Review of Child Welfare documents

Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2008 - this document is reviewed by the National Children's Officer and the Child Welfare Committee every two years.  2010 will see this valuable document revised and updated and ready for members towards the end of the year.  If any member has a comment or contribution please let the NCO or your local CWC representative know.  We will be very happy to discuss your comments and thoughts.  This document is available for download in the Guidelines Policy and Information section.

Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport - this document is produced by the Irish Sports Council and was last revised and published in 2006.  Please check the outer back cover to ensure your copy is up to date.  With the advent of a review being undertaken of Children First this document will be updated through individual information sheets until all changes in legislation and policies have been agreed.  This document is available at all child protection courses and can be viewed through the following link

 http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Participation/Code_of_Ethics/

Children First - these are the national guidelines for the welfare and protection of children.  The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs have published a revised “Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection & Welfare of Children”. The document is available below for downloading - there are no hardcopies available.

  Children First Reviewed 2009.pdf

For any queries please contact the NCO: Kate Hills at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 086 8560672

Video and Photography Information

In the Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2008 there are detailed procedures for videoing and photographing children.  This is an area that adults must be vigilant in - an inappropriate or identifiable photograph of a child is easily transported and very easily distributed. 

All adults taking photographs should be registered with either the facility or the event organiser (for competitions/camps).  The photographic policy is not designed to prevent parents from obtaining treasured memories of their children's achievements, it is about ensuring that is the only use of the pictures.  Please be vigilant.

Clubs and teams are increasingly looking to use the technology available to give swimmers, divers and players the best feedback on technique and performance as possible.  Often this involves the use of video analysis.  Clubs and teams must be aware of the permissions needed There should be clear communication with parents and children regarding the use of such equipment and the images taken including the storage or destruction of material once it has served it's purpose.

The recommended permision document is available for download below.

For further queries please contact the NCO, Kate Hills at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 086 8560672

  Photography and Video Permission 2010      

Social Service Contact numbers

Attached are the listings for Duty Social Work teams in both Ireland and Northern Ireland.  Duty social workers can be contacted during the hours shown for informal advice and consultations as well as lodging a report. 

For all matters the local office should be contacted.  If an emergency issue arises outside the hours shown the Garda or PSNI should be contacted. 

These numbers can also be found in the back of the Swim Ireland Guidelines for Safeguarding Children 2008.  All Clubs and Club Children's Officers should have a copy of this document. 

For any further enquiries please contact the NCO: Kate Hills at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 086 8560672

  Child Protection Social Work Services

  Contact details for Northern Ireland