Dear Colleagues,

Children First refers to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Children First Act 2015. It is a generic term used to encompass the guidance, the legislation and the implementation of both.

The 'An Introduction to Children First' e-learning programme is mandatory for all HSE staff (permanent, temporary, agency, locum or visiting), students and volunteers, irrespective of role or grade. All staff must complete this training every three years and provide their line manager with a copy of their certificate for file. You can access information on Children First Training here.

The HSE Children First National Office has launched a revised HSE Child Protection and Welfare Policy.

Under the Children First Act 2015, all organisations providing ‘relevant services’, to children and families must have a Child Safeguarding Statement in place. This is a written statement, informed by a risk assessment that specifies the service being provided and the principles and procedures to be observed in order to ensure, as far as practicable, that a child availing of the service is safe from harm.

The Children First Act 2015 places a legal obligation on certain individuals known as Mandated Persons. Mandated Persons are people who because of their qualification, training and/or employment, are in a key position to help protect children from harm.

Do you need further help or information then visit the HSE Children First Website here. The website provides up-to-date information and resources that the Children First National Office produce to assist all HSE staff and staff in funded agencies.