Children First refers to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Children First Act 2015. It is a generic term used to encompass the guidance, the legislation and the implementation of both.

Children First promotes the protection and welfare of children and outlines how to help to protect them from harm or abuse. It details what you must do if you have a concern that a child has been, is being, or is at risk of being abused or neglected. Children First applies to everyone, including adult services, HSE funded services and HSE contracted services.

The safety and welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. It is HSE policy that all staff irrespective of role, grade or position must promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. It is not okay to do nothing if you have any information that a child has been, is being or is at risk of being abused or neglected. These responsibilities are especially relevant for health and social care professionals, even if you work in an adult based service.

HSE staff should promote the welfare of all children, and where you have a concern in relation to the safety, welfare or protection of a child, you must report this to the appropriate statutory agencies; Tusla - Child and Family Agency and/or An Garda Síochána.

All staff members are required to complete the mandatory 'An Introduction to Children First' e-learning programme on HSEland (see Training section below for further information)

All staff members are required to read the HSE Children Protection and Welfare Policy and sign the signature sheet in Appendix 3 (see HSE Child Protection and Welfare Policy section below for further information)