Our safeguarding team and child protection policy

Rosario Youth Centre has primary responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of the young people in its membership. The Youth Centre will carry out this duty through its Pastoral care Policy which aims to provide a safe environment, valuing individuals for their unique talents and abilities.

One way in which we seek to protect our young people is by helping them learn about the risks of possible abuse, helping them to recognise unwelcome behaviours in others and to acquire the confidence and skills they need to keep themselves safe.

All staff and others working in the Youth Centre have a duty to protect children and young people from abuse or risk of abuse.

In Rosario, the welfare of each child and young person is our paramount consideration. Everyone who works in our Youth Centre - youth workers and volunteers - has clear guidance on the action which is required where the abuse or neglect of a child or young person is suspected.

All staff have been given guidelines concerning their behaviour towards young people.

Our Roles

  • Natalie is the Designated Officer with responsibility for coordinating action on child protection matters within the youth centre and liaising with social services and the police over cases of actual or suspected abuse.

  • Mark and Luke are the Deputy Designated Officers with responsibility in Natalie’s absence.

  • Susan is the Management Committee Officer who will take responsibility in the absence of the Designated or Deputy Designated Officers above.

Our partnership with parents

In Rosario Youth Centre we have always stressed the importance of staff working in partnership with parents and would seek to convey to parents how much we value their support and co-operation as part of our Child Protect Policy.

We would wish to emphasise to parents our responsibility for the welfare of all young people in our centre.

Also that we may be obliged to refer cases to the investigative agencies in the interests of the child.

Should parents have any concerns about safety they should speak to one of the Designated Officers listed above. Any disclosures made by a young person or staff are also reported to one of the people listed above.

Complaints

Should you have any complaints, in the first instance you should follow our complaints procedure. If you are still concerned, you should speak to the Chairperson of the Committee, Noel Savage.