Safeguarding
Safeguarding is the term used to protect children, young people and adults at risk from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation. domestic abuse, radicalisation, forced marriage and human trafficking/Modern Slavery. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
We are committed to working in partnership with a number of agencies to safeguard the welfare of children and vulnerable adults at risk from all forms of abuse, neglect or exploitation. How we deliver our safeguarding role and ensure safeguarding is embedded across all our service areas and is set out in our Safeguarding Policy 2023-24 [pdf] 956KB.
Kent County Council has the lead responsibility for managing child and adult protection. This is fulfilled through two boards. Both the boards listed below have a range of guidance available on their websites.
Kent Safeguarding Children Boards – there are some useful leaflets for children and adults
Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board
KMSAB – various advice including the leaflet “How to Protect Yourself from Abuse"
What do I do if I am worried that someone is suffering abuse?
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. If you are concerned that someone is suffering abuse, please report it.
If it is regarding the welfare of a child – call 03000 411111 (text relay: 18001 03000 411111) or contact the KCC Social Services Team online.
If it is regarding the welfare of an adult – call 03000 416161 (text relay: 18001 03000 416161) or contact the KCC Social Services Team online.
If out of regular office hours, please call 030000 419191.
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, always call 999 for the emergency services.
To make an anonymous report please call 0800 555111 or report it direct to the CrimeStoppers website.
Useful links
NSPCC is a charity that provides a range of services to help children who have been abused and protect those at risk – 0808 800 500
Childline is a confidential helpline for children and young people – 0800 1111
National Domestic Violence Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 0808 2000 247
Action on Elder Abuse works to protect and prevent the abuse of vulnerable older adults – 0808 808 8141
Stop Adult Abuse Leaflet [pdf] 837KB – Є й деталі українською (find advice in Ukrainian).
