Child protection and safeguarding
How can I report a concern?
If you are concerned that a child or young person is at significant risk of harm, find out who to contact on czone – child protection and safeguarding procedures.
Safe parenting
Every family experiences difficulty from time to time and this can test parents. When more pressures come along, these can make a hard job nearly impossible. There are some ways that you can make it less stressful and a more rewarding experience. Find out more about Safe parenting.
What is child protection and safeguarding?
East Sussex Children's Services has a legal duty to protect children and young people who are at risk of abuse, whether this is physical, emotional, sexual, discriminatory or through neglect.
The East Sussex Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) is working to ensure there are effective methods for identifying, reporting, investigating and managing the protection of children. We take all allegations of abuse seriously and believe all children have the right to be safe and secure. Under the Children Act 2004 we are working to ensure:
- all those working with children and young people know what to do if they are worried about a child's safety
- when concerns are reported, action is taken quickly and sensitively to support the child and their family
- agencies working with children work effectively and follow legal guidelines.
The Children Act 1989 and 2004 sets out the law governing our responsibilities. Find out more about the Act from the OPSI (Office of Public Sector Information) website.
How are concerns investigated?
If your child needs protection, our specially trained staff will normally investigate together with the police. We may arrange a child protection conference where your family and professional staff can share information and agree ways to protect your child.
One way of doing this is to agree a child protection plan which will outline what needs to change and what help you will get. The plan will also help to inform all the professionals working with your family so they too can support your needs.
Across Sussex, there are a numer of procedures in place on how to protect a child or young person if they are at risk of abuse
Child protection and safeguarding procedures are available on czone – the website for people working in Children's Services in East Sussex.
