Introduction
The friars of the Dominican Province in Ireland recognise and upholds the dignity and rights of all children and young people. They are committed to their protection and support in a way that promotes their human dignity and integrity as children of God. The Order values and encourages the participation of children and young people in activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development. We undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children and young people to ensure their protection from all harm.
The Dominican Province in Ireland is committed to having policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare and protection of children and young people. We recognise that safeguarding children and young people and their welfare is a skilled and important task which requires knowledge, skills, expertise, and sensitivity. We are committed to a coordinated and inter-agency approach to ensuring that the welfare of children and young people is paramount in all we do.
St. Malachy’s Youth Club is an apostolate of the Dominican Priory in Dundalk. The Dominican Community oversee the running of the FYC with the help and cooperation of the President, Committee and leader group of the Club.
FYC membership is open to any child or young person from Sixth Class in any primary school in the Dundalk metropolitan area up to the age of 18 years. The FYC it is fully committed to implementing the Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland (2016).
For the purpose of this policy and procedures handbook, St. Malachy’s Youth Club will be referred to by its’ more commonly known identity as Friary Youth Club or FYC.