Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003 Pat McGlew Child Care Policy Directorate Department 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 AND has: 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 Against DHSSPS/DE Statutory Lists PSNI Criminal Records check Disqualification Orders

Offences It will be 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

THANK YOU www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/poc.pdf