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Worried about a child?

Find out who to call when you have a concern.

In an emergency, if you are worried about the immediate safety of a child, dial 999 and ask for the police. 

 

If you are a professional and have concerns about a child or unborn baby, that do not need an immediate response, refer to the MASH (see links in the table below). 

 

Shift the investigative question from 'is this a child protection case or not?' to 'does this child or young person need help and, if so, which service is appropriate?'

Munro (2011:132)

Everyone has an important part to play in preventing the abuse of children, and in responding to situations where they think that a child may be suffering, or at risk of suffering from serious harm. If you believe that a child has suffered or is likely to suffer serious harm an enquiry must be made to the MASH team.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or unborn baby you should consult with your manager or the designated person responsible for child protection in your organisation. If after discussion your concerns remain, you must make a referral to the MASH team.

If you do not think that the child is at risk of serious harm but feel that the child is in need of services (including those provided by another part of your same agency), you must make a referral to the MASH for consideration of a multi-agency response and allocation of a lead professional. 

Specific guidance
Specific guidance about the process to be followed when a child has failed to be brought to a health appointment can be found at the bottom of the page.

Getting in touch

To let us know you are worried about a child, please use the following procedure.

In an emergency where you are worried a child may be hurt, dial 999 and ask for the police.

In an emergency
1.If you are a member of the publicIf you are worried about a child's safety call 01481 223182 or 222222 (out of office hours).
2.If the child's needs are not clear, not known or not being met, and you think the risk is low but the child is vulnerable

You should contact the Multi-Agency Support Hub

The Multi-Agency Support Hub is the single point of entry to multi-agency help for children in need and their families. 

3.If you think there are complex needs likely to require a Social Work assessment, or where you are concerned a child may be at risk.You should contact the Multi-Agency Support Hub
4.Where you think a child is at imminent risk of significant harmPhone the MASH Team on 01481 223182 .If you are unable to speak to someone and you have immediate concerns for a child, dial 999 and ask for the police.

If you are unable to speak to someone and you have immediate concerns for a child, dial 999 and ask for the police.

version
This page was added to the website on 2 July 2015
Updated:
8 January 2021 to include new MASH and EDT numbers
18 January 2016 to include referrals to MASH
15 January 2017 amended to 'enquiries' to MASH
 

Document downloads

pdf icon Failure to be Brought and Failed Access Guidelines [337kb]

 

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