Safeguarding and child protection

We in the Parish of Newtowncunningham and Killea value and encourage the participation of children and young people in all parish activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We recognise the dignity and rights of all children and are committed to ensuring their protection and support. In keeping with this we will work to do all in our power to create safe environments for children and young people in order to secure their protection and enable their full participation in the life of the Church.

Our Child Safeguarding Parish Representative is Mrs Bridie Robb.

The Catholic Church in Ireland now works from A Safe and Welcoming Church: Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland, 2024. The Diocese of Raphoe updated its safeguarding posters in 2026 after the installation of Bishop Niall Coll. English and Irish posters, the Child Safeguarding Statement, and the forms are on the Diocese of Raphoe safeguarding page.

Policy statement of the Diocese of Raphoe

The Gospel teaches the importance of ensuring that the Catholic Church community is a warm, welcoming and safe place for children.

Children are gifts from God, to be cherished and recognised for the joyful contribution they make as valued members of the Church. Our challenge is to follow the example of Jesus in cherishing them. Safeguarding is key to this important task and should be seen, not as a burden, but as an opportunity to embrace and encourage children’s ministry, following the example of Jesus Christ.

The Diocese of Raphoe pledges to safeguard children and young people from harm and to support them in their development as valued and integral members of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Church’s ministry will be inclusive and will uphold their rights. Consistent with Gospel values, and with civil and criminal law, those who minister will do so with dignity and integrity, honouring their calling to ensure that children and young people are welcomed, cherished and protected, following the example set by Jesus.

This Safeguarding Children Policy will be honoured and complied with by all ordained clerics, by vowed female and male religious, and by all lay staff and volunteers in the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Most Rev Niall Coll, Bishop of Raphoe.

The safety of all children matters to us

How do we safeguard children in our parish?

• We have robust Policy and Procedures in place. Please see www.raphoediocese.ie/safeguarding-children or safeguarding.ie guidance.
• A Child Safeguarding Statement is in place which is compliant with the requirement of Children First legislation and has been verified by Tusla’s Compliance Unit (please ask for a copy), or see the diocese forms and policies.
• All clergy, staff and volunteers working with children must attend Safeguarding Children Training.
• All clergy, staff and volunteers must undergo garda vetting. The vetting form is on the diocese forms and policies page.
• Safe Recruitment procedures are in place.
• Parental Consent must be obtained.
• There is a Code of Behaviour for Adults working with Children.
• Supervision ratios must be adhered to by Leaders.
• Sign-in book and attendance records are maintained.
• Child friendly posters are on display.
• Information is made available to parents and guardians should they have a concern.
• Each parish has at least 2 Safeguarding Parish Representatives who work with their Parish Priest to ensure best practice in safeguarding.
• All child protection concerns are taken seriously and reported to the statutory authorities.

How to report a concern

If you have been abused in the past or have a concern about the welfare and safety of a child, please contact Margaret Northage, Designated Liaison Person, on 086 2183011. You may also go directly to the Gardaí or Tusla.

Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau: 01 6663430 or 01 6663435.

In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station: 074 91 67100. Tusla, Child and Family Agency: 074 9102233.

Counselling and support services

Towards Healing

Towards Healing is an independent organisation providing free professional counselling and support for people who have suffered clerical abuse. Free counselling is also available for a spouse or partner. The service is offered in a safe and respectful manner and is appropriate to the person’s needs.

Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Freephone 1800 303416. Hearing impaired text line: 085 8022859. Website: towardshealing.ie.

Towards Peace

Towards Peace offers a safe supportive space where people who have been affected by abuse in a Church context can be accompanied as they seek their own experience of spiritual peace, one step at a time.

Towards Peace Coordinator: Ms Una Allen. Telephone 01 5053028. Mobile 086 7710533.

The service is available on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 4pm and on Wednesday from 9am to 12 noon.

For out of office hours, please call 086 7710533 and leave a message.

Email [email protected]. Website: www.towardspeace.ie.

Further support listed by the diocese

CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland): Lo Call 1890 924567. Rape Crisis Centre: 1800 778888. Samaritans: 116 123. One in Four: 01 6624070.

Raphoe Safeguarding Office

Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Cathedral Square, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 HP66. Director of Safeguarding: Margaret Northage. Telephone 074 9125669. Email [email protected]. For Garda Vetting enquiries: [email protected].