Advice, guidance and supports

The HSE can provide advice, guidance and supports to organisations and individuals working with children.

Advice for organisations

All statutory, voluntary and community organisations working with and in direct contact with children should have procedures and guidelines derived from and consistent with the current Children First National Guidance for their staff and volunteers.

The HSE provides support for external services through Children First Information and Advice Officers.

Children First Information and Advice Officers are available to provide a link between the HSE and external agencies, i.e. voluntary/community (Youth, religious, disability services), statutory (e.g. Local Government Management Services Board, Dept. of Education and Skills, Irish Sports Council) and private providers (e.g. residential services, early years).

This involves giving information and advice to enable them to devise and develop the necessary response to the Children First National Guidance.

To inform and assist external groups and agencies dealing with children around their tasks, functions and responsibilities regarding Children First.

To provide training programmes and assist groups in developing their own training packages and child protection policies and procedures for their organisation

Advice for individuals

As a member of the public, if you have concerns about a child but are not sure what to do, or if you are worried about a child’s safety or welfare, you should contact your local HSE Children and Family Social Work Services. If a child is in danger outside office hours you can contact the Gardai.

Professionals and those involved in organisations working with children who have concerns about a child but are not sure what to do, should discuss these with the Children First Designated Liaison Person in your organisation, or contact the HSE Children and Family Services for advice

Children First Information and Advice Officers
Children First Information and Advice Officers provide a link between the HSE and voluntary and community organisations and groups.

Social Workers

Social workers provide frontline services to children and families. Click on your county below for contact details for HSE Social Workers.