Reporting Concerns

If you are a member of the public and worried a child may be suffering significant harm, or if you are concerned a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse, please follow the advice below:

If you believe a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police by dialling 999.

If you have concerns about a child or young person but believe they are not at immediate risk you can:

• Discuss your concerns with a trusted professional, such as a teacher, police officer, or health visitor;
• Speak to Sandwell Childrens Trust on 0121 569 3100;
• Contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (this is a free service and lines are open 24 hours a day). They will listen to your concerns, offer advice and support and can take action on your behalf if a child is in danger.

See our Reporting a Concern webpage.

If you are a professional and have safeguarding or child protection concerns about a child or young person please use Sandwell’s Multi Agency Request Form to report your concerns to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

For advice and guidance on when and how to complete a MARF you can consult Sandwell’s Multi Agency Threshold Guidance; Continuum of Help and Support.

If you are unsure the West Midlands Regional Safeguarding Procedures Manual will be able to help guide you.

You can also call ChildLine for advice on 0800 1111 or email them by visiting www.childline.org.uk

To report concerns or allegations against people who work or volunteer with children please contact the Sandwell’s Local Authority Designated Officer.