Child protection refers to the measures and practices put in place to safeguard children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. It involves ensuring that children grow up in a safe and nurturing environment where their rights are respected and their well-being is prioritised. The goal of child protection is to intervene when necessary to protect children from harm and to support families in providing a safe and caring environment.
The National Child Protection Unit plays a crucial role in safeguarding children in Ireland. It is part of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau and works to protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect. The unit collaborates with other agencies, such as Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) to protect children and ensure their welfare.
Child abuse refers to any action or inaction that harms a child's physical, emotional, or psychological well-being. It is categorised into four main types:
- Neglect: Failing to provide adequate care, supervision, or essentials like food, clothing, and medical attention.
- Emotional Abuse: Behaviours that harm a child's self-esteem or emotional development, such as rejection, criticism, or lack of affection.
- Physical Abuse: Intentional physical harm, including hitting, burning, or other forms of violence.
- Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity involving a child, including exploitation or exposure to inappropriate content.
Abuse can occur in various settings, within families, communities, or institutions and may involve someone known to the child or a stranger. Recognising and addressing abuse is critical to ensuring children's safety and well-being.
Recognising the signs of child abuse or neglect can be challenging, as they may vary depending on the type of abuse and the child's age. However, some common indicators include:
- Behavioural Changes: Unexplained shifts in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or unusually aggressive.
- Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or frequent accidents.
- Developmental Delays: Struggles with language, social skills, or physical development.
- Neglect Indicators: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, inappropriate clothing for weather conditions, or frequent absences from school.
- Emotional Signs: Low self-esteem, fearfulness, or knowledge of adult topics inappropriate for their age.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect in Ireland, here’s how you can report it:
- Contact Tusla -Child and Family Agency: You can report your concerns to the local Tusla social work office in the area where the child lives. You can find contact details for local offices here.
- In Emergency Situations: If a child is in immediate danger, contact An Garda Síochána by calling 112 or 999.
- Provide Relevant Information: When making a report, include as much detail as possible about the child, their circumstances, and the reasons for your concern. This helps professionals assess the situation effectively.
- Confidentiality: Reports can be made confidentially, and you don’t need to have proof of abuse. Reasonable grounds for concern are sufficient.
Safeguarding children is a shared duty. By staying vigilant and reporting concerns promptly, we can work together to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
If you suspect a child is at risk of harm, report it to An Garda Síochána immediately:
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Local Garda Station: Visit garda.ie for contact details.
- Report child protection concerns to Tusla: www.tusla.ie
- Garda Confidential Number 1800 666 111
- Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting phone line number 1800 555 222
In Ireland, certain professionals and individuals are required by law to report concerns about child abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities, this is known as mandated reporting.
Mandated Reporters include:
- Gardaí
- Healthcare Professionals
- Teaches and Educators
- Social Workers and Childcare Professionals
- Youth workers and Counsellors
If you have concerns about a child’s safety or well-being, report them. Your actions can help protect a child from harm
An Garda Síochána collaborates closely with Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), to ensure the safety and protection of children. Their partnership is guided by protocols like the Joint Working Protocol and the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
Here's examples of how they work together:
- Information Sharing: Gardaí and Tusla exchange relevant information to assist in child protection investigations and welfare assessments.
- Joint Investigations: They coordinate efforts to investigate suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, ensuring both criminal and welfare aspects are addressed.
- Emergency Interventions: In urgent situations, Gardaí may intervene to protect children from immediate harm, often in collaboration with Tusla.
- Liaison Teams: Dedicated liaison teams oversee communication and cooperation between the Garda and Tusla
This collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to child protection, combining legal enforcement with welfare support.
If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing physical or sexual abuse, it’s important to act promptly and safely. The following steps are here to support you.
Make Sure Your Child Is Safe
- Remove your child from immediate danger if you can do so safely.
- If you believe your child is in urgent danger, call 999 or 112 immediately.
- Listen, Reassure, and Stay Calm
Allow your child to speak freely, if they choose to talk.
- Stay calm and avoid reacting with shock or anger.
- Reassure them: "You’re safe now. I'm here. You’ve done nothing wrong."
Do Not Question Them Repeatedly
- Avoid asking detailed questions or pressing them to repeat what happened.
- Allow specially trained professionals to handle further disclosure.
Seek Medical Attention if Needed
- If your child is injured or you’re concerned about their health, bring them to a doctor or hospital.
- Medical staff can assess, treat, and document any harm.
