What to do if a child is being abused
Please tell someone if you have any
concerns that a child is being abused.
If you think the danger is immediate ring the police now
on 999.
If it is less urgent, please contact us, Monday to Friday
between 9.00am-5.00pm.
Phone: 01403 229900
At all other times, including nights, weekends and bank
holidays, contact the police. They will either act themselves or
contact us for you.
Or, contact our 'out of hours' emergency
team.
Phone: 01903 694422
Remember - The worst thing to do if you are
concerned about a child is nothing!
When you contact us about a child
The county council has a legal duty to investigate under Section
47 of the Children Act 1989 if we are told that a child is being
ill treated. We have to help children in need and protect children
who are at risk of significant harm.
When we hear that a child might be being harmed in some way we
make enquiries, usually starting by visiting the child and family.
If a visit would put the child at more risk then we will make
enquiries first.
We normally investigate with the police and we try to speak to
all other professionals who may know the child and their
family.
If we are concerned about the future safety of the child then we
may hold a meeting, which is called a child protection conference.
This meeting involves all of the professionals who know the child
and family, the parents and, for part of the meeting if they are
old enough, the child (usually over 10 years of age). If the child
cannot come then it is important that someone makes sure their
views are fed into the meeting.
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What happens next
If there seem to be unresolved child protection issues then the
child's name may be put on the West Sussex child protection
register. This is a confidential list of children living with their
families within the county about whom there are child protection
concerns. Each of these children has a plan to reduce the
possibility of harm to them. The list means that professional staff
are aware of the risk to the child and can work with the child and
family to reduce this.
The plan is reviewed within three months and, if issues have
been resolved, then the child's name could be taken off the list.
If not, it is reviewed again at six monthly intervals until the
objectives of the plan are accomplished.
This process is governed by the Sussex Child Protection and
Safeguarding Children Procedures. These can also be found in
the reference section of public libraries or through the link
attached.
Our procedures are based on Department of Health (DH)
guidance contained within 'Working together to safeguard
children'.
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