We all have a duty to protect children, whether we are professionals or private individuals.
If you think a child is being abused or neglected, or is at risk of abuse or neglect, speak to:
- the Intake and Assessment Team
- the Emergency Social Care Service by calling 0800 731 6969 (freephone) at any time outwith normal office hours (Monday to Thursday 5pm to 8:30am, weekends from Friday 3:55pm to 8:30am)
- the Police by calling 101 (or in an emergency 999)
- a member of staff at the child’s school
- any health professional.
You can report anonymously. Police, social workers and courts will deal with you in confidence. It really helps them to protect the person you are worried about if they can follow things up with you.
Public Protection
The East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee is a strategic partnership made up of agencies from the statutory and third sector with responsibility for oversight of policy and practice in relation to Adult Support and Protection, Child Protection and Violence Against Women and Girls. You can find out more about this and the Procedures and Guidance relating to Child Protection on their website – emppc.co.uk