The Child Safeguarding Statement of our Family Therapy Practice is as follows:

- Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy Practice provides therapy to both adults and children and as such is considered a ‘relevant service provider’.

NATURE OF SERVICE BEING PROVIDED:

- The therapeutic work with children that we provide is a professional piece of work between the qualified and accredited family therapist and the young person accessing Systemic Psychotherapy. This work aims to provide the child with a safe and confidential ( within the limits set out in Children First Act 2015) space where they can express themselves, process and come to have greater understanding of themselves and their context. The therapist listens, supports and helps to resource the child in order to create what change is possible. Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy supports and promotes the principle that the best interest of children is paramount and are committed to safeguarding and protecting children from harm. The Practice is committed to upholding the rights of every child and young person, including the rights to be kept safe, protected from harm, listened to and heard.

The practice policy and procedures to safeguard children reflect national policy and legislation and are underpinned by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, DCYA, 2017, Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Practice and Procedure, Tusla, 2018, and the Children First Act 2015.

RISK ASSESSMENT:

In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while engaging with the practice. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified is detailed as an appendix to this document, and service procedures for managing those risks are included.

PROCEDURES:

As required by the Children First Act 2015 and Children First National Guidance for Protection and Welfare of Children, 2017, the following safeguarding policies/procedures/measures are in place.

A Designated Liaison Person has been appointed

Child Protection and Welfare Reporting Procedures

Confidentiality Policy

Policy for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse or Neglect Against Employees/Therapists

Procedure for Managing Child Protection Records

Garda Vetting Policy

Staff have completed the Tusla eLearning module – Introduction to Children First, and relevant staff have attended ‘Children First Child Protection Training’ and are committed to the ongoing professional development in this area.

Therapists have access to regular Supervision and Support in line with the service policy.

Policy for managing non Practice individuals interaction with children and families while in the shared office space.

IMPLEMANTATION:

Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy Practice recognises that implementation is an ongoing process This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed on March 11th 2026, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy Practice is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while engaging in our services.

This statement will be published on the Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy Practice website and will be displayed in the in physical premises of Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy Practice .

A copy of this Statement has been made available to Tusla..

It is an offence under the Withholding Information on Offences Act (2012) to fail to report to An Garda Síochana information regarding certain offences .

Appendix 1: Risk Assessment

Oonagh Ryan Family Therapy Practice has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while availing of the Practice services. Below is a list of the areas of risk identified and the list of procedures for managing these risks.

Person carrying out Risk Assessment: Oonagh Ryan as relevant service provider and mandated reporter.

Date: 11/03/2025

Next Assessment : 11/03/2026