If you have concerns that a child is being harmed the worst thing you can do is nothing. Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Partnership (NCSCP) and Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership have produced information, which outlines the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect.
Most of us, at some time, will have a concern about a child who lives in our community. However, we don't always know what to do, whether to involve ourselves in someone else's business or who to tell.
Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that children's well-being is safeguarded and promoted, whether you work directly with children and their families or not. The worst thing you can do if you have concerns is nothing.
How do I know if a Child is Being Abused?
Child abuse is when a child is harmed by an adult or another child – it can be over a period of time but can also be a one-off action. It can be physical, sexual or emotional and it can happen in person or online. It can also be a lack of love, care and attention – this is neglect.
The signs of child abuse can be hard to spot. Help to recognise the signs of abuse and support you can get if you have concerns about a child can be found at Comprehensive child safety guide (NSPCC) (opens in new tab)
Who to Contact
Police
If you believe that a child is at immediate risk and in need of protection then you should call the Police 999 immediately.
Alternatively, if you feel the child is a risk of abuse or neglect, but not in immediate need of protection, you should call the Police on 101.
Nottingham City Multi Agency Safeguarding (Children) Hub (City MASH)
The City MASH receives referrals in respect of children were there are worries about their welfare.
For further information, please visit the City MASH webpage at Multi Agency Safeguarding Children Hub (MASH) - Nottingham City Council
Nottinghamshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
For any urgent concerns about a child that you believe require a social work response today, please call on 0300 500 80 80 (if you are a member of the public) or 0300 500 80 90 (if you are a practitioner).
For further information, please visit the Safeguarding children - Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) - Nottinghamshire County Council
NSPCC
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. Their voice Helpline is currently available 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday or you can email help@NSPCC.org.uk 24/7 - you don’t have to say who you are.
To report abuse or neglect, or to get advice from NSPCC, visit Reporting child abuse and neglect (NSPCC) (opens in new tab)