If you have a child or vulnerable adult safeguarding concern or wish to raise a matter from the past you may contact:
Ms Kathleen Sherry
Director of Safeguarding
Designated Liaison Person
Phone: 085 8021633
Email: dlp@ossory.ie
or
Mr Cathal Cullen
Deputy Designated Liaison Person
Phone: 056 7752448
Email: ddlp@ossory.ie
or
Ms Rose Brophy
Deputy Designated Liaison Person
Phone: 087 331 4330
Email: ddlp@ossory.ie
Vetting Administrator
Sr Ena Kennedy
Tel 087 1953 850
Email: vetting@ossory.ie
Towards Healing is a counselling and support service for survivors of institutional, Clerical and Religious abuse, funded by the Catholic Church.
Towards Peace offers spiritual support to survivors of abuse by Church personnel. The service is for those whose faith has been damaged by abuse and who wish to continue their search for meaning and for God
Civil Authorities
Tusla – Child & Family Agency
- Kilkenny area – 052 617 7302
- Laois, Offaly – 044 935 3997
Garda National Protective Services:
01 666 3430 / 35
1800 555 222
HSE Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford:
Email: safeguarding.cho5@hse.ie
(056)778 325
Laois & Offaly:
Email: safeguarding.cho8@hse.ie
(01) 691 4632
Other Support Services
Diocese of Ossory
As a constitute member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child is a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse. The Diocese of Ossory is also committed to providing a safe environment for adults who may be vulnerable.
National Safeguarding Policy Document (download here)
The implementation of this policy is based on the application of a set of seven standards which must be applied by all Church personnel in their own sphere of activity. These standards represent the expected level of performance all parts of the Church should reach.
Diocesan Child Safeguarding Statement (download here)
This statement has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and is derived from Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016.
National Safeguarding Agencies
All Church organisations and agencies can access specialist advice about Child Protection issues through the National Office for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland:
NBSCCCI,
New House, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Tel: +353 1 505 3124
Fax: +353 1 505 3026
Website: www.safeguarding.ie
Seven Safeguarding Standards
For the effective implementation of the Seven Safeguarding Standards a supporting Guidance Manual has also been produced
The seven standards are designed to ensure up-to-date ‘best practice’ in all aspects of Child Safeguarding and is the policy adhered to by all Church Personnel in the Diocese of Ossory.
