Child Protection
Introduction
Child Protection Information
Welcome to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety web-site on Child Protection.
It is aimed at
- parents
- carers
- child-care groups or organisations
- groups/organisations involved with adults with learning disability
It is intended to provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of Child Protection and enable parents/carers to ask questions and make informed choices as well as helping organisations put proper child protection structures in place.
Reporting Child Protection Concerns
The Department is often the first place that people contact when they have concerns or allegations about children being abused. However, the Department does not investigate individual cases. These investigations are carried out by the relevant Health and Social Services Trust. If you have any concerns about children being abused, or harmed in any way, you should, report these immediately to the relevant HSC Trust for further investigation.
Alternatively you can contact the NSPCC's free and confidential 24 hour helpline service at 0808 800 5000 or you can contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 028 9065 0222.
The NSPCC has launched this year's Milestone Campaign called Don't Hide It. It is targeted primarily at children and young people aged 11-16, encouraging them to speak out about their experiences of sexual abuse. For further information on the campaign visit
Child Protection
The child protection standards are applicable to all public bodies, organisations, professionals and persons who provide statutory services to children. They also establish a framework of best practice in child protection for voluntary, community and independent sector organisations and practitioners (including counsellors and therapists working in a private capacity) who work with or have significant contact with children and young people. They should also help families and members of the public understand how services work to protect children and the important contribution they themselves can make to the safeguarding of children and young people.
- Standards for Child Protection Services (June 2008) (PDF 500 KB)
- Letter accompanying Review of Child Protection Standards (PDF 63KB)
Consultations
Consultation on a Regional Child Death Review Protocol- a Multi-Agency Procedure to be followed in cases of Sudden or Unexpected Child Deaths from birth to 18 years.
A Protocol that outlines the responsibilities of statutory agencies and professional staff when dealing with the sudden or unexpected death of any child from birth up to the age of 18 years, whether that death occurs at home, in a community setting (including any educational, care, secure care or custodial setting) or in hospital, is now available for consultation.
For further information on this consultation and how to respond go to the Regional Child Death Review Protocol consultation page.
Other Useful Contacts
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre works across the UK and maiximises international links to deliver a holistic approach that combines police powers with the dedicated expertise of business sectors, government, specialist charitiesand other interested organisations - all focused on tackling sex abuse wherever and whenever it happens. For further information on the CEOPand how to access the centre click on the following link: www.ceop.gov.uk
