Welcome to the Ombudsman for Children's Office
What we do for you....
The Ombudsman for Children's Office (OCO) is here to make sure that the government and other people who make decisions about young people really think about what is best for young people. The things that the OCO can do are set out in a law called the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002.
The main areas of work of the OCO are:
- Independent complaints handling
- Communication & participation
- Research & legislation
Upcoming Events
Our Lady of Mercy, Drimnagh visiting the OCO
Event date: 17/05/2012St. Mary's Girls National School, Glasnevin visit the OCO
Event date: 23/05/2012A group of students from St. Mary's Girls National School will visit the OCO to discuss and explore topics relating to children and young people's rights.
Child Protection
The Health Service Executive (HSE) and An Garda Síochána are the agencies responsible for investigating concerns of a child protection and welfare nature. Any concerns of this nature should be referred directly to the HSE and/or An Garda Síochána. You can contact the HSE Info Line on 1850 24 1850 to find out which Social Work Department you should report any child protection concerns to.
The welfare of children is paramount. The Ombudsman for Children must have regard to the best interests of the child and ensure that we act in accordance with Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Where the screening and /or investigation of a complaint indicates to this Office that there are concerns regarding the safety and welfare of a child, then these concerns will be referred on by us to the HSE or An Garda Siochána. Where we refer such concerns to the relevant agencies, then we inform the complainant directly.
The OCO does not have any role to investigate specific concerns or allegations of a child protection and welfare nature. However, complaints regarding the actions of the HSE in relation to such matters can be referred to the Office.
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Latest News
12th April 2012
Vulnerability of homeless children comes through in their own words - Ombudsman for Children
29th March 2012
Children’s Ombudsman formally seeks changes to Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002 to ensure greater protection for all children
14th March 2012
Ombudsman for Children publishes review report on progress made in relation to the recommendations of OCO's investigation into Children First
7th March 2012
A statement based on an investigation regarding the refusal to provide an assistive technology grant to a child by the Department of Education and Skills
Information for Parents/Guardians
Events Calendar
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