The need for clarity in child-protection measures is
a challenge that must be met, a Catholic bishop has said.
Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor said a key message of a
North-South ministerial conference on safeguarding children was the need
for a ‘joined-up’ approach.
He said: “Compliance with our
policies and procedures is essential, but ensuring that everyone
understands them is where the real challenge lies. Owning the
problem, sharing our learning, promoting early intervention and keeping
children the central focus were undoubtedly the key messages from the
conference.”
He added: “What does this mean for us as a Church
dealing with the tragedies and mistakes of our past and our struggles to
ensure that our practices are sound and child-focused? I think it is timely for us as a Church to hear and to learn lessons.”