Children and the Law
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Safeguarding the Child & Vulnerable Adult: Legal Reporting Obligations
Are you fully aware of your legal obligations to report to Tusla or the Garda when there is a concern about the welfare of a Child or Vulnerable Adults?
Online / In Person
1/2 day
About this course
This half day intensive course examines the legal obligation on Medical, Health and Social Care Professionals to report concerns of abuse to Tusla and the Gardai. It examines the relevant legislation professionals should be aware of. A key component of the training is group discussion facilitated by the use of sample case scenarios.
Course syllabus
Key Learning Points:
- Overview of the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012,
- Overview of Children First National Guidance and Legislation:
- Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017,
- Children’s First Act 2015.
- Reckless Endangerment,
- Obligations of professionals to report to Tusla and the Garda.
Who should attend
All Medical, Health and Social Care Professionals – it is important all professionals fully understand their legal reporting obligations.
Your Trainer – Our expert trainers
La Touche Training Legal Experts
We work with a wide panel of specialist trainers, all chosen based on their experience and knowledge, experience both in practice and as trained trainers. The majority of our trainers are experienced...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
How to legally ensure children and vulnerable adults are looked after
FAQs
Legal reporting obligations refer to statutory or regulatory duties requiring professionals or organisations to report certain incidents, concerns, or risks to relevant authorities or oversight bodies.
Professionals working in healthcare, social care, education, and the public sector must understand when reporting is legally required and how to comply with Irish legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and organisational policies.
This course is suitable for healthcare professionals, social care workers, HR personnel, managers, safeguarding officers, compliance staff, educators, and public sector employees with reporting responsibilities.
Mandatory reporting obligations may arise in areas such as child protection, safeguarding vulnerable adults, patient safety incidents, workplace safety, data breaches, professional misconduct, and criminal or regulatory concerns.
Certain professionals may have specific legal responsibilities to report concerns under Irish law, including safeguarding obligations under legislation such as the Children First Act 2015.
Organisations should maintain clear reporting procedures, provide staff training, ensure accurate documentation, and establish governance structures that support timely and appropriate reporting.
Failure to comply with legal reporting duties can expose organisations and individuals to regulatory action, reputational damage, legal liability, and risks to patient or public safety.
Professionals must balance confidentiality obligations with statutory reporting requirements, ensuring information is disclosed lawfully, proportionately, and in accordance with GDPR and organisational procedures.
Accurate records help demonstrate compliance, support investigations, provide evidence of actions taken, and ensure transparency and accountability within organisations.
Participants typically develop knowledge of Irish reporting frameworks, safeguarding duties, legal compliance, risk management, documentation standards, and decision-making relating to mandatory reporting.
