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Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003 Ann Mooney Child Care Policy Directorate Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Overview. Commenced 1 April 2005 Strengthened protection arrangements for children
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Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003Ann MooneyChild Care Policy DirectorateDepartment of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Overview • Commenced 1 April 2005 • Strengthened protection arrangements for children • Placed Pre-Employment Consultancy Service on a statutory basis
Overview • Disqualification List • Automatic right of Appeal to Care Tribunal • Choosing to Protect www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/poc.pdf
Main Provisions • Robust recruitment procedures • Requirement to refer • Disqualification List • Regulated Position • Requirement to check
Criteria for Referral • Individual must have harmed or put a child at risk of harm ANDhas: • been dismissed; • resigned or retired in circumstances where he or she would have been dismissed; • been transferred to a non regulated position; • been suspended pending a decision on dismissal or transfer.
Checking Procedures • DHSSPS/DE Statutory Lists • PSNI Criminal Records check • Disqualification Orders
Offences It is an offence to: • Apply for, offer to do, accept or do any work in a regulated position if disqualified; • To knowingly offer work in a regulated position to a disqualified person; • Fail to remove such a person from a regulated position or to procure work in a regulated position for a disqualified person.
Accreditation • Article 18 • Voluntary System • Accredited organisation = child care organisation • Requirement to refer and check • Evidence of minimum child protection standards
Accreditation Process • Assessment Centre • Accrediting Body • Assessment Questionnaire • Standards • Appeals
Future Changes • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 was made on 2 May 2007 • This allows NI to keep pace with England & Wales • It introduces monitoring, continuous updating and further offences • Due to commence in NI at end of 2008
Useful contacts Choosing to Protect guidance available to download from: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/poc.pdf
Referral Queries Ann Mooney 9052 2131 Norma Downey 9052 2009 Registration Queries Paul O’Hare 9052 2559