For children, young people and their families:

• They understand what is happening and why

• They have been listened to carefully and their wishes have been heard and understood

• They will feel confident about the help they are getting

• They are appropriately involved in discussions and decisions that affect them

• They can rely on appropriate help being available as soon as possible

• They will have experienced a more streamlined and co-ordinated response from practitioners

Protecting children is the responsibility of every member of the community, not just child protection services.  Remember – if you suspect abuse, do not rely on someone else to notice.

If you would like to speak to someone, seek help or pass on information or concerns:

Social Work

Monday to Friday during office hours contact Aberdeenshire Children & Families Team 01467 537111 (Ellon) or 01467 537555 (Inverurie)

Evenings & Weekends call the Out of Hours Service on 03456 08 12 06

Police – Emergency 999  Non Emergency 101

Do not worry about being wrong: you may only know one part of the story. Other people may know more and your action could be the key to ending a child’s suffering.  Signs of abuse can range from poor personal hygiene and hunger to unexplained injuries or self-harm.  If a young person tells you they are being abused:

• stay calm and listen to them

• never promise to keep it a secret – tell them you must let someone else know

• remind them that they are not to blame and are doing the right thing

• report it, but leave any investigation to child protection agencies