Child Protection
Children at risk
This information provides simple guidance about children who may need protection from harm. If you are ever concerned about the welfare or safety of a child please contact the Children's Services Child Protection Team at the address shown.
Signs of abuse
The following may help you decide whether a child's welfare is at risk of abuse, harm or neglect.
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 bed wetting, overeating, rocking or head banging
- 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
Positive ways of protecting children
What do children need?
- To feel safe and secure
- Health and happiness
- Appropriate affection
- Lots of smiles
- Praise and encouragement
- To be able to talk to someone
- To be listened to
- New experiences
- Respect for their feelings
- Rewards and treats
What to do if you are worried
If you are unsure that a child may be suffering but are worried, or if you are concerned that a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse, please use the contact details at the top of the page.
In an emergency outside normal office hours, please contact our Emergency out of hours Services or the Police.
Frequently asked questions|
Contact
Assessment Team
Municipal Offices
127 Ripple Road
Barking
IG11 7PB
Tel: 020 8227 3852, 020 8227 3882 or 020 8227 3860
Fax: 020 8227 3951
Textphone: 020 8227 3882
Email: childrenss@lbbd.gov.uk|
Emergency out of hours contact
Emergency Duty Team
Tel: 020 8594 8356
Your local Police Station - 020 8984 1212
In an Emergency - 999
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