NIASW Evidence to the Dept of Culture Arts and Leisure on the Committee Investigation into Gaps in Child Protection across the Culture, Arts and Leisure Sectors
NIASW, as the professional association of social work in Northern Ireland, welcome this very timely investigation by the Committee into Child Protection and Safeguarding across the Culture, Leisure and Arts remit. Given the recent disclosures about J Savile and the on-going nature of “Operation Yew Tree” we are reminded that Child Protection is not the preserve of Social Workers and Social Services; everyone has a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and protected and all public bodies have a responsibility to ensure that:
1. They have systems and procedures in place to safeguard children.
2. That the systems are fit for purpose.
The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has responsibility for a large number of volunteer groups and museums where there would be substantial contact with children and as such it is essential to ensure that the proper governance arrangements are in place to protect children.
Looking at your terms of reference it is clear that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure seek to do that across the culture, arts and leisure remit and we support your efforts to that end; this inquiry can do much to safeguard children and it is important to take stock, explore existing structures and identify current gaps. It is also essential to learn from best practice across all sectors and as such NIASW has begun to consult with members to gather their experiences from practice so that we could share them with you in oral evidence if requested to attend the committee.
Published : 14th February 2013
Author : NISAW [ More From This Author ]
Publisher : NIASW [ More From This Publisher ]
Rights : NIASW
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