Home › Parents, Carers & Public
Last updated: 15 January 2025
These signs don't necessarily mean that a child is being abused — there could be other things happening in their life. But if you are concerned, it's important that you report it.
Keeping children and young people safe is everyone’s responsibility. Concerns about a child may arise because of something a professional notices, information that is shared with them, or because a child or young person speaks about what is happening in their life. These concerns may relate to abuse, neglect, exploitation or violence, or to a child being at risk of harm.
If you are worried about a child, it is important to speak to someone.
If your concern is about a child’s general wellbeing, you can contact the child’s Named Person. This is usually the Health Visitor for younger children, or the Head Teacher of the child’s school.
If you are not sure who the Named Person is, or if your concern feels more serious or urgent, you should contact Children’s Social Work. If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger, contact the Police on 999.
When raising a concern, it helps to
You do not have to give your name. However, sharing your details can sometimes help professionals better understand whether a child may be at risk. If you do give your name, it will be treated with care and discretion. Information you provide will not be shared unless it is necessary to protect a child. While every effort is made to respect confidentiality, anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
In Aberdeenshire, concerns are responded to using a trauma informed, relationship based approach. This means listening carefully, showing understanding, and working thoughtfully with families, while always placing a child’s safety, rights and wellbeing at the centre of all decisions.
Getting It Right for Every Child, known as GIRFEC, is the national approach used across Scotland to support the wellbeing of children and young people. In Aberdeenshire, this approach is set out in the Getting it Right for Children, Young People and Families in Aberdeenshire Multi Agency Operational Guidance (link: Getting it Right for Children, Young People and Families in Aberdeenshire) (updated May 2024).
GIRFEC helps make sure children and families receive the right support, at the right time, from the right people. Services in Aberdeenshire work together in a coordinated way, building on strengths within families and communities, and responding early when help is needed.
Our approach is relationship based and trauma informed, with a strong focus on children’s rights. Children, young people and families are placed at the centre of decision making, and their views are listened to and respected. Support is proportionate to need and may be provided through universal services, additional help that is generally available, or more targeted support when required.
By working in partnership across services, Aberdeenshire aims to improve outcomes for children and young people, helping them to be safe, healthy, respected, included and able to reach their full potential. For more information visit the Aberdeenshire GIRFEC website: Parents & Carers
When a child chooses to speak, they are showing trust and courage. A trauma-informed response helps reduce fear, avoids retraumatisation, and supports the child's sense of control.
Professionals should:
Professionals should avoid:
If a child discloses harm — or you observe or suspect risk — you must report concerns immediately to your line manager and follow your agency's Child Protection Procedures, including notifying the Named Person where appropriate.
Where child protection concerns may be present, a referral must be made to social work or, if there is immediate danger, to the police. Depending on your organisation's procedures, this may be done by you or your manager.
Children and Families Social Work: 01467 537111
Out of Hours Social Work (5pm–8:45pm weekdays, weekends & Bank Holidays): 03456 08 12 06
Police (Emergency): 999
Police (non-emergency): 101
An inter agency referral discussion, often called an IRD, is the first formal step where key services work together to decide how best to keep a child safe.
During an Inter-Agency Referral Discussion, professionals from children’s social work, the police and health services, and education where relevant, share information they already have. This helps them build a clearer picture of the child’s situation and agree what action, if any, is needed.
The discussion may result in one of the following decisions:
The purpose of an Inter-Agency Referral Discussion is to make sure decisions are not made by one service alone, and that the child’s safety, wellbeing and rights are carefully considered before any next steps are taken.
Sometimes concerns about a child or young person mean that child protection procedures are required. In these situations, the police and children’s social work will work together to decide how the situation should be looked into.
They will agree whether the work will be carried out jointly by the police and social work, or led by social work alone. This decision is based on what is needed to keep the child or young person safe.
The purpose of this work is to understand what has happened, assess any risks, and decide what actions are needed to protect and support the child/young person and their family.
Throughout this process, the focus is on the child or young person’s safety, wellbeing and rights, and on making sure the right support is put in place.
