Welcome to the Safeguarding Website for the Diocese of Down and Connor

The practice of safeguarding within the diocese refers to the wide range of services, plans and activities that are put in place to protect both children and adults who may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect from being exploited or harmed.

Safeguarding within our Church community is about making our Church a safe, welcoming and enriching place for children, young people and adults and those who may be at risk of harm. Although the Safeguarding Office may take a lead role in outlining the key aspects of what needs to be in place to protect children and adults from harm, safeguarding is very much a shared community responsibility in which each and every one of us has a part to play, whether that is reporting a concern about a child or adult or by simply volunteering in your parish in any of our safeguarding activities. Read more

Latest News & Events

UPDATE JULY 2024 – National Board Revised Child Protection Policy and Standards

On the 11th June 2024 the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland issued the revised  safeguarding policy and standards “A Safe and Welcoming Church, Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland, 2024.” This is a significant publication and replaces “Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the […]

UPDATE April 2024 – Spring Newsletter E-Bulletin

SPRING NEWSLETTER – E-Bulletin

UPDATE – August 2024 – Advice of Office Closure- Safeguarding Office & Northern Diocese Vetting Office

The Safeguarding Office and Northern Diocese Vetting Office will be closing on Thursday 22nd August 2024 and will not re-open until Tuesday 27th August 2024. Emails and telephone calls will not be monitored during this time. If you have a concern in relation to a Child, young person or adult at risk, you can contact […]

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Safeguarding Office – established 2008