Protecting Young People - Useful Information
Last updated | 29/10/2008
WORRIED ABOUT A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON?
What you can do to help if you are worried about a child or young person.
This information is for anyone worried that a child or young person may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
It is everyone's responsibility to protect children.
All children and young people have a right to grow up in a caring and safe environment. All adults have a responsibility to protect children and young people, including:
- parents
- family members
- friends
- neighbours
- members of the public
- all professionals
Why might you be concerned about a child or young person?
Children rarely tell if they are being abused. There may be signs, which make you concerned and may be an indication of a child being abused or neglected.
The child or young person may:
- Have unexplained bruising or bruising in an unusual place
- Appear afraid, quiet or withdrawn
- Appear afraid to go home
- Appear constantly hungry, tired or untidy
- Be left unattended or unsupervised
- Have too much responsibility for their age
- Be acting in a sexually inappropriate way
- Be misusing drugs or alcohol
- Tell you something that sounds as though they have been hurt by someone
The adults may:
- Act in an aggressive, violent or sexual manner towards the child or young person
- Misuse drink or drugs while caring for a child or young person
- Leave their child unattended or with unsuitable adults
- Be verbally abusive towards the child or young person
What to do if you are concerned
If you see behaviour that is of concern, or if a child or young person tells you something, you need to take them seriously, do something about it, and speak to someone. This could be a teacher, a doctor, a health visitor, a social worker, a police officer or nursery staff.
To make sure a child gets the best possible help:
- Give as much information as you can about the child or young person and their family/carer;
- Describe what it was that you saw or heard and what it was that concerned you;
- Let the person know if there are other things they should be aware of, for example, immediate risks for the child or any other child.
Will you need to give your name?
Any information about you will be treated with care. Any details, including your name, will not be revealed unless the child's safety requires it.
Even if you do not give your name, enquiries can still be made into the child's care and welfare. Withholding your name may make it more difficult for those looking into these concerns.
Any information you give may need to be shared with other professionals to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect the child.
What will happen to the child or young person and their family?
All information will be treated seriously and acted upon. This may include:
- Making sure the child or young person is safe
- Checking whether the child is known and what information is held
- Speaking to the child and their family and assessing the situation
Once enquiries have been completed one or more of the following might happen:
- No further action
- Provide support or advice to the family
- Provide a service to the child or family (for example help with childcare)
- Referral to another agency who can assist the child and their family
- Referral to the appropriate legal system
Where child protection concerns are identified:
A meeting will be held to decide the best way to protect the child. This meeting will involve people who know the child or young person and their family such as the health visitor, teacher, police, doctor and parents and carers.
In a small number of cases immediate action may be necessary to protect the child or young person.
If you are concerned about a child or young person you can get help by contacting one of the following numbers:
Angus Area
Angus Council Social Work Department
Monday to Friday - 8.45 am to 5 pm
Arbroath Tel: 01241 878585
Forfar Tel: 01307 462405
Montrose Tel: 01674 672702
Out of Hours Service Tel: 0845 3011120 5 pm - 8.45 am, weekdays and 5 pm - 8.45 am weekends and public holidays
Scottish Children's Reporter Administration Tel: 01241 873194
Perth & Kinross Area
Education & Children's Services Protection Team Tel: 01738 476768
Tayside Police Family Protection Unit Tel: 01738 892912
Tayside Police Headquarters Tel: 01738 621141
Dundee Area
Social Work Tel: 01382 435106 or 01382 668538
Tayside Police Tel: 01382 665117 or 01382 223200
Scottish Children's Reporter Administration Tel: 01382 315700
Tayside Police
Arbroath Tel: 01241 872222
Forfar Tel: 01307 302200
Dundee Tel: 01382 223200
Childline Tel: 0800 1111
Parentline Tel: 0808 800 2222
Your local Health Visitor who can be found through your local surgery or health centre.
