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What to do if you suspect Child Abuse
If you know or suspect that a child is being abused contact
your local Social Services Department, the NSPCC or the Police
and tell them about your concerns.
Please act promptly. It can be very difficult to investigate
concerns if there is a delay as some signs of abuse can disappear
quite quickly. If you are unsure you may first like to discuss
your concerns with someone who works with children and families,
eg health visitor, social worker, school nurse or teacher (all
schools have a teacher responsible for child protection).
Frequently Asked Questions -
What will Social Services do when I contact them?
All child protection referrals are taken very seriously
and your concerns will be properly considered and acted upon
by a senior officer.
Will I have to give my name?
If you feel very strongly that you cannot give your
name, you need not do so – your concerns for a child will
still be examined. Your name and address will be kept confidential
if you request it.
What happens once I have told Social Services about
my concerns?
The person you speak to will take your concerns very
seriously and refer the matter to a Social Worker specially
trained in child protection who will contact you. The Social
Worker will first check their records to see whether the person
is already known to Social Services and will then discuss the
case with a senior officer in the Department. Enquiries often
start with asking a teacher, a health visitor or a doctor who
knows the child. In most cases there will be a discussion with
the parents and the child. Sometimes it becomes clear at a very
early stage that concerns are not founded.
If initial enquiries do reveal significant concerns about
the child’s welfare, then the formal Child Protection
Enquiry procedures will begin immediately.
Will I be kept informed of progress?
Because of the highly confidential nature of this work,
you may not hear of the outcome of the Enquiry, but Social Services
will re-contact you if this is appropriate.
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