La Leche League of Ireland Child Protection Policy Statement

La Leche League of Ireland (LLL) is a voluntary organisation, part of La Leche League International (LLLI). LLL offers mother-to-mother support in a wide range of breastfeeding situations.

LLL recognises that the welfare of the child is of paramount importance, regardless of race, gender, class, religion or disability. The organisation accepts its responsibility to promote the general welfare, health, development and safety of children. LLL also has a moral obligation to promote the well-being of children and to safeguard them from harm, whilst recognising the rights and needs of the mother.

We are committed to developing procedures to provide specific guidance to Leaders who may have reasonable grounds for concern about the safety and welfare of children. These will be in accordance with the Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children Department of Health and Children (2017). LLL is also committed to raising awareness within the organisation about potential risks to children’s safety and welfare.

In order to ensure our organisation is making as many efforts as possible to follow guidance for the safety and welfare of children, all Leaders are asked to complete the Tusla ‘Introduction to Children First’ E-Learning Programme. We also ask our Leaders, although not a mandatory requirement, that Leaders be Garda Vetted.

LLL applies a safe and clearly defined method of recruiting and selecting Leaders. The process of accrediting Leaders is outlined in The Leader’s Handbook (LLLI, 5th Revised Edition 2019-2021) and is overseen by the Leader Accreditation Department (LAD) and local Leaders.

LLL will identify and recruit a Group Leader to take on the role of Child Protection Officer (CPO). The CPO will liaise with outside agencies and be a resource to LLL Leaders who have child protection concerns. The CPO is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to TUSLA or An Garda Siochána.

Our full Child Protection Policy and Child Safeguarding Statement can be found below to download.

If you have any queries or concerns in relation to Child Protection, you can contact our Child Protection Officer via email: cpo@lalecheleagueireland.com