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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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