From 11th December 2017, the Children First Act 2015 places a legal obligation on certain people, many of whom are professionals, to report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to Tusla - Child and Family Agency.
This section provides information for Mandated Persons about their legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.
Are you a mandated person?
Check Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 to find out if you are a Mandated Person.
Information for Mandated Persons
Mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015:
- To report harm of children, above a defined threshold, to Tusla - Child and Family Agency
- To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report
This information sheet (PDF, 1,099 KB, 2 pages) provides further details on the responsibilities of Mandated Persons.
How to Report a Concern
Read about the Reporting Procedure for HSE staff who have a Child Protection or Welfare concern
Making a mandated report out of hours
Mandated reporters can now access Tusla's emergency out-of-hours social work service. If you are a mandated reporter and wish to report a case of child harm to Tusla, you can contact their out-of-hours social work service on 0818 776 315 between 6pm and 6am every night and between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
If you cannot contact Tusla and have an immediate concern about the safety of a child, please contact An Garda Síochána.
