Safeguarding and social care for children

Child protection, social work, children in care and looked-after children, becoming a social care provider.

Services

  • The law does not say an age when you can leave a child on their own, but it's an offence to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk

  • If you think a child or young person is at risk or being abused or neglected, contact the children’s social care team at their local council.

  • Tell the local authority if you're worried that a child is being neglected or abused - call 999 if they’re in immediate danger

  • You may need a child performance licence for any child taking part in a public performance, sporting event or modelling assignment

  • What happens when a child is taken into care - who is responsible for what, care proceedings, care orders, going to court and the role of Cafcass

Research and statistics

Policy papers and consultations

Transparency and freedom of information releases