Child Protection in Angus

Children

Protecting Children and Young People:
What you can do to help if you are worried about a child or young person

All children and young people have the right to be protected and kept safe from harm from others. We all have a responsibility to help protect children and young people - whether we work with children or families, are a parent, family member or a concerned member of the community.

Children and young people should get the help they need when they need it - and we all have a part to play in ensuring this. Protecting Children and Young People - The Charter sets out what children and young people say they need to help them feel safe.

Why might you be concerned about a child?

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Children rarely tell if they are being abused. However, there may be signs which make you concerned and may be an indication of a child being abused or neglected.

You may notice one, or a combination of the following; the child or young person may:

The behaviour of adults may cause you concern if they:

What to do if you have concerns

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 ensure a child gets the best possible help:

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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?

When you contact a professional about your concern, unless the child is in immediate danger, they will make some initial enquiries before taking action. They will check whether the child is known and what information is held. All information will be treated seriously and acted upon. This may lead to immediate action or a more planned response.

Following enquiries professionals may, for example:

Should you mind your own business?

All parents experience difficulties at various times that can be helped by other family members or close friends.

If someone you know is having difficulties, you could offer the following:

However there may be times when a child may be at risk of significant harm and professional support needs to be provided.

How would you want other people to act if your child was being harmed?

When we suspect, witness or are told of a child that is being hurt we can react in many different ways. We may feel guilt, anger, disbelief or denial. Some of these reactions can prevent help getting to a family who need it.

Many people do not tell because they fear the following

In reality, it is best that action is taken early to stop the situation getting worse. Long-term abuse is much more likely to cause problems for a child as they get older. Even if you think an incident is just a one off, other professional agencies may already have concerns about the child. So your information could be very important.

Warning signs

There are many possible signs of abuse, ranging from physical injury to changes in behaviour. Alternatively you may witness an incident or a child may tell you that he/she is being harmed.

Action

If you think that a child has been harmed, contact Angus Council Social Work and Health or Tayside Police (contact numbers below).

What to say

Explain exactly what you have seen or been told. If you can, keep a note of dates, injuries and the exact words used. These will help you.

Prevention

Make sure your child knows who they can share worries with and when they need to. Listen carefully to children and be alert to changes in them.

Important Telephone Numbers

Tayside Police

Social Work and Health

Other

Download the Protecting Children and Young People leaflet (200 KB PDF)

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