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Child protection and child abuse
We are all responsible for the care and welfare of
children
If you have any concerns about a child or
young person please do not leave it to someone else to deal
with.
Should you have urgent concerns about the
immediate safety of a child, ring the police or relevant emergency
services on 999.
If you think that a child or young person
under the age of 18 years old, who lives in Medway, is being
abused or neglected, you should report your
concerns to Medway Council.
In the investigation the council will always:
- make the child's welfare its first
priority;
- give informal help wherever possible
and only take legal action where, for the protection of a child,
there is no alternative;
- give a confidential service that will respect
the age, ethnicity, culture and religious background of all
individuals;
- act according to agreed Kent and Medway
safeguarding policies and procedures.
How to report your concerns
Members of the public
If you are a member of the public and have a
concern about a child or young person, please contact the council
using the details at the foot of this page. You may also
contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or
visit the NSPCC website. The NSPCC helpline is
a free and anonymous service provided by the NPSCC to help adults
speak out if they are ever worried about a child’s safety or
wellbeing.
Professionals
If you are a professional, such as a
health visitor or teacher, please complete a referral to children’s social care
Other useful contacts
Medway's Children's Referral Assessment and Support Teams
(CRAST)
CRAST provide consultation and advice to
colleagues and professionals seeking support in circumstances where
there is concern about a child. To request a consultation, contact
Customer First using the details at the foot of this page.
Family Information Service
For general information and support provided
by local groups, visit the Family Information Service
database.
Medway Safeguarding Children Board
For more information about safeguarding children, visit the
Medway Safeguarding Children Board
website.
In the event of an emergency occurring outside normal
office hours (Monday - Thursday, 8.30am–5.15pm, Friday
8.30am-4.45pm) use the 24-hour emergency number below.
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