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Child Protection Policy

Child Safeguarding Statement & Protection Policy

OMNIA Mental Health Clinic

Last reviewed: 20/02/2026
Next review due: February 2027

1. Commitment to Child Safety

OMNIA Mental Health Clinic is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who attend our services.

We recognise our responsibility to protect children from:

  • Abuse

  • Neglect

  • Exploitation

  • Harm

  • Bullying or intimidation

  • Exposure to unsafe environments

The welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions and actions.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy operates in accordance with Irish legislation and national guidance, including:

  • Children First Act 2015

  • Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children

  • Child Care Act 1991 (as amended)

  • National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016

  • Tusla Child and Family Agency guidelines

  • Relevant professional ethical codes

3. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All clinicians

  • Administrative staff

  • Volunteers

  • Contractors

  • Students or trainees

  • Any person working on behalf of OMNIA

4. Definition of a Child

For the purposes of this policy, a child is any person under 18 years of age who is not married.

5. Key Safeguarding Principles

OMNIA commits to:

  • Acting in the best interests of the child

  • Treating all children with dignity and respect

  • Listening to children’s views and concerns

  • Creating a safe therapeutic environment

  • Maintaining professional boundaries

  • Ensuring staff competence and training

  • Reporting concerns promptly

6. Designated Liaison Person (DLP)

OMNIA has appointed a Designated Liaison Person responsible for child protection matters.

Designated Liaison Person:
Gerda Paleviciute
Clinic Manager

Email: gerda@omniamentalhealth.com
Phone: 01 552 0125

The DLP is responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns

  • Making reports to Tusla

  • Liaising with statutory authorities

  • Maintaining confidential records

  • Advising staff on safeguarding issues

7. Recruitment and Vetting

All staff working with children:

  • Undergo a formal recruitment process

  • Are subject to Garda Vetting

  • Provide relevant professional qualifications

  • Agree to adhere to safeguarding policies

8. Training and Awareness

OMNIA ensures that personnel working with children:

  • Receive child protection training

  • Understand signs of abuse or neglect

  • Know reporting procedures

  • Stay informed of legislative updates

9. Safe Practice Standards

Staff must:

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Avoid unsupervised situations that pose risk

  • Obtain parental/guardian consent where required

  • Ensure safe physical environments

  • Respect confidentiality within legal limits

10. Recognising Abuse

Abuse may include:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Online exploitation

  • Exposure to domestic violence

Staff are trained to recognise indicators of harm.

11. Reporting Concerns

Any concern about a child’s safety must be reported immediately to the DLP.

The DLP will:

  • Assess the concern

  • Consult Children First guidance

  • Make a report to Tusla where appropriate

  • Maintain written records

In urgent situations, Gardaí or emergency services may be contacted directly.

12. Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns is:

  • Treated as strictly confidential

  • Shared only on a need-to-know basis

  • Disclosed to authorities where required

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if a child is at risk of harm.

13. Parental and Guardian Communication

Where appropriate:

  • Parents/guardians are informed of concerns

  • Communication is handled sensitively

  • The child’s safety remains the priority

14. Record Keeping

OMNIA maintains secure records of:

  • Safeguarding concerns

  • Reports made

  • Actions taken

  • Follow-up outcomes

Records are stored in accordance with data protection law.

15. Online and Remote Services

Where services are delivered remotely:

  • Secure platforms are used

  • Parental consent is obtained for minors

  • Privacy and safety measures are maintained

16. Complaints Procedure

Concerns about safeguarding practices may be reported to the clinic management.

All complaints are investigated promptly and seriously.

17. Review and Monitoring

This policy is reviewed at least annually or sooner if legislation or circumstances change.

18. Contact Information

For safeguarding concerns relating to a child:

Designated Liaison Person:
Gerda Paleviciute
OMNIA Mental Health Clinic
Email: gerda@omniamentalhealth.com
Phone: 01 552 0125

Tusla Child and Family Agency:
www.tusla.ie

Emergency: 999 or 112