Child Protection
We all have a responsibility to protect children and young people from harm. Northern Constabulary treat any report of concern for a child seriously. Child Protection is a Force priority and the Force has dedicated Public Protection Units with experienced staff who are trained in interviewing children. Northern Constabulary work in partnership, in order to protect children, with Social Work, Health, Education and other agencies under the auspices of the:
- Highland Child Protection Committee - Working Together To Protect Children in the Highlands Policy Guidelines
- Orkney Island Child Protection Committee – Child Protection Policy & Guidelines
- Shetland’s Child Protection Committee – Shetland Inter Agency Child Protection Procedures
- Western Isles Child Protection Committee – Inter Agency Procedures & Guidelines
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or young person, call Northern Constabulary on 0845 600 5703 or the National Child Protection Line on 0800 022 3222.
If the concern is an emergency please dial 999.
Under the Keeping Children Safe - Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme, people with concerns about an individual who has contact with and may pose a risk to a child may notify those concerns to the Police who will carry out relevant checks and consider whether a disclosure is appropriate and proportionate. If it is found that the individual does pose a risk to children, it may be the case that information is disclosed to the parent, carer or guardian as a protective measure.
What might cause a Child Concern?
You may notice one or a combination of the following-
The child or young person may:
- have unexplained bruising or bruising in an unusual place.
- appear afraid, quiet or withdrawn.
- be afraid to go home.
- appear constantly hungry, tired or untidy.
- be left unattended or unsupervised.
- have too much responsibility for their age.
- be acting in a sexually inappropriate way.
- be misusing drugs or alcohol.
- tell you something that sounds as though they have been hurt by someone.
The behaviour of adults may cause you concern if they:
- are acting in an aggressive, violent or sexual manner towards a child or young person.
- are misusing drink or drugs while caring for a child.
- leave their child unattended or with unsuitable adults.
What will happen after you have called the Police
When you have spoken to the Police about your concerns, one of two things will happen:
If the child is in immediate danger, steps will be taken straight away to make sure they are kept safe.
If the child is not in immediate danger, some initial enquiries will be made to see what further action is warranted. Checks will be made to see whether the child is already known and what information is held. All information is treated seriously and will, if necessary, be acted upon.
Following initial enquiries, professionals may:
- take action to secure the safety of the child.
- provide support, help or advice to the family.
- provide a service to the child or family and, where necessary, a referral to another agency.
- conduct criminal proceedings.
- record your concern but take no further action at that time.
Do you need to give your name?
Any information you give will be treated with great care.
Enquiries into the child’s welfare can still be made even if you don not give your name. However, withholding your name may make it more difficult for those looking into your concerns.
Any information you give may need to be shared with other professionals to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect the child.
More information
You can find out more information about Child Protection in the Highlands and Islands – through the following links:
- The Highland Council
- Orkney Island Council - and See it Hear It
- Shetland Islands Council
- Western Isles Council/Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CNES)
- or through the National Child Protection Line
Online Protection
All of us want to give children and young people the very best start in life, but to do this they need to be kept safe from harm. The Internet is fast becoming an essential part of children and young people’s every day world but can have its dangers if care is not taken with its use. If a child or young person uses a chat room or social networking site, do you know who they are speaking to? Do you know if they are safe? Advice about safe Internet use can be found at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and Childnet International