DLP Hubs for the Youth Work Sector

Upcoming DLP Hubs

Don’t miss your chance to book your place on the upcoming DLP Hub’s taking place throughout 2026!
In coincide with Safer Internet Day, we will explore the theme of Online Safety. Places are still available to attend our Hubs taking place in Galway on the 17th of February and again in Dublin on the 3rd of March.
Register now »

About

The DLP Hubs are a new initiative designed to support and empower Designated Liaison Persons (DLPs) and Deputy Designated Liaison Persons (DDLPs) working across the youth sector. These hubs provide a dedicated space for peer support, shared learning, and ongoing professional development in child protection and safeguarding.

This initiative emerged directly from feedback gathered from DLPs in the youth sector who highlighted the need for continued connection and support beyond initial training.

DLPs play a critical role in fostering safe, responsive, and protective environments for children and young people. Their leadership is central to embedding safeguarding practices within organisational culture and ensuring that child protection and safeguarding remains a priority in all youth work settings.

The DLP Hubs aim to become part of the support system for DLPs and DDLPs. We invite all youth workers and volunteers currently serving as DLPs and Deputy DLPs to register their interest in joining our DLP Hubs. Your voice, experience, and commitment are vital to building a stronger, safer sector for children and young people.

Objectives

The DLP Hubs aim to:

  • facilitate peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
  • strengthen sector-wide capacity to respond to safeguarding concerns
  • provide opportunities to share experiences, challenges, and best practices
  • foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Themes of our DLP Hubs so far

In September 2025, the NYCI Child Protection Programme hosted our first DLP Hub at the Portlaoise Institute, focusing on Statutory Services. The event featured speakers from Tusla Duty Social Work, the Child and Family Support Network, and a Child Protection Liaison Officer from An Garda Síochána.

Our second Hub took place at the Cork College of FET Bishopstown campus in November 2025. This Hub focused on the preparation, review and the updating of Child Safeguarding Statements and of Child Safeguarding Policies. Presentations were delivered by Tusla’s Child Safeguarding Statement Compliance Unit and Children First Information and Advice Service.

DLP Hubs Gallery

Additional Information

We aim to run the DLP Hubs a number of times during the year, at different locations around the country. Register to join our mailing list to receive information about upcoming themes and dates! If you would like to host a DLP Hub or have ideas for themes please get in touch with Alexander Fay (alexanderf@nyci.ie) to chat further!

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further information about the DLP Hubs, please do get in touch.

Email: alexanderf@nyci.ie ¦ Tel: 086 868122879

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