Child Safeguarding Statement
Aisling Keogh, SpeechMatters
180 Rathgar Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6W, D06 X4K2
Email: info@speechmatters.ie | Phone: +353 (0)1 960 9788
1. Our Commitment
SpeechMatters is committed to the safety and welfare of all children who use our services. We recognise that the wellbeing of every child is paramount and that all children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or background, have an equal right to be protected from harm.
This Child Safeguarding Statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and the national guidance document Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
Aisling Keogh is a CORU-registered speech and language therapist and is a mandated person under Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015. This means she has a legal obligation to report to Tusla — the Child and Family Agency — where she has reasonable grounds to believe that a child has been, is being, or is at risk of being harmed.
2. Nature of Our Service
SpeechMatters provides speech and language therapy assessment and treatment to children, teenagers, and adults at our clinic at 180 Rathgar Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6W, and online via video call. Services for children are provided on an individual basis. A parent or guardian is typically present during sessions with young children.
3. Risk Assessment
In accordance with Section 11 of the Children First Act 2015, we have carried out a risk assessment to identify any potential for harm to children that may arise in the course of our services, and the procedures we have put in place to manage those risks.
| Risk identified | Procedures to manage this risk |
|---|---|
| One-to-one therapeutic sessions with children | Parents or guardians are informed of and encouraged to be present during sessions, particularly for young children. Sessions take place in a professional clinical setting. All client records are stored securely. |
| Physical contact during therapy (e.g. oral motor assessment) | Informed consent is obtained from parents or guardians before any physical assessment. Contact is explained in advance and limited to what is clinically necessary. Any concerns raised by a child or parent are taken seriously and acted upon immediately. |
| Online therapy sessions with children | Written consent from a parent or guardian is required before online sessions commence. A parent or guardian is asked to be present or nearby during online sessions with young children. Telehealth sessions are conducted via a secure platform. |
| Receipt of a disclosure or concern from a child | If a child makes a disclosure during a session, the therapist will listen calmly, avoid leading questions, not promise confidentiality, and follow the reporting procedures set out in Section 4 below. A record of the disclosure will be made as soon as possible. |
| Observation of signs of abuse or neglect | If the therapist observes signs that may indicate abuse or neglect, this will be recorded and reported to Tusla in accordance with the Children First Act 2015 and CORU's Code of Professional Conduct. Where a child is in immediate danger, An Garda Síochána will be contacted without delay. |
| Handling of sensitive personal data about children | All clinical records are stored securely via our practice management system (iMed, provided by KSI). Access is restricted to authorised personnel only. Records are retained in accordance with our Privacy Notice. |
4. Reporting Procedures
Any concern about the safety or welfare of a child will be handled promptly and in accordance with the following steps:
- Record — All concerns, observations, or disclosures will be recorded in writing as soon as possible, noting dates, times, and exact words used where relevant.
- Report to Tusla — Where there are reasonable grounds for concern that a child has been, is being, or is at risk of being harmed, a report will be made to Tusla — the Child and Family Agency — as required under the Children First Act 2015. Reports can be made to the local Tusla duty social work team or via the Tusla online reporting portal at www.tusla.ie.
- Immediate danger — If a child is believed to be in immediate danger, An Garda Síochána will be contacted immediately by calling 999 or 112.
- Informing parents or guardians — In most circumstances, parents or guardians will be informed that a report has been or is being made to Tusla, unless doing so would put the child at further risk.
Reporting a concern to Tusla does not require certainty that abuse has occurred. A report should be made where there are reasonable grounds for concern. Tusla will determine whether a formal investigation is warranted.
5. Designated Liaison Person
The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for SpeechMatters is:
Aisling Keogh
SpeechMatters, 180 Rathgar Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6W, D06 X4K2
Email: info@speechmatters.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 960 9788
The DLP is responsible for ensuring that any safeguarding concerns are reported to Tusla in accordance with this statement and the Children First Act 2015.
6. Training
Aisling Keogh has completed Children First online training as provided by Tusla. This training is reviewed and updated on a regular basis in line with current guidance.
7. Availability of This Statement
This Child Safeguarding Statement is available on our website and will be provided in written form to any parent, guardian, or member of the public on request. It will also be provided to Tusla on request.
8. Review
This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required following a relevant event or a change in our services. It was last reviewed in June 2026 and is due for review in June 2028.