What happens when you report abuse
Find out what happens when you contact the authorities about suspected abuse.
Find out what happens when you contact the authorities about suspected abuse.
It can sometimes be difficult to know what to do for the best. If you find out a child is being harmed, you may be thinking that perhaps the child is really alright. You don't want to provoke someone and make matters worse for the child. Perhaps you're concerned the family might be broken up and the children put in care (although this actually rarely happens). You may think the problem will resolve itself. And you may not know where to go for help.
It may seem that the easiest thing to do is to do nothing. Please don't. Trust your own judgement. It is important that you act.
If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk of abuse or neglect, please contact Children's Specialist Services straight away. You should always report your concerns, even if the person you suspect to be abusing or neglecting a child is your partner, a member of your own family or someone you know well.
The Council has a duty to look into a child's circumstances when somebody suspects abuse or neglect is occurring. A social worker usually does this job for them. The social worker will need you to give them relevant information so they can plan the best way of checking the child is safe and, if necessary, draw up plans for further action.
You don't have to give your name. It does, however, make it easier for everyone involved if you give them your contact details so they can get back to you for more information. They will tell the parent or carer if the person concerned about a child is a professional person, like a doctor or a teacher.
A social worker will go and talk to the parent or carer to find out if the information you gave them is true, and whether the family needs any help or support. They will also want to see the child and talk to the child alone (if they are old enough to understand).
If the social worker thinks the child is at risk they will discuss with the parents what will need to happen to make them safe. If the social worker decides that the child is at risk of abuse or neglect, they will organise a Child Protection Conference to draw up a plan of how to protect the child. The plan will involve the professionals who know the child, the child's parents, and often their immediate family.
Children's Specialist Services' aim is to keep families together and they nearly always succeed in doing this. A very small number of children each year need to be separated from their parents to ensure they are kept safe. Usually these children return home once their care and safety can be guaranteed.
If a crime has been committed against a child, the police will also be involved. They will work with the social worker so together they can decide the best way to keep the child safe from harm.
Children's Specialist Services staff work closely with other agencies that work with children and their families. They believe it is very important to work together to protect children from harm and all these partner agencies work to the same procedures and guidelines, and keep in close contact.
It is very unlikely that you will be given any specific information about the action taken and what happens to the child and their family. It is important to respect everyone's right to privacy. However, the social worker will reassure you that your comments have been taken seriously and that action will be taken.