Child Protection - Frequently Asked Questions
Children rarely tell if they are
being harmed.
You may see or hear things which make you worry about a child's
care, welfare or safety. This may be related to the actions
of anyone caring for a child. This page contains information
which may answer some of your queries or concerns in relation to a
child or young person.
What is child
abuse?
Children can be abused in different ways. They can be
physically injured, for example by punching, hitting or
kicking. They can also be abused sexually, which means that
they have experienced inappropriate sexual behaviour or
language. Emotional abuse, where a child is constantly
criticised, ignored or humiliated, also causes harm. Neglect
is another form of abuse, where a child is not properly fed,
clothed or sheltered or kept clean or safe.
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What signs should I be concerned
about?
Children who have been abused rarely tell, but there are signs
which may make you worry that a child has been abused.
The child may have unexplained bruising, or bruising in an unusual
place, seem afraid, quiet or withdrawn, be afraid to go home, or
seem hungry, tired or unkempt. You may be concerned if a
child is left alone or unsupervised, has too much responsibility
for their age, is acting in a sexually inappropriate way or is
misusing drugs or alcohol.
You may also see behaviour in an adult which makes you worry about
any children they care for. For example, an adult may be
acting violently or sexually towards a child or someone else,
misusing drugs or alcohol while caring for a child or be verbally
abusive towards a child.
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Who should I speak to if I have a
concern?
If you have concerns about a child please contact the Council's
Child Protection Duty Team based at Pullar House in
Perth. The Child Protection phone line, 01738
476768, will be operated by a Duty Officer from 9 am until
5 pm, Monday to Friday. Outwith these hours please
contact the Out of Hours Team on 0845 301
1120.
Alternatively you could speak to a health visitor, teacher, nursery
worker, family doctor, social worker, police officer or the
Children's Reporter.
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I am being abused. Who can help
me>
You could speak to a health visitor, teacher, nursery worker,
family doctor, social worker, police officer,
children's reporter or any adult you feel you can trust.
Contact details for the duty/child protection team, the police and children's
reporter are available on this site.
If you prefer, you can call Childline free on 0800 1111 at any time, to
talk about any problem.
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I am concerned about a
child but they have no physical injuries. What should I
do?
Not all types of abuse leave visible injuries. If there
are other signs which make you worried about a child you should
speak to someone. The Child Protection Duty Team will provide
advice if you are unsure if a child is being abused.
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I am concerned about a
child, but they have not complained they are being badly
treated. Should I wait until they do before sharing my
concerns?
Children who are being abused rarely tell. If there are
other signs which make you worried about a child you should always
report it to someone who can protect the child.
If you have concerns about a child please contact the Council's
Child Protection Team based at Pullar House in Perth. The
Child Protection phone line, 01738 476768, will be
operated by a Duty Officer from 9 am until 5 pm, Monday to
Friday. The Duty Officer will be available to discuss
concerns about the care and protection of any child in the local
community. Outwith these hours, the contact number will be
0845 301 1120.
Alternatively you could speak to a health visitor, teacher, nursery
worker, family doctor, social worker, police officer or children's
reporter.
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I am concerned about a
child. Should I speak to the child about my worries?
Children who are being abused rarely tell. If there are
other signs which make you worried about a child you should speak
to someone.
If you have concerns about a child please contact the Council's
Child Protection Team based at Pullar House in Perth. The
Child Protection phone line, 01738 476768, will be
operated by a Duty Officer from 9 am until 5 pm, Monday to
Friday. The Duty Officer will be available to discuss
concerns about the care and protection of any child in the local
community. Outwith these hours, the contact number will be
0845 301 1120.
Alternatively you could speak to a health visitor, teacher, nursery
worker, family doctor, social worker, police officer or children's
reporter.
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I am having
difficulty caring for my child and think I need help. Who can
I speak to?
You could speak to a health visitor, teacher, nursery worker,
your family doctor or a member of the duty/child protection
team. All of these people can help you to find the support
you need to take care of your child.
If you have concerns about a child please contact the Council's
Child Protection Duty Team based at Pullar House in
Perth. The Child Protection phone line, 01738
476768, will be operated by a Duty Officer from 9 am until
5 pm, Monday to Friday. Outwith these hours please
contact the Out of Hours Team on 0845 301
1120. Or you could call Parentline
Scotland, a free telephone helpline for anyone caring for
children in Scotland, on 0808 800 2222.
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If I ask a
professional for advice about my concerns can I be sure that
they will treat the information confidentiality?
We will treat all the information you give us with great care
and discretion. We will not share any information, including
your name, unless we have to in order to protect the child.
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What will happen next if
I report suspected child abuse?
We treat all information seriously and will act on what you tell
us. We may check the records we already hold, or gather new
information. We may speak to the child and family to help
assess the situation.
We will make sure the child is safe, and we will get back in touch
to let you know that we have taken the appropriate action.
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What will
happen to the child and family if I share my concerns with
someone?
Once we have finished our enquiries there are a range of things
which might happen. We may decide that no action is
needed. We may offer the family support, or put them in touch
with other agencies which can provide them with services. In
some cases it may be necessary to take legal action to protect the
child.
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Will I have to give my name?
You don't have to give your name, but if you don't it might make
it difficult for us to find out whether the child is at risk.
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