Report Your Concerns
- You can report suspected abuse to:
- An Garda Síochána – at your local Garda station or by calling 999/112
- Tusla – Child and Family Agency – via their online portal or by contacting your local office
Keep a Record
- Write down what your child said, when they said it, and anything you observed (e.g. behaviour, injuries, who was present).
- These notes may help Gardaí later.
- Do Not Confront the Alleged Abuser
- Confronting the person may put you or your child at risk or interfere with a possible investigation.
Seek Support for You and Your Child
- Abuse is traumatic — you and your child may benefit from counselling or emotional support.
- Tusla and organisations such as CARI and Barnardos offer support services for families.
Need Help Right Now?
- Emergency: Call 999 / 112
- Your Local Garda Station: Garda Station Directory
- Tusla Duty Social Work: Tusla Social Worker Directory
Online abuse can take many forms including:
- Grooming
- Sharing explicit images or videos (Sextortion)
- Cyberbullying or emotional manipulation
- Exposure to harmful content
- Online Stalking or harassment
What should I do?
Stay calm and reassure your child. Let them know they are not in trouble and you are here to help and protect them
Do not delete messages, images, apps or accounts.
Save any evidence. It may be crucial for Gardaí
Report the incident immediately
Report harmful content or accounts on the platform used.
Use in app reporting tools on social media, messaging apps or gaming platforms
Seek support services
If your child has experienced online abuse, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. There are expert services in Ireland that can support both you and your child, confidentially, compassionately and without judgement.
A range of trusted organisations in Ireland offer, emotional practical support to guide you through what happens next.
Remember your child is not to blame for what has happened online. Abuse of any kind, including digital exploitation is taken very seriously by An Garda Síochána.
If your child tells you they have been harmed, stay calm and listen. Reassure them they have done the right thing by speaking up, and let them know they are safe and believed.
Avoid asking detailed questions, simply let them talk at their own pace and seek professional support as soon as possible to help them process what they have experienced.
An Garda Síochána has speciality trained Child specialist interviewers who work with children who have experienced abuse both as victims and witnesses. These Garda members are trained in child centred, trauma informed techniques to help children give their account in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.
If a child discloses abuse, the statement may be taken through a video recorded interview in line with best practices and legal standards. These interviews are designed to reduces stress and avoid re-traumatisation. In some cases , the recorded interview can be used as the child’s evidence in court, helping to minimise the need for them to appear in person.
Our goal is to support the child at every stage, from initial disclosure to investigation and, if necessary, through the court process, while protecting their rights and well-being.
An Garda Síochána – Online Child Exploitation Unit
What they do: Investigate online grooming, child sexual exploitation, and the sharing of explicit images of children.
Visit: garda.ie/en/crime/online-child-exploitation
In an emergency, always call 999 or 112
Report at any local Garda station
Tusla – Child and Family Agency
What they do: Assess child protection concerns and provide family support services.
Online reporting portal: tusla.ie/children-first/web-portal
Local office directory: tusla.ie/get-in-touch/local-area-offices
Contact your local Duty Social Work Team
ISPCC / Childline
What they do: 24/7 support for children and young people. Offers advice and emotional support via phone, text, and online chat.
Website for parents and professionals: ispcc.ie
Childline: childline.ie
Freephone: 1800 66 66 66
Text: 50101
Online chat: Available on childline.ie
Coimisiún na Meán
What they do: Irish independent media regulator. Responsible for regulating broadcasters, video-on-demand providers and online platforms established in Ireland
Website: www.cnam.ie
Phone: +353 1 963 7755
Email: usersupport@cnam.ie
Webwise
What they do: Provide guides and expert advice to parents, teachers, and children on safe internet use.
Website: webwise.ie/parents
Topics include social media safety, grooming, sexting, screen time, and online bullying.
Free explainer videos, conversation starters, and school resources.
Hotline.ie
What they do: Accept confidential reports about illegal online content, including child sexual abuse material.
Report anonymously: hotline.ie
Do not download or share illegal content, just report it.
Barnardos
What they do: Provide counselling and practical support for children and families affected by abuse and trauma, including online safety.
Website: barnardos.ie
Parent Supportline: 1800 910 123 (Mon–Fri, 10am–2pm)
Email support: parentsupport@barnardos.ie
CyberSafeKids
What they do: Educate parents and children on digital safety. Offer talks for schools and resources for families.
