Safeguarding children and young people
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is a term used to describe the actions taken to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm. That harm may come from other adults, children or may be self-neglect.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
A Child is anyone under the age of 18. Safeguarding children and young people is about protection from harm. This involves;
- Protecting children and young people from abuse, maltreatment and exploitation.
- Preventing anything from harming a child or young person’s health or development.
- Ensuring they grow up with safe and effective care
- Taking action to ensure they have the best outcomes in life
What is a child safeguarding concern?
- A child or young person safeguarding concern is when they are living in circumstances where there is a significant risk of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or neglect).
- It can also be where the young person themselves may pose a risk of serious harm to others or where there are complex needs in relation to disability.
- If you know a child or young person at risk, please report your concerns to Nottinghamshire County Council Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
What do I do if I have a concern about a child?
- If you think a child is at risk of abuse, please report this to Nottinghamshire County Council Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub MASH.
- If you have urgent concerns for a child, or suspect that a child has been abused in any way, please call MASH immediately on 0300 500 80 80 (if you are a member of the public) or 0300 500 80 90 (if you are a professional).
- If you require an urgent response outside of working hours (08:30-17:00), contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0300 456 4546. In an emergency call 999. To report a crime, call 101.
- For more information regarding safeguarding concerns regarding a child and how to report these visit the Nottinghamshire County Council MASH Hub.