Every child and young person has the right to be safe, and to feel safe in their home, school, online and when out in the community they live.
The protection of children and young people includes unborn babies, and children and young people under the age of 18.
- What do we Mean by ‘Children at Risk’?
In Dundee, our approach to Children at Risk includes child protection, suicide prevention and violence against women and girls as they relate to children and young people.
Child abuse and child neglect may involve inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm. Children and young people may experience abuse or neglect at home, within a family or community, care placements, institutions, or in an online or digital environment. Those responsible for abuse or neglect of a child or young person, may be family members, known individuals or strangers.
Harm or abuse can be a lot of different things, including but not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Child sexual abuse, including sexual exploitation and group-based abuse and exploitation
- Child criminal exploitation including group-based exploitation
- Child trafficking
- Neglect
- Female genital mutilation
- Forced marriage
- Online abuse
If you are concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of harm—whether they are a family member, a friend, or a neighbour—it is important to seek help and report your concerns.
- Who is Responsible for Responding to Harm?
In Dundee the multi-agency partners work closely and aim to ensure that children at risk get the help, support and protection they need. The partners include:
- Dundee City Council
- Health and Social Care
- Police Scotland
- NHS Tayside
- Third Sector Organisations
- Other local partners
Concerns may be raised about a child at risk of significant harm by family, friends, neighbours, carers or others in the child’s community, including teachers, youth workers or others. Children may also disclose abuse directly to someone they trust, or express concerns about their treatment indirectly.
- Dundee’s Children at Risk Committee
In Dundee there is a Children at Risk Committee, who bring together partner agencies to improve the safety and wellbeing of children. The Committee are responsible for:
- Monitoring and advising on child protection procedures and practice.
- Ensuring appropriate coordination between partner agencies.
- Improving skills and knowledge of those with a responsibility for the protection of children at risk.
As well as focusing on child protection, the Children at Risk Committee also looks at elements of violence against women and girls and suicide prevention that relate to children and young people.
- Children
Every child and young person has the right to be safe, and to feel safe in their home, school, online and when out in the community they live.
The protection of children and young people includes unborn babies, and children and young people under the age of 18.
- Young People Aged 16 and 17
In Scotland, anyone aged under 18 is considered a child. This means young people aged 16 and 17 are protected first and foremost under:
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
- Scottish Child Protection Legislation
- Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
If a young person aged 16 or 17 needs help to stay safe in Dundee, they will always be treated as a child first. In some cases, 16 and 17-year-olds may have particular needs or vulnerabilities where adult protection legislation can offer additional safeguards.
In these situations:
- Child Protection processes come first.
- Adult Support and Protection (ASP) can be used alongside Child Protection if it helps keep the young person safe.
This joined-up approach ensures the young person receives the right support at the right time.
- Support Services
If you, your child or anyone else is in immediate danger, please call emergency services on 999.
If you feel a child is being harmed, phone Dundee's Child Protection Line on 01382 307999.
Aberlour: This organisation helps Scotland's most vulnerable children, young people and their families who need additional help.
Barnardo’s: Barnardo's is a voluntary organisation which supports children and young people's right to be free from poverty, abuse and discrimination.
Childline: Childline is a free and confidential counselling service for children and young people who are experiencing problems.
Cool2Talk: A website developed in partnership with Tayside Health Board and Dialogue Youth where young people can chat anonymously and confidentially about health issues affecting them.
Dundee Women’s Aid: Provides advice and support to women children and young people who are experiencing Domestic Abuse.
The Corner: The Corner advice young people aged 11 to 19 and help them get access to health and wellbeing services.
Dundee WRASAC: Provides support to those who have experienced or are experiencing rape, sexual abuse or have been sexually exploited.