Health Minister launches Protection of Children legislation

Health Minister, Angela Smith announced that child protection legislation under the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order (2003), has been brought forward by the Department.

The legislation aims to offer greater protection to children and vulnerable adults by placing specific requirements on certain organisations which work with them.

Commenting on the publication, the Minister said: “The Information Note published today is designed to help organisations working with children to understand the legislation and to consider the implications it will have for them. It is also intended to enable organisations to make the necessary preparations in advance of the Order being commenced.

“Recent traumatic and highly publicised events, involving children, are stark reminders of our responsibility to offer them protection. The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order is part of a package of measures introduced by my Department designed to help us fulfil that responsibility to children, especially in situations where they are away from home.”

Today's Note sets out the main provisions of the Order which relate to those working with children including the requirements for certain children’s organisations to carry out pre-employment checks on those they employ and to report individuals found to be unsuitable to work with children.

It also provides information on a system of accreditation, an appeals process, criminal offences and court-imposed disqualification Orders, all of which will be introduced by the legislation.

The INfornmation Note will be issued widely to children’s organisations operating in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors and is also available on the Department’s website at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/.

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