Child Protection

We all have a responsibility to ensure children and young people are safe from harm or abuse. If you have any suspicions, or information indicating a child is being harmed, don't ignore it.

What should I do if I think a child or young person is being harmed?

You can always ask for advice from children's social care if you are not sure about a situation.

The information below may help if you think a child or young person is being harmed.

Signs which may suggest physical abuse

Any bruising to a baby - pre-walking stage
Multiple bruising to different parts of the body
Bruising of different colours indicating repeated injuries
Fingertip bruising to the chest, back, arms or legs
Burns of any shape or size
An injury for which there is no adequate explanation

Signs of possible sexual abuse

Something a child has told you
Something a child has told someone else
A child who shows worrying sexualised behaviour in their play or with other children
A child who seems to have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age
A child who may be visiting or being looked after by a known or suspected sexual offender

Signs which may suggest emotional harm

The following signs may be present in children whose parents are over-critical and emotionally distant, or who are unable to meet their child's emotional needs:

Children whose behaviour is excessive. For example, excessive bedwetting, overeating, rocking, headbanging.
Children who self harm. For example, they may cut or scratch themselves or overdose.
Children who attempt suicide
Children who persistently run away from home
Children who show high levels of anxiety, unhappiness or withdrawal
Children who usually seek out or avoid affection.

Signs which may suggest neglect

Squalid, unhygienic or dangerous home conditions
Parents who fail to attend to their children's health or development needs
Children who appear persistently undersized or underweight
Children who continually appear tired or lacking in energy
Children who suffer frequent injuries due to lack of supervision.

What is the Coventry Safeguarding Children Board (CSCB)?

The CSCB is responsible for agreeing with the relevant organisations in Coventry how they should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, ensuring that all organisations provide an effective service.

The Board is made up of senior representatives from agencies such as police, probation, health, education, children's social care, adults social care and NSPCC.

The Boards primary function is to ensure organisations work to protect children who are suffering or likely to suffer from significant harm. It also has responsibility for delivering training to professionals, producing inter-agency child protection procedures, auditing and reviewing how well agencies work together to protect children and reviewing child deaths in the city to name but a few.

To find out more visit the Coventry Safeguarding Children Board website www.coventrylscb.org.uk

There is specific information for you if you are:

a child or young person
a parent or carer

How do I contact someone if I am concerned about a child or young person?

If you do need to speak to somebody about your concerns:

Contact a social worker: 024 7678 8555
Social worker (out of office hours): 024 7683 2222
Or text CHILD CONCERN to: 60003

What should I do if a child is in immediate danger or left alone?

If a child is in immediate danger or left alone, you should contact:

Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit: 024 7653 9044 or telephone 999 in an emergency.

Get in touch

Also in Child protection

Protection order