Reporting Child Abuse

We all have a part to play in preventing the abuse of children. If you are concerned for a child you know, it is important that you report your suspicions.

There are a number of ways to report child abuse. You can contact social services, the police or speak to a doctor, nurse, teacher or community worker. You can also ring Childline on 0800 1111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

What they would like to know

The agency you report to will ask you for as much information as possible. The kind of thing they might want to know is:

• Why you are concerned
• Is the child in immediate danger?
• Are there other children who may be at risk?
• Child’s name, age, date of birth and address (if known)
• Names of any adults who have care of the child
• Who you think has harmed or might harm the child and when it may have happened

What happens next?

If you report to social services, they will make enquiries and decide if the child needs protection and what needs to be done. Their enquiries could involve interviews, family visits and/or medical examinations. Usually they will tell the parents they are making enquiries. They will discuss almost all reports with the police to see what information the police have.

After their enquiries, social services, in consultation with the police, may suggest further action if they believe a child is at risk. Action may continue to a lesser extent if the allegation is one of concern, ie. neglect etc.

Further action could include:

• Police investigation
• Placing a child in care
• Keeping the child at home but under the supervision of the local authority or a probation officer. This means the family will get help and support.
• Putting the child on the child protection register

The police always investigate possible cases of child abuse which are reported to them. If the child is under 16, they will always consult with social services.

In emergency situations the police can remove a child from home and take them into police protection for up to 72 hours.

Contact Numbers

Childline 0800 1111
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Strathclyde Police 0141 532 2000 (or in an emergency 999)