Protecting children and vulnerable adults
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of protection agencies to determine whether or not a child or adult has been abused. It is our responsibility to report any concerns we have.
If you have a concern please do something about it, don’t assume someone else has already done it. Your intervention could make a difference to someone’s life.
Gloucestershire County Council assesses all situations where concerns have been raised about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult. More information is available from the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children's Board website or for adults from the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board website.
Report safeguarding concerns
If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a child or adult, please contact the Police on 101 at any time. In an emergency call 999.
Report concerns about a child
If you are worried that a child may be suffering or at risk or significant harm you can:
- call the Children and Families Help Desk on 01452 426 565 (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm)
- call the Emergency Duty Team for out of hours on 01452 614194
- email childrenshelpdesk@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Report concerns about an adult
If you suspect an adult is being neglected, harmed or suffering domestic abuse you can:
- call the Adult Help Desk on 01452 426868 (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm)
- call the Out of hours Emergency Duty Team on 01452 614194
- email socialcare.enq@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Internet safety
The not-for-profit website Internet Matters, acts as a portal for parents to find important information about online safety for their children, and protect them against online dangers.
It contains a number of advisory pages, apps, tools and informative resources within the framework of 'Learn about it, Talk about it, Deal with it', such as:
- E-safety advice for parents of children of all ages
- information on a range of topics including cyberbullying, avoiding inappropriate content and protecting a child's online reputation
- advice on how children can stay safe when chatting, gaming and using social networks online
Reporting a poor standard of care
If you are unhappy with your care or know someone not being cared for properly you can report it by:
- Calling the Adult helpdesk on 01452 426868
- sending an online form
Early help for children, young people and families
If you have concerns and would like further information you can find guidance on a whole range of issues including food fads, self-harm, bullying and safety from the Gloucestershire Families Directory.