Children First

Children First promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect. It sets out what individuals and organisations need to do to keep children safe and how to deal with concerns about a child’s safety or welfare. The term ‘Children First’ refers to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Children First Act 2015.

Children First Awareness Week (CFAW) is a key national initiative, held every two years, aimed at raising awareness and understanding of Ireland’s child safeguarding framework. It supports the implementation of the Children First Act 2015 and the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, reinforcing the shared responsibility we all have to protect children across all sectors of Irish society.

Children First Awareness Week is led by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, in partnership with Tusla and the statutory Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group (CFIDIG). The campaign is a whole-of Government initiative involving all Government Departments and relevant state agencies, as well organisations working directly with children.

The third National Children First Awareness Week takes place from 15 to 22 September 2025.

This year’s campaign actively encourages parents, guardians, and other responsible adults to engage with the organisations their children are involved in. While the statutory obligations under the Children First Act 2015 remain central, particularly the requirement for a Child Safeguarding Statement supported by robust policies and procedures, the 2025 campaign places additional emphasis on fostering a culture of openness, transparency and proactive communication of safeguarding measures within organisations.

The campaign reminds parents and guardians that organisations who work with children and young people need to have measures in place to ensure their children are safeguarded from abuse when in the service and that any concerns about children are addressed and reported appropriately.

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