After a child protection investigation has taken place, a further inter agency referral discussion may be held. This can happen whether the investigation was carried out by social work alone or jointly with the police, and may include information from a joint investigative interview if one has taken place.
The purpose of this discussion is to look together at all the information that is available and agree what should happen next. It helps professionals make a clear and informed decision about any further action or support that may be needed.
This stage is usually brief and focused. It is not about starting the process again, but about checking in, sharing updates and confirming the best way forward to support and protect the child or young person.
Throughout this process, the child or young person’s safety, wellbeing and rights remain the main priority.
A Joint Investigative Interview, often called a JII, gives a child or young person the opportunity to share their experiences in a safe and supportive way. It is carried out using a trauma informed approach, which means care is taken to reduce stress and help the child feel listened to. The information shared can help with keeping the child safe and, where necessary, with any further investigation.
The interview is carried out by a police officer or social worker who is specially trained in the Scottish Child Interview Model. Only one trained professional will speak directly with the child during the interview.
The Bairns’ Hoose
When it is agreed that a Joint Investigative Interview is needed, careful thought is given to where it should take place. The most important consideration is choosing a setting where the child will feel as safe, comfortable and supported as possible.
In Aberdeenshire, the Bairns’ Hoose is often the preferred location. It is designed with children in mind and offers:
In some situations, another local trauma informed setting may be used if this is felt to be in the child’s best interests. Wherever possible, the child’s views and preferences are taken into account when making this decision.
Families are offered support from an Advocacy, Rights and Recovery (ARR) worker from the Bairns' Hoose team. The ARR worker:
ARR workers do not attend the Joint Investigative Interview itself — they remain with the family to provide grounding, reassurance and guidance.
Aberdeenshire’s Bairns’ Hoose provides early and ongoing recovery support for children and young people when concerns have been discussed through an inter agency referral discussion.
Before a Joint Investigative Interview takes place, families are asked whether they would like to be contacted by the Bairns’ Hoose Coordinator. This gives families the opportunity to learn about the support available and to decide what feels right for them.
If families agree to contact:
Families are informed about the outcome and are offered ongoing contact and support through the Bairns’ Hoose. Recovery planning is flexible and can be reviewed and adjusted over time to reflect the child’s needs as they change.
The focus throughout is on supporting the child’s wellbeing and recovery, while working alongside families with care, respect and understanding.
Any child or young person who has been part of an Inter-Agency Referral Discussion — whether current or historic — can be referred to the multi-agency screening meeting. Referrals can be made by social work or health.
A Child Protection Planning Meeting is held when professionals believe a child or young person may be at risk of significant harm and needs a clear plan to keep them safe. This decision is usually made following a child protection investigation and discussion between services. The meeting brings together parents or carers and professionals to share information, understand risks, and agree what support and protective actions are needed.
If a child or young person is placed on the Child Protection Register, a smaller group called a Core Group is formed. The Core Group meets regularly to carry out the plan, check that actions are helping, and make sure the child’s safety and wellbeing remain the priority.
For more information see: Child-Protection-Planning-Meetings-Information-for-Parents-and-Carers.docx
A child protection medical in Scotland is a health assessment carried out when there are concerns about a child or young person’s safety or wellbeing. Its main purpose is to understand what support a child may need and to help keep them safe. The medical is done by specially trained health professionals and focuses on the child’s health needs in a calm and caring way. Parents or carers are involved wherever possible and will be given clear information about what will happen and why. Any information shared is handled carefully and with the child’s rights and wellbeing always at the centre of decisions.
Below are videos to support you and your child to understand what will happen next.
Child Video:
Young Person Video:
Criminal exploitation happens when a child or young person is tricked, pressured or forced into doing illegal activities for someone else. This can include carrying drugs or money, stealing, hiding weapons, or being asked to take part in risky or dangerous tasks.
One common form of criminal exploitation is known as county lines. This is where organised groups move drugs from larger cities into towns and rural areas. Children and young people may be used to carry, store or sell drugs, often using dedicated mobile phones.
Criminal exploitation can involve children being taken away from home, staying in unfamiliar places, and being controlled by older people. Those involved may appear friendly at first, offering gifts, money or attention, but may later use threats, intimidation or pressure to keep control. Children as young as 12 have been targeted in this way.
