It is the policy of the Church if Ireland to set standards for the welfare of all children sharing in its ministry with a view to protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm"

Safeguarding Trust is the Church of Ireland Code of Practice for workers with Children and Young people. All parishes must adopt this policy and all who have contact with children and youth must subscribe to it. Safeguarding Trust comples to "Children First" the government guidelines for working with children and unders eighteens.

"Safeguarding Trust" is designed to enable all parties within the Church of Ireland to fulfil their proper responsibilities within this ministry

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• To prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children
• to set out the appropriate responses and procedures in the event of abuse taking place
• to encourage safe practice for those who work with children
• to safeguard those who work with children from the consequences of unfounded accusations.

The programme is practically oriented with a common sense approach. In the Diocese each parish is required to have a parish panel to supervise implementation of the code.

Training for Safeguarding Trust is ongoing and any questions or requests for resources should be directed to the Diocesan Office.