Child safeguarding – information for patients
We have a duty to promote and safeguard the welfare of children and protect them from harm.
Why do we need to safeguard children and young people?
A child is defined as anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. This includes children who may be living independently or in further education.
We believe that all children have the right to grow up in a safe environment and to feel protected and supported.
What is child abuse?
Abuse can take many different forms including, but not limited to:
Physical abuse – including hitting, shaking, throwing, burning or any other physical harm. It also includes the fabrication or inducement of symptoms in a child
Sexual abuse – including forcing or persauding a child to take part in any sexual activity, whether the child is aware of it or not
Neglect – including failing to meet the child’s physical or emotional needs. It can also include depriving a child of education or of healthcare
Emotional abuse – including ‘making fun’ of a child or not allowing them to express their views
Modern slavery – including human traffiking
Child criminal exploitation – including manipulating a child into criminal activity
County lines – including the exploitation of children to move or store drugs
Honour based violence – including forced marriage, threats of violence or rape
Female genital mutilation
What can I do if I suspect child abuse?
It is very important to report your concerns, either through the child’s school, NHS GP, police, local authority or local child safeguarding team.
You can also speak to your Livi clinician or a member of our support team if you have any concerns about a child.
If you are concerned for their immediate safety, call 999.
What can I do if a child tells me they are being abused?
Listen carefully to what the child tells you but do not promise to keep anything a secret. Give them reassurance that they have done the right thing and explain to them that you need to report the abuse to someone that can help. It is important that you do not confront the alleged abuser.
You can report your concerns through the child’s school, NHS GP, police, local authority or local child safeguarding team.
You can also speak to your Livi clinician or a member of the support team if you have any concerns about a child.
If you are concerned for their immediate safety, call 999.
What will Livi do if child abuse is suspected?
If we have any concerns about a child we will follow our child protection policies.
We will discuss our concerns with you unless this puts the child in danger. If we believe the situation to be life threatening or urgent then we will call 999 to help us ensure that everyone is kept safe.
In all other instances, we will make a referral to the Local Authority Children’s Services who will investigate further. We will also make their GP aware of our concerns.
Useful national contact numbers
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Police non emergency: 101
- NHS non emergency: 111