This national, multi-disciplinary, in-service course is sponsored by the Child and Family Agency and is aimed at experienced, professionally qualified personnel who carry regular responsibility for management/training/frontline delivery of child protection and welfare services under the Child Care Act 1991, the Children Act 2001 and related legislation. Course participants normally include service managers and supervisory/main grade professionals (social workers, public health nurses, psychologists, doctors, Gardai, child care workers, speech and language therapists, teachers, lawyers, youth and project workers, etc.). Applicants may seek full or partial funding from their employers but self-funding applicants will also be considered.
The course runs for nine separate weeks spread over the academic year, with full attendance in college for approximately one week in four. This involves students attending classes Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm. Full attendance at College is compulsory.
Candidates who successfully complete the Diploma course and meet the eligibility criteria for the M.Sc. in Child Protection and Welfare may proceed to a second year to complete the Masters course.