Concerned about a child?

Most of us want children to be safe, protected, and well cared for but we know some children don't get the love, care, or basic support they need, and many aren't able to tell an adult that something's wrong. They may be too afraid, have been told to keep it secret, or not even realise anything is wrong.

This is why children rely on adults around them to look out for them. You might become concerned because of how a child looks or behaves, how an adult treats them, or because of something a child has told you. If a child tells you something is wrong, please take it seriously and act on it.

Signs to Look Out for in a Child

• Not getting enough food
• Not regularly attending school or nursery
• Wearing dirty clothes or looking unkempt
• Signs of physical injury, such as bruises, scalds, or burns
• Using alcohol, drugs, or other harmful substances
• Being afraid or reluctant to go home
• Seeming unusually withdrawn or isolated
• Being left alone for unsafe periods, or taking on inappropriate caring responsibilities for siblings or parents, for example because a parent is ill or hungover

Signs to Look Out for in a Parent or Carer

• Behaving in a sexually inappropriate way towards a child
• Misusing drugs or alcohol while caring for a child
• Being physically or verbally aggressive towards a child
• Regularly shouting at, criticising, humiliating, or ignoring a child

What to Do if You're Worried

If you're concerned about a child's safety or welfare, trust your instincts; they're rarely wrong.

• Speak to a professional, such as a teacher, doctor, health visitor, or social worker

• Contact Orkney Health and Care, Children and Families Department

What Happens Next?

When you contact Children and Families Services, they'll listen to your concerns. A worker will check whether the child and family are already receiving support, and if not, may get in touch with the family to see if help is needed.

If the concern is serious, a child protection investigation may be carried out jointly with the police. In most cases, the family will be offered support and the child will continue living at home. In rare, very serious cases, a child may be moved to a place of safety to protect them from abuse or neglect.

The NSPCC helpline is available to anyone worried about a child, with trained counsellors offering help, advice, and support 24/7.