Signs a parent or carer might notice
Every child is different, but possible signs of criminal exploitation can include:
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean exploitation is happening, but a combination of changes may be a reason to seek advice.
If this is happening, it is important to know that it is not the child’s fault, even if it may look or feel like a choice. Children and young people under 18 cannot legally choose to be exploited. Responsibility always lies with the adults who are exploiting them.
If something does not feel right, trust that feeling and seek help. Support is available for children, young people and families, and there are people who can help keep children safe and support them to find a way out.
For further information: Child trafficking | Childline
Child sexual exploitation happens when a child or young person is pressured, tricked or forced into sexual activity by someone who has power over them. This can involve adults or older young people and may happen in person or online. Exploitation often includes the use of gifts, money, attention, alcohol, drugs or threats to gain control.
Group based child sexual exploitation is when more than one person is involved in exploiting a child. This may include a group of adults or young people who work together to target, groom and abuse a child. A child may be passed between people or pressured to engage in sexual activity with more than one person. This can make it especially difficult for children to feel safe or to speak out.
Children and young people may not see themselves as being abused, particularly if they feel loyalty, fear, shame or believe they are in a relationship. It is important to understand that children cannot consent to exploitation. If this is happening, it is never the child’s fault. Responsibility always lies with those who are exploiting them.
Signs a parent or carer might notice
There is no single sign of child sexual exploitation, but possible indicators can include:
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean exploitation is happening. However, a pattern of changes or concerns should be taken seriously.
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek advice. Support is available for children, young people and families, and there are services that can help keep children safe and support recovery.
For further information: Child sexual abuse and exploitation: support for parents and carers | Barnardo’s
Child trafficking is a serious crime and a child protection concern under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015. It happens when a child or young person is moved or controlled so they can be exploited. This does not have to involve travelling abroad. Children or young people can be trafficked within their own town or local area.
Possible signs include a child or young person going missing, spending time in unfamiliar places, unexplained money or gifts, changes in behaviour, appearing controlled by others, or being reluctant to talk about where they have been. A single sign on its own may not always mean trafficking, but patterns of concern should be taken seriously.
If a child is identified as a possible victim of trafficking, concerns are shared through the National Referral Mechanism to make sure the child or young person receives protection and support. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek help. Support is available to keep children or young person safe and support their recovery.
For more information: Child trafficking | Childline
Domestic abuse is recognised in Aberdeenshire as a serious child protection concern. Children are affected not only when abuse is directed at them, but also when they see, hear or live with abuse happening to a parent or carer. Experiencing domestic abuse in the home can have a significant impact on a child’s safety, wellbeing and development.
Domestic abuse can also happen between young people, including within teenage relationships. This may involve controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, threats, physical harm or sexual pressure from one young person towards another. Abuse in young people’s relationships is never acceptable and should always be taken seriously.
In Aberdeenshire, professionals follow national child protection guidance and use domestic abuse informed approaches that focus on keeping children safe while supporting the non abusing parent or carer. The aim is to understand risk, strengthen safety and provide the right support at the right time.
Signs a parent or carer might notice
Children and young people can be affected by domestic abuse in different ways. Possible signs include:
Signs that a young person may be experiencing abuse from another young person can include:
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean abuse is happening, but patterns of concern should be taken seriously.
Clare’s Law
Clare’s Law, also known as the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland, allows people to find out if a current or former partner has a history of abusive or violent behaviour.
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek help. Support is available for children, young people and families, and no one has to face domestic abuse alone.
Further information:
Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) or peer-on-peer sexual abuse | NSPCC Learning
Issues with drugs or alcohol can affect children and young people in different ways, whether a child or young person is using substances themselves, or is affected by a parent or other adult’s substance use at home.
Every child is different, but possible signs that drugs or alcohol may be affecting a child or young person include:
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean there is a problem. However, a pattern of changes or growing concerns should be taken seriously.
The Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drugs Support website provides a central source of information about alcohol and drug support, treatment and recovery services available across Aberdeenshire. It is designed to help individuals, families and professionals find clear and accessible information about local services, how to access support, and the range of help available at different stages of need.
