Newsletter May 2012

The Government is clearly demonstrating that it is moving quickly on the issue of child protection, and disability organisations need to be aware of the implications of the proposed legislation and constitutional changes. The Heads of the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children Bill were published on 25th April. The purpose of this Bill is to put Children First on a statutory footing, including the obligation to report suspicions of abuse. It is intended that all legislation pertaining to this subject will be in place and operational by January 2013.

We know, too, that the proposed referendum on Children”s Rights is to be held this year. The Ryan, Murphy and Cloyne Reports, and their revelations about the appalling treatment of children in care of both the State and Religious orders, were such that one would think that we could never forget our duty and our responsibilities to children. With the proposed legislative and constitutional changes I would encourage all disability organisations to take that time now to seriously consider how we are actively and honestly putting children first, within our organisations, and within our services. Further information on this is within the newsletter.

John Dolan
CEO