Worried about someones safety?
If you wish to raise a safeguarding concern with us/about us (for example an allegation about one of our employees or maybe a service provider we use), please click here.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Looking for support and guidance?
You can contact us and we will offer support and guidance. Alternatively you can use the links below to contact the Kent County Council safeguarding team.
Adult safeguarding
Adult safeguarding is protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and to make choices about what happens in your life. Everyone has the right to live their life free from abuse, fear, neglect, or violence, but not everyone can protect themselves. If you or someone you know is being abused, Social Services can help. Remember noticing is not nosiness. You could help save someone’s life.
Call 999 for the emergency services if you think someone is in immediate danger.
For concerns about adults, find out how to report adult abuse. Or visit the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership website.
Report child abuse
Children experiencing abuse might be afraid to talk about what is happening. They may not know that what is happening is not okay. It can be difficult to know what to do if you are worried about the safety and welfare of a child. You might be concerned that a child is being abused by someone:
- in the child’s own family
- outside the child’s family, like a teacher, sports coach or babysitter
- on the internet, such as being groomed or bullied on social media websites.
Learn more about signs and symptoms of child abuse.
Call 999 for the emergency services if you think someone is in immediate danger.
Contact Social Services if you suspect child abuse
Contact Social Services if you are concerned about a child being abused. We can help.
- Email: social.services@kent.gov.uk
- Phone; 03000 41 41 41
- Text relay: 18001 03000 41 11 11 (visit the Ofcom website for information about text relay). If you have a hearing or speech impairment, Relay UK can make communication over the phone easier.
- Out of hours: 03000 41 91 91 if you need to contact Social Services outside of normal office hours, for example during the night or at the weekend.
Tell Social Services as much as you can
The more information you can give Social Services about what’s happening and where it’s happening, the better. Reporting your concerns means trained professionals will review the situation and put protective actions in place. As a member of the public, Social Services encourage you to give your name. Sometimes the situation or safety of the child means Social Services need to share the details you give us. But they do their best to not tell anyone your name unless you say they can. Don’t assume that someone else will take responsibility. If you are worried, report it.
Other ways to report child abuse
Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. This is available on Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm. Visit the NSPCC website for more information about the NSPCC Helpline.
You can also email the NSPCC at help@nspcc.org.uk or use the NSPCC online form to report child abuse.
Report child abuse as a health, social care, and education professional
Making a referral online is easy. It is your duty to report suspected child abuse if you are a professional and you will need to share your name.
You can report this on the Kent Integrated Children’s Portal. Or for more information visit the Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership website.