The Deputy Minister for Social Services, , has urged people to speak up
if they are concerned about child abuse, as a new national
campaign launches at the start of National Safeguarding Week.
The campaign urges anyone who is worried about a child or young
person in their family or community, to contact social services
in their area or call 101.
It draws on learning from practice about when and how to report
safeguarding concerns.
Called ‘Make The Call’, the campaign highlights some common signs
that there may be something concerning happening in a child’s
life.
These include unexplained changes in behaviour or personality,
knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age, and
tendencies to run away or go missing.
These signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being harmed,
but your information will help professionals assess the
situation.
The Deputy Minister for Social Services, , said:
“You can make a big difference in keeping children safe by
letting the right people know if you think someone needs help.
“We know there are sometimes barriers to reporting concerns.
People might be stopped from reporting suspicions of abuse
because of fears they could be wrong. Others may fear it could
make the situation worse for the child.
“But I urge people to make the call if they are concerned. Don’t
think 'what if I’m wrong? 'Think 'what if I’m right?' Concerns
can be reported anonymously.”
The Deputy Minister will speak at the National Independent
Safeguarding Board Seminar and the Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding
Board Conference later this week.
The Chair of Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board, Lance Carver,
who is also the Director of Social Services for the Vale of
Glamorgan, said:
“We really welcome this initiative to try and improve people’s
confidence in coming forward with any information they may have
about the abuse of children in Wales.”
