Reporting concerns or 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.

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How to spot it

Emotional abuse
Occurs when parents fail to show their children sufficient love or attention or when they threaten, taunt or belittle them, causing them to become nervous, withdrawn, aggressive, or disturbed in their behaviour.

Some indications are:

Very low self-esteem
Lack of any sense of fun
Excessively clingy or attention seeking behaviour
Over reactions to mistakes or over anxious to please
Substantial failure to reach potential in learning
Self harming; compulsive rituals
Unusual patterns of response to others showing emotion

Physical abuse
Occurs when parents or adults deliberately inflict injuries on a child, or do not protect the child from injury.

Some indications are:

Unexplained injuries - bruises, scars, bites or burns, particularly if they are recurrent injuries of varying ages and types
Child shows fear about returning home
Withdrawal from physical contact
Bruising on very young babies

Sexual abuse
Occurs when an adult or (older) child involves a child in sexual activity to which the child does not or cannot consent, because of his or her age or understanding

Some indications are:

Withdrawn, fearful or aggressive behaviour to other children or adults
Poor concentration at school or learning problems which do not match intellectual ability
Behaviour with sexual overtones inappropriate to age
Complaints of genital itching or pain
Unexplained abdominal pain
Distrust of a familiar adult or anxiety about being left with a particular person, relative, babysitter or lodger
Unexplained gifts or money
Apparent secrecy
Wetting day or night when previously dry and clean
Severe sleep disturbances or nightmares
Chronic illness, especially throat infections
Venereal disease or other sexually transmitted diseases
Marked reluctance to take part in physical activity or to change clothes for PE, for example
Phobias or panic attacks
Self-mutilation or attempted suicide
Running away from home

Persistent or severe neglect
Occurs when a parent fails to meet a child's essential needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, or when children are left without proper supervision, which leaves them unsafe or unprotected.

Some indications are:

Consistently unkempt, dirty appearance
Medical needs of child unmet
Delay in the child's development without other clear cause
Lack of responsiveness with peers or adults in everyday social situations
Behaviour such as head banging or rocking
Repeated failure by parents/carers to prevent injury
Consistently inappropriately clothed for the weather
Hazardous living conditions
Failure to attend any sort of appointments
Non-organic failure to thrive

A child may experience more than one type of abuse or neglect.

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What will happen if I contact Children's Specialist Services?

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.

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Will the child's parent be told who contacted a social worker?

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.

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What happens next?

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.

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Will the police and other agencies be involved?

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.

Top of page

Will I be told what happens to the child and family?

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.

Top of page

What should I do if I am worried that I might harm my own child?

Many parents find it hard to cope at times. If you ever feel that you may harm your own child you should talk to someone about it. You can contact Children's Specialist Services and speak to a social worker, or speak to a health visitor, your family doctor or any professional that you know. They will try to help you to resolve the problem. Remember, you won't be the first parent to feel this way and talking to someone can really help.

Some key tips about safe parenting:

Try to understand the seriousness and consequences of child abuse.
Learn about healthy child development and safe parenting.
Listen to children – try to understand what they're saying and doing, and why.
Know what goes on in your child's world (such as their school, nursery, youth club) and how issues such as bullying are dealt with.
Find someone to turn to if you're under stress.
Don't cross the line and hurt your child. Take alternative actions – for example, "count to ten and think again".

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Need to talk to someone?

If you are worried that a child/young person is at risk of being abused or neglected you should contact:

Duty Team
Referral and Assessment Service
Children's Specialist Services
Welbeck House
43-51 Wandsworth High Street
London
SW18 2PU
Telephone: 020 8871 6622

Outside of normal office hours (after 5pm weekdays or on weekends): 020 8871 6000

In an emergency contact the Police on telephone number 999

NSPCC Freephone Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000

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Contacts for Lead Officer for Safeguarding

Please see the list for the contact details of the Lead Officers for Safeguarding for the various statutory and voluntary agencies represented on the WSCB.

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Allegations Manager

Please see the list for the contact details for the Allegations Managers of the various partner agencies of WSCB. If you have a concern or need to report an allegation relating to a member of staff, contractor or volunteer, please contact the appropriate Allegations Manager for the agency that that member of staff or volunteer works for.

If you do not know who the Allegations Manager is, you could contact the Council's Safeguarding Standards Unit and seek some advice or consultation from one of the Child Protection Co-ordinators. Click here for the Safeguarding Standards Unit's contact details.

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Useful contacts for parents

What to do if you're worried a child is being abused – government guidance www.everychildmatters.gov.uk.

Parentline (0808 800 2222) provides free confidential advice seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and is staffed by trained volunteers, all of whom have parenting experience. They also have a website with lots of useful information and advice on issues facing parents/carers - www.parentlineplus.org.uk .

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Wandsworth Safeguarding

Supporting and Protecting Todays Youth

Reporting concerns or abuse

How to spot it

What will happen if I contact Children's Specialist Services?

Will the child's parent be told who contacted a social worker?

What happens next?

Will the police and other agencies be involved?

Will I be told what happens to the child and family?

What should I do if I am worried that I might harm my own child?

Need to talk to someone?

