Safeguarding the Child & Vulnerable Adult: Legal Reporting Obligations
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Children and the Law
Do you work with children? Are you fully aware of all of your legal obligations when working with children?
Online / In Person
1 day
About this course
A highly practical 1-day course which examines the key legal issues that arise when providing care for children including accountability, proper record keeping, getting a valid consent, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and Children First Act 2015. It also looks at how a professional should prepare to give evidence if required to do so in a professional capacity.
Course syllabus
Key Learning Points:
- Accountability
- Best Practice in Recording and Report Writing
- Consent and the Child – National Consent Policy
- Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2017
- Children First Act 2015
- National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012
- Witness Preparation and giving evidence in Courts, Inquests, Professional Conduct Hearings
Who should attend this course:
All Medical, Health & Social Care Professionals working with children.
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.
This legal course focuses on the rights and protections of children within the legal system.
FAQs
Children and the Law typically examines the legal rights, protections, and welfare considerations affecting children in Ireland, including child protection, education, healthcare, family law, and the responsibilities of public bodies and professionals.
This course is relevant for solicitors, barristers, social workers, healthcare professionals, educators, HR personnel, public sector staff, and anyone involved in decision-making affecting children and young people.
Professionals working with children must understand Irish legal obligations, constitutional protections, safeguarding responsibilities, and evolving child welfare standards to ensure decisions are lawful, fair, and in the child’s best interests.
Relevant legislation may include the Child Care Act 1991, Children First Act 2015, Education Act 1998, and constitutional protections relating to children and family rights in Ireland.
The best interests principle means that decisions affecting children should prioritise the child’s welfare, safety, development, and overall wellbeing while considering their rights and individual circumstances.
Certain professionals in Ireland are designated as mandated persons and are legally required to report child protection concerns above a specified threshold to Tusla under the Children First Act 2015.
Organisations handling children’s personal data must ensure compliance with GDPR, including lawful processing, confidentiality, data minimisation, and appropriate safeguards for sensitive information.
Issues may involve consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, duty of care, parental rights, information sharing, and responding appropriately to child welfare concerns.
Yes. Training helps organisations understand legal duties, strengthen safeguarding procedures, reduce legal risk, and support consistent, child-centred decision-making practices.
Participants typically develop knowledge of child protection law, safeguarding obligations, legal risk management, policy application, and decision-making relating to children’s welfare and rights.
