Safeguarding in Practice: Recognising, Responding to and Reporting Concerns
Written by the ICPS College Academic Team · Reviewed by ICPS College faculty · Last reviewed: September 2026
Safeguarding is not a specialist activity reserved for a small number of professionals. Anyone who works with children, older people or adults at risk may be the first person to notice that something is wrong. Knowing how to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and report them through the right channels protects people and supports the practitioner too.
The Irish context
In Ireland, child protection is guided by the Children First Act 2015 and Children First National Guidance, with Tusla as the statutory agency for child welfare concerns. Many professionals, including many counsellors and psychotherapists, are mandated persons under the Act. Adult safeguarding draws on national policy, service-specific procedures and principles of autonomy and capacity reflected in the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
Recognising concerns
Abuse and neglect can take many forms: physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, financial, discriminatory and neglect, including self-neglect. Indicators are often subtle and cumulative. A change in behaviour, an unexplained injury, a disclosure made in passing or a pattern of missed appointments may all be significant.
Responding well to a disclosure
Stay calm, listen and take what you are told seriously.
Do not promise to keep a secret; explain what you will need to do next.
Avoid leading questions and do not investigate yourself.
Record what was said factually, using the person's own words where possible.
Follow your organisation's procedure and consult your designated liaison person.
Reporting and record-keeping
Clear, timely and accurate reporting is central to good safeguarding. Practitioners should know who their designated liaison person is, how to make a report, and how to record their actions and rationale. Consultation and supervision help with borderline or uncertain situations.
Build safeguarding confidence with ICPS College
The Certificate in Safeguarding & Protection is an intensive one-day, live-online programme carrying 15 CPD credits. It develops practical competence in recognising, responding to and reporting safeguarding concerns across the lifespan.
This article offers general information only and does not replace your organisation's policies or current statutory guidance. If a child or adult is in immediate danger, contact An Garda Síochána on 112 or 999.
Related ICPS College courses
Important information
This article is educational content for practitioners and learners. It is not a substitute for professional advice, counselling or therapy.
If you are struggling or in distress in Ireland, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or text HELLO to 50808 at any time. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.
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