Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk of harm or abuse

The safety and welfare of children, or child protection, means protecting children from physical, emotional and sexual abuse and/or neglect.

Child protection is everybody's business.

Leicestershire County Council is the lead agency in relation to child protection. Please visit Child Protection (leicestershire.gov.uk) for more information.

If you are worried about any child and think that they may be a victim of neglect, abuse and/or cruelty, contact the Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk) or your local office. Alternatively, talk to a teacher, health visitor or doctor who would be willing to give support, advice and information.

When a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the emergency services without delay. Call 999.

If you would like to discuss your concerns about a child or young person, you can contact Children's Social Care on 0116 305 0005. You can remain anonymous.

Alternatively, you could call the NSPCC helpline on freephone 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. You can contact the helpline about any aspect of a child's safety or wellbeing. Some parents call for advice about the best thing to do for their child, while other people may have seen something that they feel uneasy about and just want to talk it through.

When the call relates to something more serious, an advisor will take some details. If, having spoken to you, they decide a child is at risk, they will refer it on to Children's Services or the police for them to take it further. Callers can remain anonymous.

Last updated: 31/05/2023 10:18