Parents and carers
What to do if you are worried about a child
As a parent, carer, relative, neighbour, member of the public or a professional who has contact with children, you may be concerned about the welfare and safety of your own child or a child you know. Keeping children safe is everyone’s business.
These concerns could be about their appearance, behaviour, development or how they are being cared for. If you are worried about the welfare or safety of a child, even your own child, it is very important that you contact us.
Social workers will then follow up every report, talk to other people to get a clearer picture and decide what to do from there. Children are very rarely taken away from home – this only happens when there are real concerns that the child is not safe.
If you are worried about a child or young person, you can refer to the Integrated Front Door through an online portal.
- Refer to the Integrated Front Door for a Service Request Early Help / Children Social Care
The phoneline remains open for URGENT REFERRALS – Tel: 01782 235100 (Monday - Thursday 8.30am – 5pm, Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm)
For ALL referrals outside of office hours, at weekends or a bank holiday, please contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) – Tel: 01782 234234
If you think the child is at immediate risk call 999.