Parents are responsible for their children
One of the main principles underlying the Children Act 1989 is that parents have the primary responsibility for their children’s development and protection. If a child is, or appears to be at risk of abuse, all agencies must, wherever possible, work in partnership with parents rather than seek to take responsibility from them.

A court order to take a child away from its parents should only be requested if this partnership approach is not adequately protecting the child and the child is at risk of significant harm.

In every case it is the welfare of the child that is of paramount importance. The Hertfordshire Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) is a joint forum with the responsibility for developing, monitoring and reviewing child protection policies, procedures and resources in the county.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse can take many forms only some of which have visible signs.

What should I do if I think a child is being abused?

If you are concerned about a child, contact Children, Schools and Families (CSF) via the customer service centre, the NSPCC or the police and tell them about your concerns. Please act promptly. It can be very difficult to investigate concerns if there is a delay as some signs of abuse can disappear quickly.

If you are unsure you may at first like to discuss your concerns with someone who works with children and families, et your GP, health visitor, social worker, school nurse or teach (all schools have a teacher responsible for child protection).

Remember if you are in any doubt it is much better to talk to someone who has experience of working with children who will be able to advise you.

Will I have to give my name?

If you feel very strongly that you cannot give your name, you need not do so – your concerns for a child will still be examined.

Could the child be taken away?

It is very rare for a child to be removed from its family. A decision to remove a child from its family can only be made by a court of law, or in very rare emergency situations by a police officer under Section 46 of the Children Act 1989. Even when a child is removed from home the plan is normally to work towards returning the child to the family where it is safe to do so.

Is child abuse on the increase?

Probably not. Although the number of cases reported has increased over the past few years, it may be because people are more aware of the problem and people working with children are now better at identifying abuse.

Hertfordshire Children, Schools and Families aims to support families rather than take responsibility from them. Throughout the county there are local specialist services which help parents to cope and widen opportunities for their children.

Child Abuse on the Internet

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) give parents/carers the ability to incorporate controls on computers used by children. Proper use of these controls will enable monitoring of computer use on the Internet and restrict access to sites unsuitable for children.

Chat rooms are targeted by individuals who may cause harm to children. When using Chat Rooms children should be encouraged not to disclose personal information or arrange to meet any person without being accompanied by a trusted adult.

If you are concerned about a child, please telephone Children, Schools and Families: 01438 737500

(callers from 0208 and 01923 dialling codes may wish to dial 01923 471500 in order to be charged at local call rates)

USEFUL CONTACTS

NSPCC

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000 is a free 24 hour service which provides counselling, information and advice to anyone concerned about a child at risk of abuse. The helpline is staffed by experienced social work counsellors who will speak to you in confidence and if necessary make direct contact on your behalf with Children Schools and Families 01438 737500, the police or your local NSPCC team.