Contacts for Lead Officer for Safeguarding

Allegations Manager

Useful contacts for parents

Information for Children and Young People Information for Parents, Carers, Families and Friends What is abuse? Reporting abuse Internet and mobiles Sexual health Bullying Weapons Drugs and alcohol Domestic violence Self harming Eating disorders Running away Young carers Children with disabilities Privately fostering children Useful Links Information for Professionals working with Children and Young People About Us Contact Us Policies and Procedures Resources Training		On this page: How to spot it \| What will happen if I contact Specialist Children Services?\| What happens next? \| Will the police and other agencies be involved? \| Will I be told what happens to the child and family? \| What should I do if I am worried that I might harm my own child? \| Need to talk to someone? \| Lead Officer for Safeguarding \| Allegations Managers \| Useful contacts for parents Reporting concerns or 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. Top of page How to spot it Emotional abuse Occurs when parents fail to show their children sufficient love or attention or when they threaten, taunt or belittle them, causing them to become nervous, withdrawn, aggressive, or disturbed in their behaviour. Some indications are: Very low self-esteem Lack of any sense of fun Excessively clingy or attention seeking behaviour Over reactions to mistakes or over anxious to please Substantial failure to reach potential in learning Self harming; compulsive rituals Unusual patterns of response to others showing emotion Physical abuse Occurs when parents or adults deliberately inflict injuries on a child, or do not protect the child from injury. Some indications are: Unexplained injuries - bruises, scars, bites or burns, particularly if they are recurrent injuries of varying ages and types Child shows fear about returning home Withdrawal from physical contact Bruising on very young babies Sexual abuse Occurs when an adult or (older) child involves a child in sexual activity to which the child does not or cannot consent, because of his or her age or understanding Some indications are: Withdrawn, fearful or aggressive behaviour to other children or adults Poor concentration at school or learning problems which do not match intellectual ability Behaviour with sexual overtones inappropriate to age Complaints of genital itching or pain Unexplained abdominal pain Distrust of a familiar adult or anxiety about being left with a particular person, relative, babysitter or lodger Unexplained gifts or money Apparent secrecy Wetting day or night when previously dry and clean Severe sleep disturbances or nightmares Chronic illness, especially throat infections Venereal disease or other sexually transmitted diseases Marked reluctance to take part in physical activity or to change clothes for PE, for example Phobias or panic attacks Self-mutilation or attempted suicide Running away from home Persistent or severe neglect Occurs when a parent fails to meet a child's essential needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, or when children are left without proper supervision, which leaves them unsafe or unprotected. Some indications are: Consistently unkempt, dirty appearance Medical needs of child unmet Delay in the child's development without other clear cause Lack of responsiveness with peers or adults in everyday social situations Behaviour such as head banging or rocking Repeated failure by parents/carers to prevent injury Consistently inappropriately clothed for the weather Hazardous living conditions Failure to attend any sort of appointments Non-organic failure to thrive A child may experience more than one type of abuse or neglect. Top of page What will happen if I contact Children's Specialist Services? 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. Top of page Will the child's parent be told who contacted a social worker? 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. Top of page What happens next? 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. Top of page Will the police and other agencies be involved? 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. Top of page Will I be told what happens to the child and family? 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. Top of page What should I do if I am worried that I might harm my own child? Many parents find it hard to cope at times. If you ever feel that you may harm your own child you should talk to someone about it. You can contact Children's Specialist Services and speak to a social worker, or speak to a health visitor, your family doctor or any professional that you know. They will try to help you to resolve the problem. Remember, you won't be the first parent to feel this way and talking to someone can really help. Some key tips about safe parenting: Try to understand the seriousness and consequences of child abuse. Learn about healthy child development and safe parenting. Listen to children – try to understand what they're saying and doing, and why. Know what goes on in your child's world (such as their school, nursery, youth club) and how issues such as bullying are dealt with. Find someone to turn to if you're under stress. Don't cross the line and hurt your child. Take alternative actions – for example, "count to ten and think again". Top of page Need to talk to someone? If you are worried that a child/young person is at risk of being abused or neglected you should contact: Duty Team Referral and Assessment Service Children's Specialist Services Welbeck House 43-51 Wandsworth High Street London SW18 2PU Telephone: 020 8871 6622 Outside of normal office hours (after 5pm weekdays or on weekends): 020 8871 6000 In an emergency contact the Police on telephone number 999 NSPCC Freephone Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 Top of page Contacts for Lead Officer for Safeguarding Please see the list for the contact details of the Lead Officers for Safeguarding for the various statutory and voluntary agencies represented on the WSCB. Top of page Allegations Manager Please see the list for the contact details for the Allegations Managers of the various partner agencies of WSCB. If you have a concern or need to report an allegation relating to a member of staff, contractor or volunteer, please contact the appropriate Allegations Manager for the agency that that member of staff or volunteer works for. If you do not know who the Allegations Manager is, you could contact the Council's Safeguarding Standards Unit and seek some advice or consultation from one of the Child Protection Co-ordinators. Click here for the Safeguarding Standards Unit's contact details. Top of page Useful contacts for parents What to do if you're worried a child is being abused – government guidance www.everychildmatters.gov.uk. Parentline (0808 800 2222) provides free confidential advice seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and is staffed by trained volunteers, all of whom have parenting experience. They also have a website with lots of useful information and advice on issues facing parents/carers - www.parentlineplus.org.uk . Top of page