We have updated the terminology used throughout our safeguarding documentation to reflect current best practice and ensure consistency with guidance issued by Tusla, the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, and Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland. The revised terminology incorporates contemporary safeguarding language, including updated definitions relating to abuse, exploitation, peer abuse, online-facilitated harm, child criminal exploitation, trauma-informed practice and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). These updates strengthen clarity, support a child-centred approach, and ensure our policies continue to align with recognised safeguarding standards and legislative frameworks across the island of Ireland. To review the guidance please click Appendix C: Safeguarding Definitions and Terminology

The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) has released updated guidance and refreshed templates to help Church bodies complete their annual safeguarding self‑audits. The revised materials emphasise safeguarding as “an active and ongoing duty of care, not a retrospective paperwork exercise,” and provide clearer structures for gathering evidence, assessing compliance, and strengthening safeguarding culture across parishes, communities, dioceses, and religious congregations. The updates include enhanced Tier 1 and Tier 2 templates, improved guidance on recording evidence, and a stronger focus on continuous monitoring throughout the year, helping Church bodies to identify gaps early, demonstrate good practice, and continue the work to embed safeguarding as a core value in all ministries and governance.

You can find the updated guidance and the 5 templates here

To support our commitment to creating safe and welcoming environments for children, we have refreshed our guidance on safeguarding roles and responsibilities, providing clearer definitions and lines of accountability across the Church to view the updated guidance, click Appendix A: Roles and Responsibilities in Child Safeguarding

During August 2026, the NBSCCCI was alerted to updates to TUSLA contact details through our network of DLP contacts. Appendix D has been updated accordingly to reflect the revised contact information. Should you become aware of any further amendments or changes, please let us know by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can review the updated Appendix here Appendix D