Balyna Parish Safeguarding Children Statement

The PARISH OF BALYNA values and encourages the participation of children and young people in parish liturgies and activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and intellectual development, and will work in partnership with parents at all times.

The Gospel of Christ invites us to cherish and affirm each child as a gift from God with an inherent right to dignity of life and bodily integrity which shall be respected, nurtured and protected by all.  Everyone in the Church has an obligation to ensure that the fundamental rights of children are respected.

In keeping with this, we, in this parish, undertake to do all in our power to create safe environments where the welfare of children and young people is paramount.  This duty of care extends to all the many and varied ways that children share in the life of the Church in our parish and in our diocese.

Partnership with Civil Authorities

Our parish is committed to working in partnership with the civil authorities to ensure that all aspects of child welfare are managed justly and promptly.  We adhere to statutory policy, notably ‘Children First‘: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011). All child protection concerns shall be reported to the civil authorities without delay.

Procedures

The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is committed to following best practice as specified by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI).  Our Diocesan child protection procedures are set out in our publication – “Kildare  & Leighlin Diocese: Safeguarding Policy and Procedures” .  This document can be downloaded from the Diocesan Website – www.kandle.ie

As required of all church personel in this Diocese, we will adhere to “Kildare  & Leighlin Diocese: Safeguarding Policy and Procedures”.

 

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

GUIDELINES ON PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY

IN BALYNA PARISH.

In terms of the Kildare & Leighlin Diocesan Safeguarding Children Guidelines, best practice would suggest that NO photography or videography should take place in the church DURING the celebration of Masses. Church Services or Sacraments. However, before and after ceremonies of public worship, people are free to take photographs inside or outside the church as they wish.

If a professional photographer/videographer is being used in and official capacity, he/she should be instructed not to distract from the solemn nature of the celebration and at no time should he/she enter the sanctuary area. Parental consent for the taking of the photographs must be obtained my the professional photographer/videographer from ALL parents/guardians in advance of a liturgical celebration.