Child Protection
If you have concerns that a child might be suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, you should contact Social Services who have a legal duty to investigate under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989. Social Services 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 the family. We normally investigate with the Police. If a visit to the child and the family would put the child at more risk of harm, then we will make enquires first with other professionals who may know the child and the family eg School, Health Visitor or School Health Nurse, GP, Youth Worker.
If we are concerned about the future safety of the child then we may convene a Child Protection Conference. The conference involves all professionals who know the child and family, the parents and, for part of the meeting if they are old enough, the child (usually over 8 years of age). If the child is unable to attend, then it is important that someone ensures their views are fed into the conference and they will be offered support via an Advocacy Service. The conference will decide if the child, and his or her siblings, are to be placed on the Child Protection Register and on any further action to be taken.
If a child’s name is placed on the register, a Child Protection Plan will be agreed at the conference and will set out what is needed to ensure the future safety of the child and what will be provided by Social Services, other agencies and the parents to help and improve the situation.
If you have concerns that a child might be ill-treated, you must talk to someone. Either contact the Police or Social Services. If you feel the danger to the child is immediate, ring the Police now. If it is less urgent contact us.
During office hours (9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am – 4.30pm Friday) contact Call Torfaen on 01495 762200 and tell them it is a Child Protection referral.
At all other time, including nights, weekends and Bank Holidays contact the Emergency Duty team on 0800 3284432 or the Police.