Guidelines for the Protection of Young Persons in Community Training Centres
Irish law defines a ‘child’ as being a person under the age of 18 years old.
People who work with children and young people have a responsibility to protect them from harm and take action when there is a risk to their health and welfare.
Definition of Child Abuse and Neglect
These guidelines are concerned not just with sexual abuse but abuse more generally defined as:
· Physical – where a child is deliberately assaulted or injured in some way
· Sexual – using a child for sexual gratification
· Emotional – when the needs for affection, approval and security are not being met
· Neglect – where there is significant harm to a child because food, warmth, shelter, nurturance and safety are not provided
Tom O' Reilly is the designated child and young person protection officer in Kylemore CTC.