Safeguarding Children and Young People in Telford and Wrekin

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You may be concerned about a child or young person. You may or may not know them, or even their name. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Abuse can take many different forms, such as neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional abuse.

If the child is in immediate danger call 999

We are all responsible for reporting concerns about a child’s welfare. Don’t wait until you’re certain, if you are worried about a child, call Family Connect now:

01952 385385 option 1

01952 676500 (out of hours)

Report your concern online (Professional Referral Form)

Report your concern online (Customer Referral Form)

Report your child exploitation concern online (Customer Referral Form)

For more information about Safeguarding Children please visit the Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership website.

For more information about Child Exploitation please visit our Children Abused Through Exploitation (CATE) page.

Safeguarding children and young people is the action that is taken to promote their welfare and protect them from harm. It is important because every child and young person has a right to equal protection from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Safeguarding also helps children and young people to grow up in a safe and caring environment and to achieve the best outcomes in life.

Safeguarding Children and Young People is everyone’s responsibility

If you are worried that a young person is being exploited or abused, here are some key points to know:

  • Exploitation and abuse can take many forms, such as physical, psychological, financial, sexual, or criminal.
  • Exploitation and abuse can happen anywhere, such as at home, in a care setting, in a public place, or online.
  • The person causing the harm may be someone the young person knows and trusts, such as a family member, a friend, a carer, or a professional. They may also be a stranger or someone who targets vulnerable young people for criminal purposes, such as gangs or traffickers.
  • A young person may be at risk of harm if they have a disability, an illness, a mental health issue, or any other condition that makes them dependent on others or unable to protect themselves.
  • Signs of exploitation and abuse may include injuries, bruises, burns, changes in behaviour, mood, or appearance, isolation, fear, anxiety, or depression.

If you suspect that a young person is being exploited or abused, you should report your concerns to the local authority’s children’s social care team or the police. You can also contact other organisations that provide support and advice for young people, such as NSPCC, Childline and Barnardo’s.

Logos for charities who work in safeguarding children and young people

You should not ignore or dismiss any signs of exploitation and abuse, as they may have serious and lasting consequences for the young person’s health, wellbeing, and safety.

You should not confront the person causing the harm, as this may put you or the young person at risk of further harm.

You should not promise to keep the young person’s situation a secret, as this may prevent them from getting the help they need. You should explain to the young person that you are concerned about them and that you want to help them by contacting the appropriate authorities or services.

Return to the homepage by following the link here and you can find specific services for your area.