Child Protection Unit

Introduction

The University recognizes that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of the University and therefore must be reflected (where applicable) in its policies and procedures, practices and activities.  

The University’s Child Protection Policy, and associated information, are provided on this section of the website and a dedicated Child Protection Gmail Account has been established to facilitate reporting of child protection matters at child.protection@dcu.ie

Reporting Child Protection Concerns

The Child Safeguarding Statement sets out the guiding principles when reporting child protection concerns.  All child protection concerns must be routed through the DCU Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and it is the DLP who has responsibility for making reports to TUSLA, An Garda Síochána and any other external agencies. In the event that the concern relates to the DCU Designated Liaison Person, the concern must be reported to the DCU President. In the event that the DLP is not available the concern should be reported to either the Deputy President or the Deputy Chief Operations Officer who have both been designated as Deputy Designated Liaison Persons (DDLP).

Designated Liaison Persons Contact details

Last Updated - April 27th 2022

Introduction

The Child Protection training course referred to in the University's Child Protection Policy and procedures is provided by Tusla, the Irish Child and Family Agency.

The course may be accessed through the University's Essential eLearning platform. 

The Tusla course is a requirement for all colleagues interacting with minors from across DCU and its wholly-owned companies.

Course Details

Tusla's course is based on Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the Children First Act 2015.

The course covers topics including:

• • Recognising and reporting child abuse
  • The role of mandated persons
  • The responsibilities of organisations working with children to safeguard children
  • The role of designated liaison persons

Duration: Takes maximum 1.5 hours to complete but it can be done in a number of sittings.

Intended Audience: All staff dealing with minors from across DCU and its campus companies. 

Instructions  

• Create an account on TUSLA's website using your DCU staff email address to log in and complete the progamme. 

• Once you have finished the course, you must complete this 2-minute Knowledge Check (70% pass rate. Multiple attempts are permitted). 

Please contact the Office of the Chief Operation Officer for any queries in relation to the Child Protection Policy. Alternatively, please send an email to the address below. 

e: child.protection@dcu.ie