How to report a concern about a child or young person

Children and young people are the most vulnerable members of society and protecting them from becoming the victims of abuse is everyone's responsibility.

Child Abuse

Many parents, relatives, friends, and neighbours are interested in the welfare of the children and young people they know. This information will help you to understand what child abuse is and how to get help if you think a child or young person you know is being abused.

How to report your concerns

• You can contact Children's Social Work Services 0121 788 4333 in office hours or by email childrensservices@solihull.gov.uk
• The Out of Hours the Emergency Duty Team (social work) can be contacted on 0121 605 6060 or you can also contact the Police by telephoning: 0345 113 5000.
• If you are concerned that a child is at immediate risk you should call 999.

When making a referral you can choose to remain anonymous however it is helpful if you can advise us of your name and how you can be contacted in case we need to check anything out with you at a later stage.  It may be possible that  the child and his/her family can identify who contacted us based on the information you have provided  however we will not share that information if you have asked us not to do so.

As much  information as you can provide about the child/young person will help us including name, age, address, who lives at the home including other children and details of school or nursery.  However if you do not have all of this information it should not stop you contacting us. 

You should always contact us if you are worried a child or young person is at risk of abuse or neglect

What is Child Abuse?

Abuse can happen to a child at any age, from birth up to 18 years of age and can happen in well-off families and in poor families; it can happen to black children and white children; it can happen to disabled and non-disabled children. Abuse can happen because of the way adults or other children and young people behave towards a child; it can also result from adults failing to provide proper care for the children they look after. One child may suffer different kinds of abuse at the same time. Children and young people can be abused physically, emotionally, sexually or they can be neglected.  More information on the types of abuse.

What can you do to help?

It is very important that you take action straight away if you think a child or young person you know is being abused.  You do not have to wait for a child or young person to tell you they are being abused. The sooner you take action, the sooner the abuse will stop. Sometimes abuse gets worse over time if nothing is done and the child or young person suffers increasingly serious harm. Children and young people are dependent on others for their survival and have a right to be protected and have someone who will act on their behalf.

Doctors, health visitors, teachers or the NSPCC can advise you and put you in touch with a Social Worker or Police Officer, or can pass on information on your behalf.