Concerned about a Child or Young Person
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 is why it is really important to work together to keep children 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. Following 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 a child is at risk of significant harm
CALL
Staffordshire Children’s Advice and Support (SCAS)
0300 111 8007
9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday
8.30am- 4.30pm Friday
or
EDS (out of hours) Tel No. 0345 604 2886
Or email: eds.team.manager@staffordshire.gov.uk
Non-emergency – call Staffordshire Police on 101
Staffordshire
New referrals for children who meet the threshold for Level 3 and Level 4 who are not known or are currently closed to children’s services, should be made by phone to Staffordshire Childrens Advice and Support Service: 0300 111 8007
There is a move away from agencies making written referrals and more of an emphasis on meaningful phone conversations with experienced staff. This changes the narrative from referral to conversation and consultation which fits with a restorative relationship-based approach.
Report a concern
Phone: 0300 111 8007 and select option 1.
Ideally we would want to receive all enquiries by telephone so that we can gather all necessary information in a timely manner and make sure that parental agreement has been obtained from those with parental responsibility unless this places an adult or child at risk of harm.
If you cannot reach us by phone, please make your enquiry online.
Staffordshire Police enquiries:
Telephone: 101 and ask for M.A.S.H. (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub)
Outside of MASH hours, report to the Area Communications Room
In an emergency always call 999
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.)
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
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.
You should receive written confirmation that your referral has been received and acted upon unless your report was anonymous.