Safeguarding Statement
This Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
​
Commitment to safeguarding children from harm
Caseload Social Work Services Limited is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and young people. We believe that all children and young persons have the right to be protected from harm and we will take all reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Definition of harm
Harm is defined as any action or inaction that results in or is likely to result in physical or emotional harm to a child or young person. This includes, but is not limited to, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Risk assessment
We have conducted a risk assessment to identify the potential risks to children and young people who avail of our services. The risk assessment identified the following risks:
-
Risk of harm to a child from the company’s officer or contractor
-
Risk of harm or concern not being recognized or reported
We have taken steps to mitigate these risks, including:
-
It has been determined that Caseload Social Work Services Limited meets the definition of the Relevant Organisation in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016
-
All persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons on behalf of Caseload Social Work Services Limited are appropriately vetted by the Garda National Vetting Bureau
-
All persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons on behalf of Caseload Social Work Services Limited have contractual arrangements, including the commitment to safeguarding children from harm.
-
All persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons on behalf of Caseload Social Work Services Limited are required to maintain professional registration with the relevant body (e.g. CORU).
-
All our social workers practice under their registered name, always disclose the registration number, and operate in line with the Social Workers Registration Board Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.
Procedure for reporting concerns about child safety
Each company officer and every person carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons on behalf of Caseload Social Work Services Limited has the status of a mandated person as defined by the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons are people who have contact with children and/or families who, by virtue of their qualifications, training, and experience, are in a key position to help protect children from harm.
Caseload Social Work Services Limited, all its officers and contractors are required to:
-
Report any emergency related to a child's safety to An Garda Síochána and do everything in their power to protect the child from immediate danger
-
Report suspected, alleged or actual harm to children to Tusla
-
Assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report
-
Report the above to the relevant person (Company’s Director).
Training and support for staff members
Caseload Social Work Services does not employ staff. All company officers follow the relevant recommendations (e.g., CORU) in relation to their continuous professional development. Additionally, Caseload Social Work Services Limited offers ongoing support to its contractors to help them identify and respond to child protection concerns.
Monitoring and review of the safeguarding statement
We will monitor and review this safeguarding statement regularly to ensure that it is up-to-date and effective.
Revised: 26 January 2024
​
Pawel Stepala | Director | Relevant Person
​
​