What Do I Do If I Have a Concern?

Safeguarding all children from harm is everyone's business...

Most children enjoy generally safe and happy childhood experiences within their own family but unfortunately for some, this is not the case. During difficult family times everyone has a responsibility to protect children from future harm; good child care begins even before a child is born.

What is abuse and neglect?

Abuse and neglect are forms of ill-treatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by not taking action to protect a child from harm. Children may be harmed at home, by people living near their home (in their community) or by an adult who is responsible for caring for them in any place away from home such as school, nursery, college, sports and leisure centres, after-school clubs, youth clubs, which it is really important  to work together to keep you safe. Sometimes children are abused by a stranger they have met over the internet. They may also be abused by another child or children.

One in ten adults will have experienced harm during their childhood. Here are some examples of abuse and neglect:

Physical abuse

This could be any physical injury like cuts, bruises, burns, scalds or broken bones that have not happened by accident. Injuries may be caused as a result of shaking or throwing in the case of babies. It can also be when someone deliberately induces illness in a child.

Emotional abuse

This may involve making a child feel constantly worthless or unloved, frightened or in danger. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them, or making 'fun' of what they say or how they communicate. It may also involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying) causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children.

Sexual abuse

This is when a child is made or enticed to take part in or watch sexual activities: they may be around when someone is watching pornographic material. Activities may involve physical contact, including assault such as rape or non penetrative acts such as kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. It may also involve looking at, or the production of, sexual images, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child. In most cases sexual abuse is carried out by a person who is known to the child - even a member of their own family.

Neglect

A child may be left alone or left with unsuitable caregivers. They may not be fed or clothed properly or not be taken to the doctors when they are unwell. Neglect also involves not protecting a child from danger.

What should I do if I think that a child is being harmed?

Telephone Staffordshire County Council's First Response Team or the Police straight away - they will listen.

Contact Numbers

Staffordshire County Council's First Response Service: 0800 1313 126

(Monday-Thursday 08:30am - 5:00pm and Friday 08:30am - 4:30pm)

E-mail: firstr@staffs.gov.uk

Emergency Duty Service: (Out of Hours Service):   0845 6042886 

Staffordshire Police:  0300 123 44 55

*In an emergency always call 999*

Do I have to give my name?

No - it is your choice; if you decide that you want to remain anonymous that decision will be respected. (Professionals making a referral should be aware that they cannot be guaranteed anonymity.)

What happens next?

Social workers will follow up every report where they believe a child may be at risk of harm. They will talk to other people who know the child and may be able to provide a clearer picture. This includes teachers, health visitors and members of the child's family.

After this several things could happen:

• No further action will be taken.
  
  
• Help and support will be offered to the family.
  
  
• An investigation will take place.

Are children taken away from home?

Very rarely - social workers cannot remove a child from their family without the permission of the court. This only happens when there are real concerns that the child will not be safe at home, and then consideration is always given to the child being looked after by a relative or a friend.

Will I be told what has happened?

You should receive written confirmation that your referral has been received and acted upon unless your report was anonymous.

Has this information been helpful to you? 

Your thoughts and views are really important to us so if you feel that we can improve this website or if you have any information that may benefit other people, please contact us on: sscb.newsletter@staffordshire.gov.uk

This information is available in other languages or formats. Please go to www.staffsscb.org.uk/Publications/ for other languages and for alternative formats, e.g. large text, please contact the Communications Team (Directorate for Children, Young People and Families) on 01785 278666.

 

Last Modified: 10/01/2012 14:32:42
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