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.

Contact information

For concerns about a child who you think may be at risk of abuse or neglect please 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. Call 0300 1231 116  or email the multi-agency referral unit.

If you are concerned that a child or adult is at immediate risk of significant harm call the police on 999.

Links to further support and advice