As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this.  We recognise each child as a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.  

All Church personnel (including clergy, religious, staff and volunteers) have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their welfare, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.  

 

National Safeguarding Policy Document 

The safeguarding children policy document is available to download: A Safe and Welcoming Church, Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2024.pdf

 

Child Safeguarding Statement 

This statement has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and is derived from A Safe and Welcoming Church, Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2024 and can be downloaded here: Child Safeguarding Statement

 

Guidance 

For the procedures to implement the child safeguarding policy, the Diocese of Ferns follows the guidance of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) which is available here.  

The Diocese had developed a  Safeguarding Handbook for Ferns 2025 which is a quick reference book reflecting frequently asked questions.

If you have a child/vulnerable adult safeguarding concern or wish to raise a matter from the past you may contact:

Director of Safeguarding / DLP: Lisa Delaney

Call: 053 917 4972 or 087 718 5541 or email: safeguarding@ferns.ie

Lisa is on leave until November 2025 and Fintan Fanning is the contact person in her absence

 

Towards Healing is a counselling and support service for survivors of Institutional, Clerical and Religious abuse, funded by the Catholic Church.

Towards Peace offers spiritual support to survivors of abuse by Church personnel.  The service is  for those whose faith has been damaged by abuse and who wish to continue their search for meaning and for God.

Civil Authorities

  • Enniscorthy Gardaí  053-9242580    
  • Gorey Gardaí             053-9430690    
  • New Ross Gardaí      051-426030      
  • Wexford Gardaí        053-9165200 
  • Wicklow Gardaí        0404 67107
  • Tusla Wexford           053 91 98134
  • Tusla Wicklow           01 9213400   
  • Garda Child Sex Abuse Free Phone   1800 555 222

Other Support Services