LEGAL ISSUES FOR ALL APPI MEMBERS
APPI is pleased to advise that we have organised MANDATED PERSONS TRAINING for its members. All members are required to attend.
Under the provisions of the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017) professional training in recognising and disclosing abuse is a statutory requirement for all those working with children and vulnerable adults.
Whether or not you yourself work with children, ALL psychotherapists are considered to be a mandated person, to whom a disclosure may be made, under the Children First Act.
The training will be provided by LaTouche Training via Zoom. Attendees may choose to attend on one or other of the following dates:
Friday 30th October 2.00 – 5.00 pm
OR
Saturday 28th November 10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Please book on Eventbrite
Draft schedule on each date:
* Children First:
– National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017
– Children First Act 2015
– Responsibilities for Mandated Persons
– Identifying Child Abuse
– Four main types of abuse
– Reporting a Child Protection or Welfare Concern
– Case Study
Short break
* Issues around confidentiality, data protection
* Note taking
* Subpoenas
* Appearing as an Expert Witness
In preparation for the training, APPI recommends that you first complete the 90 minute e-learning program available at: https://childrenfirstuniversal.hseland.ie/en/
For further information on the duties and responsibilities of Mandated Persons, please see: https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/mandated-persons/what-are-the-legal-obligations-of-a-mandated-person/
During the first four months of the pandemic there was sharp increase in reporting of domestic and sexual abuse. The Rape Crisis Network identified helpline calls alone increased by 23%, with an overall increase of 98% in the number of survivors contacting for counselling supports over the period. Professionals across several disciplines have expressed concerns that children in families where stress has intensified due to Covid-19 are at risk of psychological and sexual abuse.