Gardaí Launch Third National Children First Awareness Week Starting Tomorrow
Gardaí launch Children First Awareness Week tomorrow, reminding Cork communities that protecting children is everyone's responsibility.
An Garda Síochána's National Protective Services Bureau is supporting the third annual Children First Awareness Week, which begins tomorrow and runs until 21st September, reminding Cork families and communities of their shared responsibility to keep children safe.
The campaign launches on Monday with the theme 'We were all Children once. Now We Are Children First', emphasising that every adult has a role in ensuring children are protected across homes, schools, clubs and communities throughout Cork and Ireland.
As part of this week-long initiative, the National Child Protection Unit has launched a dedicated child protection webpage on garda.ie, providing parents, guardians and the public with clear guidance and practical advice on where to seek help with child protection concerns.
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau will maintain a presence at the National Ploughing Championships 2025, where officers will engage directly with members of the public to raise awareness about child safeguarding and highlight available support services.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan, Head of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, said:
"We must do everything we can to keep our children safe. We must work together, listen together, support together and protect together. Ensuring children are first is the greatest personal and professional achievement any of us will ever make. An Garda Síochána are committed to and will always be committed to Children First."
The campaign particularly targets parents, guardians, youth workers, educators, volunteers, coaches and community leaders who interact with children daily and are positioned to notice concerns, provide reassurance and take action when necessary.
Detective Superintendent Noonan added:
"Children First Awareness Week is coordinated nationally and supported by An Garda Síochána, Tusla, the HSE and other key partners. Together, these agencies reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that Ireland is a place where every child is safe, respected and protected from harm."
The initiative represents a collaborative approach between multiple agencies working to create safer communities for young people across Cork and nationwide.
For Cork families seeking guidance or support on child protection matters, the new dedicated webpage on garda.ie provides accessible resources and contact information for those with concerns.
