We have worked with St John Ambulance for nearly 30 years. We hold the organisation in incredibly high regard but am disappointed with their actions in light of recent events. In the event of an incident, We have one hundred percent faith in their integrity and honesty, we just wish they were more approachable and would listen.
The child protection team has been revamped in StJohn, with massive, proper emphasis using proper principles and procedures. HOWEVER, in the PAST there was an issue with the implementation of the policy. It culminated in an inability to talk to certain people as their actions could be deemed extreme. In one instance we are aware of "an organisation" where there was an issue with a disturbed young person , who was off duty and out of uniform, who was brought home by another young person as a safety measure. The young lady had alcohol taken and was very upset. The first young person rang home for advice and was advised not to leave her. The distressed young person was put to bed and advice was sought from an officer. The advice was to follow child protection policy. When asked of the officer, knowing what they know of the relevant people who would get involved, did they really expect they actually do that, the reply was "If this conversation was happening, I would be telling you that is policy" but it aint happening so its not an issue.
The young person was put to bed and a small knife was found in her pocket. The parents were called. They were offered the option of coming to collect, or letting the young person sleep it off. They opted to collect the young lady. It was recommended the young lady got some help.
It is all very well having a superduper policy and written procedures, but if you have no confidence in the relevant people, in all due conscience, you cannot talk to them. It makes the policy mute. This information was communicated to the Shannon inquiry and the widespread dissatisfaction with the relevant person, but rules are rules.
In an attempt to get the child protection people to respect the wishes of the child, and to stop tormenting the victims family, a meeting was arranged with 2 St John Ambulance officers in The Arc gastrobar, Liffey Valley. The officers while sympathetic, could not do anything or make representations on our behalf as the people involved could not be spoken to.
The meeting itself was a friendly "this did not happen" This meeting was disclosed to The Shannon Enquiry.
Children first child protection legislaton.
Dr Geoffrey Shannon was given the task of compiling a report into the handling and procedures of Child Protection in St John Ambulance Ireland.
His independant report is known as the Shannon Report.
https://www.stjohn.ie/stjwp/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Quarterly-Update-SJAI-Nov-2023.pdf
There has been a breach of data regulations in St John Ambulance Ireland. Information garnered in the investigation, was used in a personal capacity to contact the parent via Facebook Messenger. This is extremely unwelcome and the Child Protection Person has absolutely no right to do this. It was officially reported to the data protection officer. on May 22nd. She has since been appointed by St John as Complaints handling and Child Safeguarding officer. We have just received information that the person involved has been made an member of the Order of St John