Report a child at risk
Reporting your concerns
When you contact us
Our Contact Centre will gather as much information as you have then pass this over to our Social Work Team.
Your concerns will be treated seriously, considered and acted upon as appropriate.
What to tell us
It will help us to decide what to do next if you can tell us:
- As much information as you can about the child you are worried about. This includes details of who makes up their household, their address, any professional involvement they may have, for example, the school they attend.
- What or who is putting the child at risk and what are the concerns you have.
- What matters to the child.
After you contact us
The information you provide will be reviewed to determine what action is needed.
This may lead to immediate action or a more planned response.
If you have provided your contact details, you may receive a call back to gain more information.
If you are a professional, parents will be informed that you have submitted a referral to Social Work. It is best practice to let the parents know that you are making contact with Social Work to gain consent for this, unless by doing so the child will be placed at risk of harm.
What happens next
We'll take any necessary action to keep the child safe.
However, we cannot tell you the actions we might take or the outcome because of the child and family’s right to confidentiality.
I'm being harmed or at risk
If you are being harmed or think you are at risk of harm, there is support available and we encourage you to do something about it.
You can tell us or someone you trust. It's important that you know there are people who can help you.
Other services who can help
- Childline - for under 19s to talk about anything
- MYPAS - local support for young people
- Midlothian Sure Start - local support for children and families