If someone is in immediate danger call 999.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is protecting people from harm, abuse and neglect.
Safeguarding is not down to one individual, person or group. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
What is Child Protection?
Child protection refers to systems and procedures that are in place to keep children safe, usually as the result of an identified risk.
Which children need protecting?
All children (under 18) and young people (aged 16-18) have a right to live free of abuse, harm and neglect.
Some children, for example those with a Special Education Need or Disability, are at greater risk of harm than others.
What is child abuse?
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.
Common signs of child abuse
- unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
- becoming withdrawn
- seeming anxious
- becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
- lacks social skills and has few - if any - friends
- poor bond or relationship with a parent or carer
- knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age
- running away or going missing
- always choosing to wear clothes which cover their body
These signs do not necessarily mean that a child is being abused, there could be other things going on in their lives which are affecting their behaviour
You may also notice some concerning behaviour from adults who have children in their care which makes you concerned for the child/ren's safety and wellbeing.
How to report child abuse
Urgent Child Protection concerns should be reported to Hertfordshire County Council on 0300 123 4042.
To report child safeguarding concerns to Hertsmere Borough Council, email safeguarding@hertsmere.gov.uk.
Please do not contact the council in an emergency. We do not complete child protection investigations and cannot offer immediate help. If your concern is urgent contact Hertfordshire County Council or the police.
Further Support and Advice
Big Deal
Gambling information, advice and support for young people
Helpline number 0808 8020 133
Bold Voices
Resources for teachers, parents and young people about tackling gender inequality and cultures of gender-based violence
Childline
Free support and counselling for children and young people
Helpline number 0800 1111
Dignify
Resources for teachers, parents and young people about the effects of pornography and sexual objectification
Family Lives
Support and advice for parents, children and young people
Helpline number 0808 800 2222
Frank
Confidential support, advice and information about alcohol and drugs, plus their effects and the law.
Helpline number 0300 123 6600
Textline 82111
Hub of Hope
A database of UK mental health charities and organisations offering advice and support
Kooth.com
Safe, anonymous, online community and counselling for young people in certain areas of the UK. New users need to create an account to use it.
NHS Every Mind Matters
Information and advice on mental health and wellbeing. Includes videos about dealing with change, social media and sleep
NSPCC
Support and advice for parents and children.
Helpline number 0808 800 5000
themix.org.uk
Support and advice for people under 25 including crisis messenger textline, discussion boards, webchat and short term counselling online and by phone
Text 85258 for urgent mental health support