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Please note: Translations are handled by an external website and are not endorsed by Peterborough City Council.

Worried about a child?

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a new way of working with children and young people. It involves listening to the parents, children and young people to ensure they are entitled to help when they need it. The CAF is about supporting families when they need it rather than waiting until things are getting out of control. Any member of staff working with children and families will have an awareness of CAF and would be happy to complete a form with you to ensure you receive the appropriate support.

Worried about a child?
  • Protecting children is everybody’s business
  • Adults have a responsibility to report abuse
  • Consider offering some support if you are worried
  • If in doubt share your concerns about children
  • Reporting concerns rarely leads to a child being removed
  • Act now - long-term abuse is damaging for children

All parents have problems at times but can be helped by other family members or close friends.  If someone you know is having difficulties, you could:

  • Listen to their problems.
  • Help them cope
  • Encourage them to get more help
  • Support them by babysitting or doing shopping

There may be times when a child is at risk of harm and you need to get help.  When we think, see or are told about a child that is being hurt we can react in many different ways. We may feel guilt, angry or shocked. Some people’s reactions can stop help getting to a family who need it.

Many people do not tell because they fear that:

  • Children will get hurt more
  • They believe that nothing will be done
  • They believe that the child would be taken away
  • They worry that the family may find out who reported them
  • Telling may ruin family relationships

In truth, it is better that action is taken early to stop things getting worse. Long-term abuse is much more likely to cause problems for a child as they get older. Even if you think an incident is just a one off, other agencies may already have concerns about the child.  Your information could be very important.

If you report your concern to childrens services, you will be asked for your details and details of the worries you have. You should write down what you want to say before you speak to them so that you can remember everything. Reporting child abuse hardly ever results in the child being taken away from home. This is not the main aim of Child Protection Investigations and rarely happens. Social workers can only remove children from home with a court order, having shown there is a serious risk. In emergency situations, the Police have the power to remove a child from home for 72 hours.

Warning signs

There are many possible signs of abuse, ranging from injury to changes in the way a child is acting. You could see something happen or a child may tell you that he or she is being hurt.

Action

If you think that a child has been hurt, contact the Duty Social Worker or the Police. If you are unsure, you can speak to a helpline, such as the NSPCC and your call will be kept private.

What to say

Explain exactly what you have seen or been told.  If you can, keep a note of dates, injuries and the exact words used. These will help you.

Prevention

Make sure your child knows who they can share worries with if and when they need to. Listen carefully to children and notice any changes in them.

Useful contacts

  • Referral & Assessment 01733 864180 (out of hours 01733 234724)
  • Peterborough Police 0845 456 4564
  • NSPCC 0808 800 5000
  • Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222