The ISPCC today along with its first team of advocacy volunteers has launched the findings of a survey it carried out on child protection with participants from Mayo.
Three hundred and eighty five members of the public participated in the study The survey focused on the amount of information held by the general public in Mayo regarding child protection. It was found that those surveyed felt uninformed and unsure of what to do if they became aware of a child who may be in danger.
Key findings: eighty seven per cent felt there was not enough information available regarding child protection and welfare; 57 per cent of those surveyed said they would feel nervous, not sure, or would not report a suspected case of child abuse or neglect; 68 per cent of participants responded that they feel there is a strong concern that child abuse and neglect is an issue in the region; 83 per cent felt that children’s rights are not protected in the same way as adults are in Ireland.
In direct response to the findings of the child protection survey, and with the support of Atlantic Philanthropies, the ISPCC Mayo will be launching an information poster campaign. This poster will include the contact details of services that are available to the public, should they need advice relating to a child protection concern.
Fiona Jennings, regional volunteer organiser (west ) with the ISPCC stated: “The ethos behind this project is community involvement in child protection, advocacy volunteers here in Mayo want to develop children’s rights here in our community. The placement of this poster across communities in County Mayo will hopefully go a long way in encouraging people to call for advice if they are in any way concerned about a child.”
