Frequently Asked Questions on Child Welfare and Protection
- To whom should I report concerns about suspected child abuse, a child being left alone or with inadequate supervision?
- What if I am mistaken about the suspected abuse I report?
- Will I have to give my name if I report suspected abuse?
- Who should I contact for more information on establishing a child protection policy in my organisation, or providing training for my staff in the area of child protection policy?
- How can I become a Foster Carer?
- How much is the allowance paid to Foster Carers?
- Who do I contact if I see a homeless child?
- Garda Vetting
To whom should I report concerns about suspected child abuse, a child being left alone or with inadequate supervision?
Any concern or worry in relation to the welfare or safety of a child should be made to the Social Worker in the HSE’s Local Health Office in the area where the child concerned resides.
Health Service Executive Child_Protection_Social_Work_Services
If the concern relates to an emergency situation you should contact the local Garda Siochana office.
What if I am mistaken about the suspected abuse I report?
Under law, nobody will be penalised for reporting suspected child abuse to the HSE or An Garda Síochána as long as the report is not malicious and their intentions are genuine.
It is important that suspected cases of abuse or children potentially at risk are reported. Contact the Social Worker in the Local Health Office in the area where the child resides and they will decide on follow up actions.
Health Service Executive Child_Protection_Social_Work_Services
Will I have to give my name if I report suspected abuse?
Not necessarily, although it is often harder to help children when reports are made anonymously. While Social Workers cannot guarantee confidentiality, in general they will not reveal the names of members of the public who report suspected child abuse, without permission.
Who should I contact for more information on establishing a child protection policy in my organisation, or providing training for my staff in the area of child protection policy?
Your Local Health Office of the HSE will have information on local procedures and services aimed at the safety and welfare of children.
Health Service Executive Child_Protection_Social_Work_Services
How can I become a Foster Carer?
Please contact your local Health Service Executive Office
Health Service Executive/Local Health Offices/
How much is the allowance paid to Foster Carers?
€325 per week per child under 12 years of age
€352 per week per child aged 12 years and over
Who do I contact if I see a homeless child?
You should contact your local Health Service Executive office
Health Service Executive/Local Health Offices/
Crisis Intervention Centre 01- 6755992
Health Service Executive/Child Protection Social Work Services/
Garda Vetting
Vetting of people who work with children is undertaken by the Garda Central Vetting Unit who can be contacted at 0504 27300.
It is important to note that the Garda Central Vetting Unit does not decide on the suitability of any person to work with children and vulnerable adults. Decisions on suitability for recruitment rest at all times on the recruiting organisation, and the results of vetting should form only one component of the recruitment decision.
When are the Revised Children First Guidelines due to be launched?
The revised Guidelines available on this website are not yet operational. The content is being updated and an announcement will follow on the date of the re-launch and publication of the revised Guidelines. The original version of Children First remains in operation until the launch of the new version.
