Safeguarding children

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children.  Children have the right to be kept safe from harm and protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.

If you suspect, for any reason, that a child is not being treated correctly please contact one of the following numbers:

Social Services: 0300 123 4043
Hertfordshire Constabulary Police: 0845 339 9222
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Child Line: 8088 11 11
Call 999 if it is an emergency

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust is committed to checking the suitability of all staff in contact with children, including checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and to providing staff training, support and supervision.

The Trust is a member of the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (HSAB) and follows its procedures, which reflect national guidance, such as ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2013)’ and ‘What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused’.

Hertfordshire County Council Children’s Services offers a range of support and services for families.

National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247

Hertfordshire Police – Hertfordshire Constabulary is the territorial police force responsible for policing the county of Hertfordshire in England.

NSPCC – The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, is a United Kingdom charity campaigning and working in child protection.

Child Line – is a free 24 hour counselling service for children and young people up to and including 18 years of age in the UK, provided by the NSPCC.  Child Line deals with any issue which causes distress or concern such as child abuse, bullying and sex.

Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (HSCB) – a multi-agency partnership whose main role is to coordinate work to safeguard children and promote their welfare.

Working Together to Safeguarding Children (2013), sets out how individuals and organisations should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused – provides best practice guidance for those who work with children in order to safeguard their welfare.