Children and young people

Medway Council provides services to children, young people under 18 years of age and families under the Children Acts 1989 and 2004. It has a responsibility to help children and young people under the age of 18 years who are in need and to protect children who are at risk of significant harm.

This includes investigating any concerns that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm because of:

• physical injury,
• neglect,
• sexual abuse,
• emotional abuse.

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.

If you are worried about a child, the council wants to hear from you. You can also call the NSPCC help-line on 0808 800 5000 or visit the NSPCC website (www.nspcc.org.uk).

The council's assessment team provides consultation and advice to colleagues and professionals seeking support in circumstances where there is concern about a child.

Should you have urgent concerns about the immediate safety of a child, ring the police or relevant emergency services on 999.

For general information and support provided by local groups, visit the Medway Positive Parenting Network website (www.medwayppn.org).

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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