Child protection is part of the safeguarding process when there are concerns about a child. It is where professionals (such as social workers) work together to protect children/young people that are suffering harm or are likely to suffer harm. Child protection plans detail how adults (professionals and parents/carers) involved with a child or young person will support and protect them
Everyone that works with or comes into contact with children have a responsibility to ensure that every child is protected from harm. This includes schools, sports and activity clubs, police or hospitals for example. All children have the right to be protected from harm, regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
It can happen over a long period of time or it can happen as a one off action. Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional and it can happen in person or online.
When someone always puts you down, shouts at you or makes you feel bad, this is emotional abuse.
When someone hurts you on purpose.
When a young person is forced, tricked or pressured to do something sexual.
When a grown up threatens, bullies or hurts another adult in the family.
There is a difference between things we want and things we need. Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs.
If the people who are supposed to look after you don’t give you the things you need or make it hard for you to take care of yourself, then this is neglect. It can make you feel unloved or unimportant.
As a child you have the right to be well looked after but sometimes parents and carers are not able to manage this by themselves. There are lots of reasons why your parent or carer might be neglecting you. They might be doing their best, but just don’t have enough money. Maybe they have a problem with alcohol or drugs, or are having problems with their mental health. Whatever the reason is, it is still your parents or carers job to make sure you are properly looked after.
If you think you are being neglected you should talk to someone you trust such as a teacher so you and your parents/carers can get the help your family need. No matter what problems your parents are having, there will be someone who can help.
If you are affected by child abuse or neglect, it can really help to talk to someone you trust.