Safeguarding children

The Trust work with parents and carers and a mixture of partner agencies to support children in having safe, healthy and happy childhoods that help to prepare them for adult life.

All staff working within the Trust including those services we contract out to other organisations are aware of the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. We all have a responsibility to recognise children who may be at risk of suffering harm and those in need of protection and how to respond to those concerns in a timely fashion.

This includes services that predominately care for adults, need also to always consider the safety and wellbeing of children associated with the adults receiving their care.

By safeguarding children, we act to promote their welfare and protect them from harm.

  • Protecting them from abuse and maltreatment.
  • Preventing harm to their health and development.
  • Ensuring they grow up with the provision of safe effective care.

Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children (up to the age of 18 years) identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Categories of child abuse

  • Physical abuse.
  • Emotional abuse.
  • Sexual abuse.
  • Neglect.

Resources

How to report your concern

For concerns about a child who you think may be at risk of abuse or neglect, contact their care team or local children and families services.

The multi-agency referral unit within will try to help you by signposting you to the service that can best help meet your child’s needs. If you are concerned that a child or adult is at immediate risk of significant harm call the police on 999.

Children's services in Cornwall

Cornwall Council

Child protection and safeguarding information. If you are concerned about a child's safety, please call the multi-agency referral unit on 0300 123 1116. Out of hours, call 0300 123 4101. You can also email Cornwall Council's multi-agency referral unit.

Isles of Scilly

Download a referral form.

Plymouth children's services

Plymouth Council

Open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and Fridays, 9am to 4pm.

Call 01752 306 340, out of hours call 01752 346 784.

Email Plymouth children's service or email Plymouth multi-agency hub

MASH

If you live in Plymouth, call 01752 668 000 (out of hours call 01752 346 784) or email the Plymouth MASH team.

If you live outside the Plymouth area, call 0345 155 1071 or email the Devon MASH team.

Police

In the case of an emergency and someone is in immediate danger, call 999. In less urgent cases, call 101.

Contact our Safeguarding Team

Call 01208 834 777, out of hours call 01208 251 300.

Email our safeguarding children team.

Additional information can be found on the South West Child Protection Procedure website.