If the child is in danger

Call 999 or (0114) 2202020.

If the child isn't at risk of immediate harm

If you're concerned about a child, but they're not in immediate danger, it's still important to share the information with us as soon as possible.

If your call is not urgent, you can do the following:

• Contact us on (01226) 772423. Our offices are open between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.
• Fill in a Children's social care referral. Read our top tips for good referrals into the Integrated Front Door.
• Discuss your concerns with a professional you trust who works with children and families. This could be a health visitor, social worker, school nurse or teacher (all schools have a teacher in charge for child protection).

Out of hours emergencies

If you want to report your concern urgently and our offices are closed, you can contact our children's emergency duty team on (01226) 787789. They work on weekends and bank holidays and deal with issues that can't wait until usual office opening hours. 

Keeping children and young people safe is everyone's business

If you have even the slightest concerns about a child or young person's welfare, don't ignore it - do something about it.

You can find out more about what child abuse and neglect is, and how to spot the signs on the NSPCC website.

If you're working with children and young people, the government publication What to do if you're worried a child is being abused contains information and advice regarding the most appropriate course of action to take if you're worried about the safety of a child or young person. It also explains how agencies should respond to your concerns.

How we investigate allegations of abuse

If you contact us because you suspect a child is at risk we'll look into the concerns you've reported. We won't be able to share any information about the child or their family with you, or tell you what action we've taken. 

You can read more about child protection investigations and what's involved.