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Herefordshire Safeguarding Boards and Partnerships

Concerned about a child?

You may be concerned about a child or young person. You may or may not know them, or even their name. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Abuse can take many different forms, such as neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional abuse.

Don’t assume that someone else will take responsibility and make that phone call. You could help to save a child’s life. If you are worried, report it.

If you think that a child has been harmed or is being neglected, contact the MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) or the Police using the details below:

Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

To speak to the team – (01432) 260800

To email the team – ReferralsCYPD@herefordshire.gov.uk

If you are a professional, complete the Multi-agency Referral Form (MARF) to make a referral to the MASH. The MARF and accompanying guidance can also be found on the West Midlands Child Protection Procedures website.

Emergency Duty Team

(01905) 768020 (out of hours number for when MASH are unavailable) – contact by phone only.

In an emergency

If someone is injured or in immediate danger:

  • Telephone: 999 – police, fire, ambulance

If there is no emergency but you think a crime may have been committed:

  • Telephone: West Mercia Police 101*

*Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call, or how long you are on the phone. The 15p cost of the call goes to the telephony providers to cover the cost of carrying the calls. The police and government receive no money from calls to 101. You can also email the police to inform them of concerns and start a conversation with them at contactus@westmercia.police.uk

Talking to Someone

Children’s Help and Advice Team (CHAT)

01432 260261

The Children’s Help and Advice Team offers advice to children, young people and their families, where they need some extra support and guidance. Professionals can also contact the CHAT team for advice about children and families that they know who may need extra support.

ChildLine

If you are a child or young person, can call ChildLine to speak to someone in confidence.

0800 1111*

Childline Website

The NSPCC also has an advice line to provide expert advice and support

0808 800 5000*

NSPCC Helpline

* Calls are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.

**Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call, or how long you are on the phone. The 15p cost of the call goes to the telephony providers to cover the cost of carrying the calls. The police and government receive no money from calls to 101.

Your referral will be reviewed by the MASH and an appropriate course of action will be agree. This may include gathering more information, offering support to the child or family, or completing a social work assessment, among other possibilities. Children are best cared for by their parents when their family home is a safe place. Most families will be offered advice and support to ensure that their children are safely able to remain at home.

If a child has been abused and is at risk of further abuse, a Child Protection Conference may be held. The purpose of a Child Protection Conference is to ensure that all agencies work together with the family to protect the child, and to include the child and family at the centre of safety planning.

Child abuse, especially when it continues over a long period, can have major effects on a child’s health, development and well-being. Sustained abuse has a deep impact on a child’s self-image and self-esteem lasting into their adult lives.

Evidence and the accounts of adults that have been abused as children show that it can have damaging effects on an adult’s ability to make and sustain close relationships and their ability to develop the necessary skills and attitudes to be a good parent.

In extreme circumstances child abuse can result in death or serious or permanent injury.

If you are concerned about a child, report it. Your information may save a child’s life.