The term “Children First” was originally used in relation to Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, first published in 1999 and reviewed and updated on a number of occasions since then, most recently in 2017, Since the enactment of the Children First Act 2015,
Déise Link is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the children, teenagers, young adults and “at-risk” youth that that use our bus services. We have a Child Protection Policy in place and all our staff and Drivers/Operators are Garda Vetted in accordance with our policy. We continue to maintain and remain current with all legislation pertaining to the rights of young people and their protection.
Key Principles of Best Practice in Child Protection and Welfare
- Welfare of children paramount – child-centred
- Children: right to be heard, listened to and taken seriously.
- Parents/carers: right to respect and consultation
- Early intervention and family support should be available
- Child’s gender, religion, culture and developmental stage should be considered when taking protective action.
- When working with adults, consider impact of adult’s behaviour on a child and act in the child’s best interests (Children First 1.1. (paraphrased)
