Safeguarding Children
The Oblates Safeguarding Policy.
The Oblates recognize the dignity and rights of all children and vulnerable adults and are committed to their support and safeguarding.
The Oblates undertake to ensure a safe environment for all children, young people and those adults vulnerable to abuse and to ensure their protection from all forms of harm through best practice;
Best practice in ensuring the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults, protecting their rights and promoting their welfare. Minimizing risks in order to safeguard the interests of children, young people and Vulnerable Adults.
Ensuring that all Oblates, and their paid employees and volunteers, are carefully recruited, selected, trained, supported and supervised. Ensuring that all Oblates, their paid employees and volunteers are aware of, trained in and work to the Code of Behavior for safe working. Supporting all victims of abuse.
Reporting any concerns to the relevant statutory agencies and working closely with them to ensure that all allegations of abuse are responded to promptly. Contact Details Designated Persons;
Republic of Ireland & UK: Suzanne Phelan
tel: 085 1146391
email: safeguarding@oblates.ie
Safeguarding Children Statement
THE OBLATES OF MARY IMMACULATE
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate OMI are a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The OMI have the following ministry with children, as defined in Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2024:
· Attendance by children and young people at Church services usually, but not always, accompanied by their parents/carers or guardians.
· Participation of children and young people in sacramental preparation often, but not always, done in conjunction with schools.
· Participation in the sacraments through serving at Mass, singing with choirs and acting as Ministers of the Word, catechists in youth programmes and children’s liturgy.
· Participation in youth groups, youth ministries and youth camp/residential programmes.
· Participation in school based religious and/or social activities.
· Participation in the annual Lourdes pilgrimages.
OUR PRINCIPLES TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN FROM HARM
• The safety and welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility.
• The best interests of children engaged in Church activities are paramount.
• All children, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, race or ethnicity, will be safeguarded by providing a safe, child-centred environment.
• Children have a right to dignity and respect.
• Children have a rightto be heard, listened to and taken seriously.
• Parents/carers have the right to be consulted and involved in matters concerning their children. We require parental/guardian consent for the involvement of children in Church activities.
• The OMI Child Safeguarding Policies and Procedures 2026 reflect the provisions of the Children First Act 2015 and the best practice outlined in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
Oblate Safeguarding Resources
Here are some resources to be used across the province:
OMI Volunteer Application Form
