Worried about a child?
Action for Children doesn’t investigate reports of abuse or neglect. But below, you can find guidance on who to contact if you have concerns about a child or young person.
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999 straight away.
The sooner you contact, the quicker your local children’s social care duty team can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and you can make an anonymous report if that feels safer.
If the danger isn't immediate, you can use these links to get in touch with your local council if you're concerned about a child's welfare:
Information for England:
Follow the steps by putting in your postcode and making a report. You can also find a postcode on Royal Mail's postcode finder if you need to. This will show your local children's social care team, with their contact information.
Information for Wales:
Some guidance is provided on identifying abuse. Beneath you will find a list of all council social care teams in Wales. You will need to identify which council the child is in - you can do this by checking an address or even by searching on Google/another search engine with a postcode. Click on the council you need, and you will find further information for teams in specific local areas of Wales.
Information for Scotland:
Some guidance is provided on a few places you can reach out to for support. You can then select your local council from a drop-down menu. If you don't know the relevant council, you can check this by looking at an address or searching on Google/another search engine with a postcode. Choose the council you need and you will find further information on how to report.
Information for Northern Ireland:
You will find information on how to report, and what you will be asked when you make contact. It recommends to contact the Gateway Service Team in your local area. You can do this by clicking on the link and downloading a document featuring all contact details - or by simply searching on Google/another search engine the area you're in + Gateway Service Team NI.
Looking for a service?
If you’re a parent looking for advice on topics like your child’s emotional wellbeing, sleep, or behaviour, visit our Parent Talk website. Browse our articles or speak to one of our parenting coaches using our online chat.
