Call 999 if the child is in real danger now.
If you're worried about a child or young person or think they're being abused, even if you're unsure, call our Families First team on 01752 668000 or email [email protected].
The service is made up of multi-agency professionals who can give you advice, information and support.
We are available:
- 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
- 9am to 5pm Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays
An emergency on-call duty service is available for overnight enquiries.
If you are a professional with safeguarding concerns about a child that requires a social worker, you can send the MASH contact form which you can download from the Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership website to [email protected].
You can also contact the NSPCC if you want to talk to someone about your concerns and get advice.
What to report
Child abuse takes many forms including physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. Find out more about child abuse and how to spot the signs on the NSPCC website.
When you get in touch with us we'll ask you some questions such as:
- the child's name and date of birth
- the address and contact details for the child's parent or carer
- why you think the child is at risk or is being abused
What happens next
All agencies involved with the child, such as the police or the child's school, will work out together what support is needed to keep them safe.
Sometimes there's nothing to worry about and we don't need to do anything. Sometimes we need to put together a plan to make sure the child is kept safe.
Everyone involved will work hard with the family to keep the child at home, but if it's not safe for them to stay with their family then in some cases a child can be taken in to care to keep them safe.