New Child Protection Guidelines Available from the Arts Council

14/10/2008

The Voluntary Development Agency has been supported through a Lottery Business Support Award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to develop best practice child protection guidelines for arts sector organisations to support the development and implementation of policies. The guidelines are for use by organisations within the local arts sector.

To download the Guidelines (PDF) click here

Describing the Guidelines, Gavin O’Connor, Arts Development Officer said ’The Arts Council is committed to providing a high level of service to all our clients and as the lead development organisation for the arts in Northern Ireland, we believe that the welfare of the child, young person and vulnerable adult is paramount and all have the right to protection from abuse. These new Guidelines will enable staff and volunteers to ensure that their work with children and young people is always legal and appropriate.’

The resource document outlines legislative and good practice guidelines for working with children. Organisations should take these guidelines and adapt them to suit their specific activities and organisational structure.