Safeguarding is EVERYBODY’S responsibility

If you have reason to believe that a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment *
• preventing harm to children's health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Safeguarding children and child protection guidance and legislation applies to all children up to the age of 18.

*Here are some of the most common signs of abuse and to look out for:

• Withdrawn from every day life

• Significant weight loss or gain

• Acting unusually in social settings

• Attendance at school is affected

• Regular unexplained bruises or injuries

• Frightened or scared of adults

(These signs are not always a result of incidents of abuse or neglect, these are also not the only signs of abuse)

What is Child Protection?

Child Protection is part of Safeguarding and promoting welfare. It refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child report them to social care - see below.

If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child in the Calderdale District.

Calderdale Children’s Social care- Multi-Agency Screening Team (MAST) 01422 393336 or Bradford Social care MASTadmin@calderdale.gov.uk

If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child in the Bradford District 

During office hours call Children's Social Care Initial Contact Point - 01274 435600 - (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday)

At all other times, Social Services Emergency Duty Team - 01274 43101

Please see our Safeguarding page for information on our Designated Safeguarding Leaders.