CHILD PROTECTION

Because of their responsibilities, duties and powers in relation to vulnerable children, Social Services Division acts as the principal point of contact for children about whom there are child welfare concerns. Contact can be directly by parents or family members seeking help, concerned friends and neighbours or by professionals and other agencies.

Social Workers will make enquiries if they have reason to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer harm. This will then enable them to decide whether they should take any action to safeguard or promote the child's welfare. In the great majority of cases, children are safeguarded by working with the parents, family members and other adults in the child's life to make him/her safe, if possible within the family setting. Where a child is at continuing risk of significant harm, Social Services are responsible for co-ordinating, along with other agencies, a plan to safeguard the child. Parents and families have their problems too. Many find it difficult to cope with the demands of their children. Some parents have little or little or no support from their partners or relatives.

When problems persist or become unmanageable it will help to contact Social Services on (01624) 686179