About Us

Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection

Child and adult protection

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) is committed to creating a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for all, particularly, the children, young people and vulnerable adults whom we assist. We are committed at all times to ensuring their safety and welfare.

Our National Co-ordinator for Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection, Mandy Nordell, is available to provide information and advice through our National Office at 01 8386990.    

We endeavour to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults by:

  • Following carefully the procedures laid down for the recruitment and selection of  members, auxiliary members and employees;
  • Providing for members, auxiliary members and employees through, supervision, support and training;
  • Reporting concerns to statutory agencies who need to know and involving parents, carers, children, young people and vulnerable adults appropriately;
  • Adopting a code of conduct for members, auxiliary members and employees;
  • Sharing information about child and vulnerable adult protection and good practice with children, young people, vulnerable adults, parents, carers, members, auxiliary members and employees.

All our volunteers and staff engage in a rigorous recruitment and selection process prior to having access to children, young people or vulnerable adults. This includes:

  • Completing a written application form 
  • Signing a declaration stating that there is no reason why they would be considered unsuitable to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults
  • Providing photo identification (passport / driving license) which verifies their, identity, name and DOB.
  • Attending for interview
  • Providing references
  • Undergoing Garda Vetting

To view SVP National Policy and Procedure for the Protection and Welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults click here


Need Help? Designated Persons

In order to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults we have appointed a Designated Person in each of our Regions. This person is specially trained to respond to any queries in relation to abuse, welfare and protection from our membership, those whom we assist and the general public. They can be contacted at the following numbers:

Dublin Region Patricia Carey 01 8550022
South East Region David O Neill 051 854568
Cork Region Padraig Mc Carthy 021 4270444
Kerry Region Catherine Monaghan 064 22668
Mid Western Region Eileen Hoffler 061 317327
Ormond Region Kevin Donohue 086 3209706
West Region Edel Pierce 093 26293
North Midlands Patricia Macklin 0906 498098
South Midlands Patricia Laird 0599140322
North East Region Josie Gahan 087 7710264
North Region Awaiting Appointment – contact Regional Office  number 048 90351561
North West Region Rosa Glacken 074 9173933
Breffni Region Siobhan Hedigan 094 56115