Child Protection

What you should do if you think a child is being abused

If you have any concerns because you think that a child might be being abused and you want to talk to someone or ask someone to find out what is going on, you should contact the Children’s Services Department.

If you think a child might be in danger - contact us as soon as you can:

• During office hours (8.30am – 5:00pm) - you should contact your Children’s Services Area Office and ask to speak to the duty social worker.
• At all other times (all through the night, at weekends and over Bank Holidays) - you should contact the out-of-hours Emergency Service: 0845 600 4555.

If this line is engaged you will be put through to an answerphone. Leave your name and number and we will call you back as quickly as possible.

You can also call the police on 0845 045 45 45. The police will contact Children’s Services for help in finding out what is happening.

FAQs

 (from Hampshire's Children's Services website)

• How do I deal with a child who tells me about abuse?
• What happens when I contact the Children’s Services Department about a child I think is being ill-treated?
• Why is the child still living with its parents after I reported the abuse?
• Will I be involved in any further action?
• Where can I get further information?