James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Children First Act 2015 has recently been signed into law. The introduction of this legislation is in line with a key Programme for Government commitment, and it represents an important addition to the child welfare and protection system as it will help to ensure that child protection concerns are brought to the attention of the Child and Family Agency without delay.

The Act provides for mandatory reporting by key professionals; comprehensive risk assessment and planning for a strong organisational culture of ‘safe’ places for all services provided to children; a register of non-compliance; and the statutory underpinning of the existing Children First Interdepartmental Implementation Group which promotes and oversees cross-sectoral implementation and compliance with Children First. Commencement is by way of Ministerial regulation and to date, sections 1-5 and section 28 have been commenced. The intention is that Part IV (sections 20 to 26) in relation to the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group, will be commenced in the near future.

The legislation will operate side-by-side with the existing non-statutory obligations provided for in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011. The Guidance is currently being revised and updated to take account of the new legislative obligations so as to provide in one place a comprehensive reference resource for individuals and organisations. This will provide clarity and ensure consistency between the legislation and the existing non-statutory obligations which will continue to operate administratively for all sections of society. Children First implementation will continue to be supported through the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group which includes representatives of all Government Departments, the Child and Family Agency and An Garda Síochána.

In the meantime, the existing Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011 remains in operation.