If you are worried about things that are happening to you or to someone you know, it is important that you tell somebody so that you can get the support and protection you need.
Everybody who works or volunteers with children and young people has a responsibility to protect them from harm. Tell an adult you trust. This could be someone at your school, youth club, doctor’s surgery or any other place you attend. Tell them about what is happening and what you are worried about, and they should know how to get you the support and protection you need.
You can contact the Access, Help and Support Team on 0141 562 8800 (Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 4.45pm, and Friday 8.45am - 3.55pm) You don't need to give your name if you don't want to.
Or you can speak to someone at Childline on 0800 1111. Calls are free and confidential. You can also contact someone through the
In an emergency, if you or someone you know is in danger, call the police on 999 straight away and tell them that you need help.
We've written down the answers to some questions you might have:
Your views matter
It's important that you tell someone who can help you what you think about your situation. If you can, tell them what you want to change (if anything).
You also have the right to attend any meeting arranged to discuss concerns about you. If you only want to be at a part of the meeting then this can be arranged.
It’s all about you, and your views matter.
Child abuse happens when children are hurt or put in danger by others. This can be caused by adults, including those looking after you or with responsibility for you, or by strangers or other children.
Children may be hurt in a number of ways, for example;
It is important that you tell a grown up you trust about what is happening. This could be -
If you tell a grown up that you trust what is happening, they will listen to you and might need to talk to another grown up who is able to help. Some children might be frightened about telling a grown up what is happening, but it is important that children feel safe and that grown-ups make sure that they are protected.
A Child Protection Investigation happens when social workers and police find out that you might not be safe or are not being looked after properly.
They speak to different people who know you to find out what’s been happening and they work out the best way to keep you safe.
If someone has told social work or police they are worried about you, they will want to:
When social work or police speak to you, you can speak to them on your own or you can have an adult you trust with you.
What you have to say is very important. What you and other people say will be written down to make sure that everyone is clear about what’s been said.
Social work and police might also want to speak to other people who know you and your family well. This might be a close family member, your teacher, school nurse or a support worker.
It is usually better if you are able to be looked after by your own family in your own home. However, you might have to be looked after by someone else if there are concerns about your safety. If this happens, we will explain why.
The person who cares for you will also have their views about your family situation included. Most importantly, your views will be asked for and written down.
After speaking to everyone the social worker will write everything down in a way which makes sure that your needs are considered above everything else. Any risks to your safety and how they affect you, or any worries about the way you are being cared for, will be investigated.
If social work and police believe you are safe and not at risk of harm then there might be no need for further contact with them. However, if you or your family need help and support then this will be arranged.
Sometimes a meeting called a child protection planning meeting can be arranged to make sure that you and your family get the right help you need, when you need it.
