Child Protection

The Children Act 1989 says that children's social care services have a duty to investigate allegations which suggest that a child is suffering or is likely to suffer from:

• physical abuse
• neglect
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse.

We work together with children, young people and their families to ensure that we have a complete picture of the problem so that we can offer the right support. We aim to keep families together by providing back up and support to prevent problems getting too big. We realise everyone has strengths and skills and we will help children, young people and families build on these. 

Social care services in Barnsley believe that children deserve to be protected from abuse and neglect but we cannot do this without the help of the community.

If you have concerns that a child is being abused in any way, it is vital that you tell someone. If there is someone you can talk to easily, such as a health visitor or a doctor, tell them. Otherwise, contact social care services on 01226 775656. You will be asked where the child lives and this will enable the staff within the information service to direct you to the appropriate assessment team. You can contact us anonymously if you wish or you can provide us with your details, which will remain confidential.

Social workers based in the assessment teams investigate any allegations of child abuse and general concerns regarding the welfare of children. Together with doctors, teachers, the police and other professionals who have been in contact with the family they will discuss the case in detail and decide what to do. A decision will be made within 24 hours regarding appropriate action to be taken. If children are thought to be in immediate danger, authority can be obtained to move them to a safe place to be looked after safely and properly until the matter is resolved.

We are not asking you to make judgements or interfere unnecessarily in the lives of others. We simply want to ensure that children get the love, support and protection they deserve.

Helplines

• Directorate for Children, Young People and Families - 01226 775656
• Childline Freephone - 0800 1111
• NSPCC Helpline Freephone - 0808 800 5000
• For child sexual abuse Helpline Freephone - 0808 1000 900

For domestic abuse:

• Barnsley Domestic Violence Helpline - 01226 249800
• Womens Aid Helpline - 0808 2000 247

Leaflets

The following leaflets are available from Barnsley Safeguarding Children Unit based at 2/3 Burleigh Court, Barnsley.

• The Child Protection Conference and Child Protection Plan.
• Choosing Someone to go to the Child Protection Conference With You.
• Help Someone Attend a Child Protection Conference.

Websites

Barnsley Safeguarding Children

For Child Protection Procedures - South Yorkshire inc Barnsley
Department of Health

For bullying
Kidscape
Bullyingonline 

For domestic abuse
Women's Aid

About child sexual abuse
Stop It Now

For young people
It's Not OK
There 4 Me
Connexions Direct
Childline
Worried Need 2 Talk

Useful Links
Advice Now
Barnsley Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Helpline (BSARCH)

Useful contacts

George Gilmore
Barnsley Safeguarding Children Unit
2/3 Burleigh Court
01226 772400

Out of hours contact

Please contact the emergency duty team on 715656.