisions
Materials,
equipment and
Venue Costs
Flip stands, flip
charts, pens,
projectors,
2
HSE
As yet undefined but at
minimal level
Training QA
system
See Training Section
See Training
Section
HSE
0.005 R
See Training
Section
59
SUMMARY OF ESTIMATED COSTS
ONCE OFF RECURRING
€m
STAFFING
€m
1.500
TOTAL PAY
0.000
1.500
POLICY PUBLICATION
0.001
0.050
E COPY OF POLICY
WEBSITE CONTENT DESIGN &
MAINTENANCE
0.005
0.005
0.010
0.005
LEAFLETS / BOOKLETS
0.005
AWARENESS TRAINING
MANDATORY REPORTER TRAINING
MANUALS
0.050
DLP E-LEARNING RESOURCE
TRAINING FOR TRAINERS MANUALS ETC
0.050
0.050
0.025
0.005
REFRESHER INFO - TRAINING
HSE CHILD SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
ON LINE CERTIFICATION OF
TRAINING
TRAINING MATERIALS / VENUE
COSTS
0.005
0.005
0.050
0.005
0.005
0.005
STAFF TRAVEL COSTS
0.005
0.030
TOTAL NON-PAY
0.146
0.225
OVERALL TOTAL
0.146
1.725
60
Appendix 5 – List of Mandated Persons
Under the Children First Bill 2014 when commenced the following persons will have to legal
obligations surrounding child protection. These are:
1. Registered medical practitioners;
2. Registered nurses;
3. Registered midwives;
4. Certain other Health and Social Care professionals;
5. Registered dentists;
6. Eligible psychologists;
7. Eligible social care workers;
8. Emergency medical technicians, paramedics and advanced paramedics;
9. Probation officers;
10. Registered teachers;
11. Members of An Garda Síochána
12. Guardians ad litem;
13. Managers of domestic violence shelters;
14. Managers of homeless or emergency accommodation;
15. Managers of asylum seeker accommodation;
16. Certain addiction counsellors;
17. Psychotherapists or persons providing counselling who are registered with one of the
voluntary professional bodies;
18. Managers of language schools or other recreational schools where children reside
away from home;
19. Members of the clergy or pastoral care workers of churches or other religious
communities;
20. Directors of any institutions where children are detained;
21. Safeguarding officers /Child Protection officers or anyone else who is employed for
child welfare and protection by a religious, sporting, recreational, cultural, educational
or other body offering services to children;
22. Child care staff members in pre-schools;
23. Persons responsible for the care and management of a youth work services;
24. Eligible youth workers ;
25. Foster carers registered with the Child and Family Agency;
26. Persons carrying out a pre-school service.
61
Appendix 6: HSE Children First Oversight Committee
Name
Pat Dunne
Grade
Head of Operations
Division
Primary Care
Enda Fulham
General Manager
Primary Care
Helen Deely
Crisis Pregnancy
Programme
Mental Health
Specialist
Social Care alternating with Ann
Bourke
Senior Manager
Health and Well
Being
Mental Health
Division
Social Care
Division
Ber Cahill
Penny O Connell
Ann Bourke
Martin Dunne
Sile McManus
Eileen Ruddin
Geraldine Shaw
Robert Cooke
Shane Brennan
Boyd Dodds
Clare Murphy
Marie Faughey
Director National
Ambulance Service
Corporate Manager
Senior Manager
Social Care
Division
Chief Operating
Officer
HR Division
Acute Hospitals
Director of Nursing & Office of Director
Midwifery / National of Nursing and
Clinical Programmes Midwifery and
Clinical
Programmes
General Manager ICT Shared Services
Staff Engagement
Quality and Patient
Safety
National Manager for CFA
Children First
Regional Lead
CFA
Children First and
Child Protection
Children First Lead
HSE
62
Appendix 7 - List of HSE Integrated Service Areas
Integrated Service Areas
Local Health Offices
Dublin South East
ISA Dublin South East/Wicklow
Dun Laoghaire
Wicklow
Dublin South City
Dublin South Central
Dublin West
Dublin South West/Kildare West
Wicklow
Dublin South West
Kildare/West Wicklow
Laois/Offaly
Midlands Area
Longford/Westmeath
Dublin North Central
Dublin North City
Dublin North West
Louth
Louth Meath
Meath
North Dublin
Dublin North
Cavan & Monaghan
Cavan/Monaghan
North Cork
North Lee
Cork & Kerry
South Lee
West Cork
Kerry
Waterford
Wexford
South East
Carlow/Kilkenny
Tipperary South
Galway & Roscommon
Galway
63
Roscommon
Mayo
Mayo
Donegal
Donegal
Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan
Sligo/Leitrim/West
Cavan
Clare
Mid West PCCC
Limerick
Tipp/East Limerick
64
Appendix 8: List of Community Healthcare Organisations
Community Health Organisation
ISA
Area 1
Donegal ISA,
Sligo/Leitrim ISA,
Cavan/Monaghan ISA
Area 2
Galway ISA
Mayo ISA
Roscommon ISA
Area 3
Clare, Limerick North
Tipperary/East Limerick
Mid West ISA
Area 4
Kerry, North Cork, North Lee
South Lee, West Cork
Kerry ISA/Cork ISA
Area 5
South Tipperary, Carlow
Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford
Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary ISA
Area 6
Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire
Dublin South East
Dublin South East/East Wicklow ISA
Area 7
Kildare/West Wicklow,
Dublin West, Dublin South City, Dublin
South West
DSW/Kildare WW ISA
Dublin Central ISA
Area 8
Midlands ISA
Louth Meath ISA
Area 9
Dublin North ISA
Dublin North City ISA
65
Appendix 9: CHO Map
66
Appendix 10: List of Hospitals
Dublin East Hospital Group
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar
National Maternity Hospital
Our Lady's Hospital Navan
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital
St. Columcille's Hospital
St. Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny
St. Vincent's University Hospital
St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire
Wexford General Hospital
Dublin Midlands Hospital Group
Coombe Women & Infant University
Hospital
Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore
Naas General Hospital
St. James's Hospital
AMNCH Tallaght Hospital - Adult
Dublin North East Hospital Group
Beaumont Hospital
Cavan General Hospital
Connolly Hospital
Louth County Hospital
Monaghan Hospital
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda
Rotunda Hospital
University of Limerick Hospital Group
Ennis Hospital
Croom Orthopaedic Hospital
University Hospital Limerick
University Maternity Hospital Limerick
Nenagh Hospital
St. John's Hospital Limerick
South/South West Hospital Group
Bantry General Hospital
Cork University Maternity Hospital
Cork University Hospital
Kerry General Hospital
Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital Kilcreene
Mallow General Hospital
Mercy University Hospital
South Infirmary Victoria University
Hospital
South Tipperary General Hospital
Waterford Regional Hospital
West/North West Hospital Group
Letterkenny General Hospital
Mayo General Hospital
Portiuncula Hospital
Roscommon County Hospital
Sligo Regional Hospital
Galway University Hospital
The Children's Hospital Group
Children's University Hospital Temple
Street
Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin
AMNCH Tallaght Hospital - Paediatric
67