Concerned about a child?

All children have the right to achieve their potential to be protected from all forms of harm. These include:

• physical abuse
• neglect
• emotion abuse
• sexual abuse

We are all responsible for making sure children are safe, whoever we are and whatever we do! It is very important that you report any concerns that you have over the safety of a child.

If you think a child or a young person you know is suffering harm you can report your concerns by:

You can ring Children Services via Shropshire County Council's Customer Service Centre and ask to speak to the Stay Safe Team:

The number to call is 0845 6789006

You can also speak to:

Public Protection Unit (West Mercia Police) 08457 444888
NSPCC 0800 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111

After 5pm or at the weekends please phone the Emergency Social Work Duty Team: 08456 789040

What happens next?
You can talk about your worries to someone in Children and Young People's Services without giving your name but it is better if you can.

If the concerns are really serious it might be necessary to visit the child and talk to the family. (You will be told what happens if you have given your name).

What happens next if Children and Young People's Services feel the child or young person is suffering harm?
If concerns are raised that a child may be suffering harm Social Care and Health with other agencies must make enquiries to ensure that the child is properly cared for and safe. Parents should be told what the concerns are and usually a Social Worker and possibly a Police Officer will visit the family. If they decide there are no concerns they may offer support or take no further action.

If they believe that a child or young person is suffering significant harm Social Care and Safeguards will organise a Child Protection Conference. This is a meeting of professionals and the parents/carers to discuss what support and services are needed by the family and to develop a child protection plan. The main aim is to help families stay together. However, if a child is in danger Social Care and Safeguards may apply to the courts for an Emergency Protection Order or Interim Care Order.

Bringing up children is not easy and most parents will need advice and support at sometime. Further information on support services.

Data protection statement
Shropshire County Council will use the information provided for collation of information relating to situations of potential abuse. Any concerns about possible abuse will be discussed with other agencies, including the Police.

The source of information will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with others if it helps to protect the vulnerable adult: if information needs to be passed on to others expect: to be told before the information is shared; to be kept informed about what is happening. Information will be used only for the monitoring of potentially-abusive situations and will be retained for a maximum period of 2 years from submission.