All adults have a responsibility to protect children from harm. This includes not only parents and professionals but also family members, friends, neighbours and members of the public.
There are many different reasons why a child would be considered at risk of harm / abuse. There are different forms of abuse which may make you concerned:
There will seldom be one single reason why you would have concerns. More often it will be several things which on their own seem to be relatively unimportant but when you look at them alongside other circumstances in the child's life they cause you to be concerned.
Some signs which may make you concerned include the child:
It may be that you are worried about a child because of the behaviour of an adult who is caring for them, or involved in their life. The adult may:
If you are worried that a child is at risk or being harmed, it is important to tell someone. Your report will be treated in confidence. Everyone has a right to be safe.
Make sure they are safe - If immediate help is required phone 999
During office hours, you can contact Health and Social Care Connect by phone on 0141 287 0555.
Outwith office hours you can phone Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work Services on Phone 0300 343 1505.
You can also phone Scottish Police non-emergency on 101.
You can also speak to a health professional (for example your doctor or a health visitor), a teacher or the police. They will take your concerns seriously.
Don't assume that someone else has already reported it. The child being harmed or neglected may not be able to report it themselves.