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
Students from Wexford Educate Together NS to visit OCO
Event date: 08/02/2012A group of students from Wexford Educate Together NS will visit the Ombudsman for Children's Office 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.
Visits Programme
Latest News
21st January 2012
Ombudsman for Children gives keynote address at Medico-Legal Society of Ireland's inaugural Academic Day
12th January 2012
Ombudsman for Children's Advice on the Scheme of the National Vetting Bureau Bill 2011
5th January 2012
Government must report to UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on key children's rights issues - Ombudsman for Children
19th November 2011
Ombudsman for Children's Advice on the Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes Against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill 2011
Information for Parents/Guardians
Events Calendar
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