Children at Risk


Our main focus is to support families to help them look after their children, however Children’s Services must by law protect children from neglect and abuse.

Children can be abused in many ways; physically, sexually, emotionally and through neglect of their basic needs. It can take place in the home, in the school and elsewhere.

When we are made aware of possible child abuse we will:

  • Ensure the immediate safety of the child or young person
  • Try to keep everyone who is directly involved with the child informed about what is happening
  • Undertake enquiries or an investigation that may include interviews and medical examinations
  • Make contact with the police if a criminal offence is suspected
  • Dependant on our findings we may arrange a meeting which is called a Child Protection Conference where professionals are invited together with the family to look at the information to decide how safe the child is
  • If the conference decides that the child is at risk or is likely to suffer further harm the child’s name will be entered on the Child Protection Register and we will make plans to complete an assessment and Child Protection Plan.

Please get in touch if:

You believe that a child or young person is being abused or is at risk in some way.
You feel you are at risk of abusing a child or young person.
You are a child being abused.

We promise to handle the case sensitively taking into account the background and circumstances of the child and family.

Click below to Access the Education Welfare Service:
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Page last updated on: 16/02/2006