Welcome from Bishop Smith

The words of Jesus reveal his tender and gentle attitude to children and to all those who are vulnerable. We aim to reflect this attitude of Jesus in all activities involving children and young people in the Diocese of Meath. We value and encourage the active participation of children and young people in the life of the Church.

We also endeavour to ensure that their fundamental right to be respected, cared for and protected is upheld in accordance with the teaching of the Gospel and civil legislation.

This will be achieved through the development of best practice in the area of safeguarding children across every aspect of life in our Diocese.

Diocesan Safeguarding Children Committee

Committee members are drawn from across the diocese and they bring to this role various skills in education, law, psychology, counselling, parish ministry and social work.

further details available here (on page 2)

Advisory Case Management Committee

This Committee is appointed by the Bishop and works to ensure an effective response is made to complaints and the appropriate pastoral care is put in place.

further details available here (on page 2)

Deanery Resource Personnel

Sandra Neville & Joan Walshe have been trained by the HSE and facilitate the training of Church personnel in child protection policies and procedures

contact details available here (on page 3)

Parish Policy & Personnel

Each parish is expected to have its own child protection policy, based on the diocesan template. Sandra Neville and Joan Walshe are available to help parishes implement and review their policies. Each parish should have two Parish Representatives who have responsibility for safeguarding children and are available to receive concerns if they arise.

All volunteers should be kept informed of best practice at parish level. This includes the use of declaration forms and 'sign in' books, as well as consent forms being provided by parents and guardians of the children wishing to take part in Church-related activities.

Diocesan Delegate

The role of the Diocesan Delegate is to hear concerns relating to safeguarding, including any disclosures or allegations of abuse, and take responsibility for managing the response to that concern or disclosure, from start to finish. This includes the preliminary internal inquiry and referral to the Health Services Executive and/or An Garda Síochána.

If you have concerns or disclosures or any such information relating to clergy, staff or volunteers in the Diocese of Meath,

please contact Fr Seán Henry
Parochial House, Trim



Tel 046-9431251

Prayer for Victims of Abuse We pray for all those who have suffered abuse of any kind: that the Lord of all tenderness and compassion will restore them and give them peace. We pray that we may become more and more a community that actively cares for and protects the most vulnerable sections of our society. We pray for the Spirit of wisdom: that it will enlighten the minds of all people and lead to a growth in awareness and determination to put an end to all acts of violence and abuse. Resources for Prayers in response to abuse of any kind available here (from the Liturgical Resource Centre of the Archdiocese of Dublin)