Parents/guardians and general public

While parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for the care and protection of their children, sometimes additional support is needed to keep a child safe.

As members of the public, we all have a responsibility to keep children and young people safe. It is important that families, communities, and professionals know what action to take to access support and to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Sometimes, parents and guardians may need extra support and assistance in their family life, to help them overcome difficulties and ensure that their children are safe. If, as a parent/guardian, you have concerns that a child is being harmed then you need to know how to recognise abuse and how to report a concern.

See more information on Children First for parents and guardians.

Find out about Family Support Services for families and individuals.

While the role of parents/guardians is to protect their children, society also has a duty of care towards children and young people. Everyone should be alert to the possibility that children they are in contact with may be abused or at risk of abuse or neglect.

Learn more.

Everyone has a responsibility to keep children as safe as possible. We can do this by learning about the different types of child abuse and how to recognise them.

Learn more.

If you are concerned that a child or young person may have been, is being, or is at risk of being abused or neglected, you should contact Tusla social work department.

See more information on how to make a report to Tusla.

In cases of emergency, where a child or young person appears to be at immediate and serious risk, contact An Garda Síochána.