Website: cybersafekids.ie
Resources include guides on apps, gaming, and screen time.
Parentline
What they do: Offer a confidential helpline for parents struggling with any parenting challenge, including online issues.
Website: parentline.ie
Call: 01 873 3500
One in Four
What they do: Specialised support and advocacy for families affected by child sexual abuse (including online abuse).
Website: oneinfour.ie
Call: 01 662 4070
Email: info@oneinfour.ie
The National Parents Council Primary (NPC)
What they do: Provide guidance and a helpline for parents of primary school children, including on internet use.
Website: npc.ie
Helpline: 01 887 4477
Email: helpline@npc.ie
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the practice of altering or removing parts of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is recognised as a form of child abuse and a violation of human rights. FGM is illegal in many countries, including Ireland, and is considered a serious child protection issue as FGM is often performed on young girls, making them vulnerable to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Child protection frameworks, such as Ireland's Children First Act 2015, mandate professionals to report concerns about FGM to authorities like Tusla or An Garda Síochána. These measures aim to prevent FGM, protect at-risk children, and support survivors.
Raising awareness about the dangers of FGM and educating communities is a key aspect to prevent the practice. Operation Limelight led by GNPSB, is a multiagency approach aimed at raising awareness to the harmful and illegal practice of Female Genital Mutilation with Days of Action at ports of entry and exit to the country. You can find more information on the work that An Garda Síochána do to raise awareness of this illegal and harmful practice here.
Barnahus, which means "Children's House," is a child-friendly, multidisciplinary model designed to support children who may have experienced sexual abuse. In Ireland, Barnahus integrates services like health, medical care, child protection, therapy, and policing under one roof to ensure a coordinated and effective response. This approach aims to minimise trauma for children by reducing the number of times they need to recount their experiences and by providing a safe, supportive environment.
Barnahus provides a range of specialised services to support children who may have experienced abuse. These services may include:
- Forensic Interviews: Conducted by trained professionals in a child-friendly environment to gather evidence while minimising trauma.
- Medical Examinations: Forensic medical assessments to ensure the child's physical health and collect evidence if necessary.
- Therapeutic Support: Counselling and therapy services to help children and their families cope with the emotional impact of abuse.
- Child Protection Services: Coordinated efforts to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
This Interagency collaboration between An Garda Síochána, Tusla and the HSE, aims to provide a seamless and effective response.
Locations of Barnahus in Ireland:
There are currently two Barnahus in Ireland. Barnahus West is based in Galway and serves the Northwest, West and Midwest of Ireland. Find out more information on Barnahus here.
Contact details:
Barnahus West on 087 4638779 / barnahuswest@tusla.ie
Barnahus South on 021 4923302 / barnahussouth@tusla.ie
Here are some key organisations and partners that work alongside An Garda Síochána to protect children and support victims of abuse, exploitation, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):
Child Protection & Family Support:
- Tusla – Child and Family Agency (www.tusla.ie)
- National agency for child protection, welfare, and fostering services.
- Provides support for families and professionals dealing with child abuse cases.
- Barnardos Ireland (www.barnardos.ie)
- Offers counselling and practical support to children and families affected by abuse and trauma.
- ISPCC Childline (www.childline.ie)
- Free, 24/7 support service for children and young people who need help.
- Call 1800 66 66 66 or text 50101.
Support for Victims of Domestic & Sexual Abuse:
- Women’s Aid (www.womensaid.ie)
- Provides confidential support for women experiencing domestic violence.
- 24-hour helpline: 1800 341 900.
- Rape Crisis Network Ireland (www.rcni.ie)
- National network offering support to survivors of sexual violence.
- One in Four (www.oneinfour.ie)
- Specialises in supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Barnahus
- Barnahus West (Galway): Phone: 087 4638779 Email: barnahuswest@tusla.ie
- Barnahus South (Cork): Phone: 021 4923302 Email: barnahussouth@tusla.ie
- These centres provide integrated services for children and families
FGM Prevention & Support
- AkiDwA – Migrant Women’s Network (www.akidwa.ie)
- Works to eliminate FGM and support survivors in Ireland.
- Provides education, advocacy, and survivor support services.
- IFPA – Irish Family Planning Association (www.ifpa.ie)
- Offers medical and counselling support to survivors of FGM.
- MECPATHS (Mercy Efforts for Child Protection Against Trafficking with the Hospitality Sector) (www.mecpaths.ie)
- Focuses on tackling child trafficking in Ireland.