The following is an extract from the Tusla “Children First” document“Some children may be more vulnerable to abuse than others.  Also, there maybe particular times or circumstances when a child may be more vulnerableto abuse in their lives. In particular, children with disabilities, children with communication difficulties, children in care or living away from home, or children with a parent or parents with problems in their own lives may be more susceptible to harm.The following list is intended to help you identify the range of issues in a child’slife that may place them at greater risk of abuse or neglectIt is important for you to remember that the presence of any of these factors does not necessarily mean that a child in those circumstances or settings is being abused.Parent or carer factors: Drug and alcohol misuse Addiction, including gambling Mental health issues Parental disability issues, including learning or intellectual disability Conflictual relationships Domestic violence Adolescent parents Communication difficulties  Child factors:  Age Gender Sexuality Disability Mental health issues, including self-harm and suicide Trafficked/Exploited Previous abuse Young carer  Community factors: Cultural, ethnic, religious or faith-based norms in the family or community which may not meet the standards of child welfare or protection required in this jurisdiction Environmental factors: Housing issues Children who are out of home and not living with their parents, whether temporarily or permanently Previous Bullying Internet and social media-related concerns You should consider these factors as part of being alert to the possibility that a child may be at risk of suffering abuse and in bringing reasonable concerns to the attention of Tusla. If your child falls into any of the above categories as outlined in the TUSLA Children First document the management of Coláiste UISCE require you to notify them in advance of the course.  Any such communication will be dealt with,  with the utmost sensitivity.