More information:
Emotional abuse happens when a child or young person is repeatedly treated in ways that harm their emotional wellbeing, confidence or sense of self worth. It can include constant criticism, rejection, threats, intimidation, humiliation or making a child feel unwanted or unsafe. It may also involve exposing a child to frightening, distressing or inappropriate situations.
Emotional abuse is not always easy to see, but it can have a serious and lasting impact on a child. It can affect how children feel about themselves, how they form relationships, their mental health, and how they behave at home or school.
Children and young people can be emotionally abused on its own or alongside other forms of harm.
Every child and young person is different, but possible signs of emotional abuse can include:
You may also notice concerning patterns in how adults and children interact, such as constant shouting, belittling, controlling behaviour or lack of warmth.
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean emotional abuse is happening. However, ongoing concerns or a pattern of changes should be taken seriously.
Further information:
Female genital mutilation, often called FGM, is a serious form of abuse and a child protection concern. It involves procedures that intentionally harm or alter a girl’s genital organs for non medical reasons. FGM is illegal in Scotland and is never acceptable.
FGM can be difficult to identify, but possible signs that a girl may be at risk or has experienced FGM include:
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean FGM is happening. However, any concerns should be taken seriously and shared so that the right support and protection can be put in place.
For further information: Female circumcision, FGM, and cutting | Childline
Social media is a big part of young people’s everyday lives, but it can also expose them to sexist and misogynistic content, even when they are not looking for it. Research shows the impact this has on girls and young women. Three in four girls aged 11 to 16 have seen or experienced sexism in real life, and 86 percent of girls aged 11 to 21 have avoided going out at night or when it is dark to try to stay safe. Many girls also change how they behave day to day to avoid harassment. This campaign helps parents understand how online content can shape attitudes and behaviour, and how what may seem like harmless jokes online can cause real harm offline.
Parents and carers have a powerful role to play. Boys and young men often take their cues from trusted adults, and starting open, non-judgemental conversations can make a real difference. You do not need to have all the answers. Listening, asking questions, and helping young people think about what they see online can support healthier attitudes and relationships. Choosing not to like, share or comment on sexist content helps stop it spreading and challenges the idea that it is normal or acceptable. Early conversations and positive role modelling can help young people make safer, more respectful choices online and offline.
For more information:
Talking to children and teens about misogyny | Parent Club
Neglect happens when a child or young person’s basic needs are not met over time. This can include physical needs, such as food, warmth, clothing, medical care and supervision, as well as emotional needs like love, attention and support. Neglect is a form of child abuse and can have serious and long‑lasting effects on a child’s health, development and wellbeing.
Neglect is not always about a single incident. It is often a pattern that continues and may happen alongside other pressures in family life. Children of any age can experience neglect, including babies and teenagers.
Neglect can be difficult to spot, especially when changes happen gradually. Possible signs can include:
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean neglect is happening. However, a pattern of concerns or ongoing changes should be taken seriously.
For more information: Neglect | Childline
Being online is part of everyday life for children and young people. It helps them learn, socialise and have fun. However, the online world can also expose children to risks such as bullying, grooming, pressure to share images, harmful content, scams and contact from strangers.
Online harm can happen through social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps, live streaming and websites. It can involve people a child knows, or people they have never met in person. Online harm can have a serious impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, confidence and sense of safety.
Talking openly with children about their online lives and knowing where to get help can make a real difference.
Children do not always tell adults when something online has upset or worried them. Possible signs of online harm include:
Seeing one sign on its own does not always mean harm is happening. However, patterns of concern or ongoing changes should be taken seriously.
If a child or young person has shared a sexual image of themselves online, or feels pressured to do so, help is available.
Report Remove is a confidential service that helps young people under 18 to have sexual images of themselves removed from the internet. It is run by Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation. A young person does not have to talk to the police to use this service, and it is designed to help reduce fear, shame and distress.
Think Before You Share is part of this support and helps children and young people understand the risks of sharing images online, including how images can be copied, shared or used to pressure or control them. It encourages young people to pause, think and seek help before sharing anything that could put them at risk.
Parents and carers can play an important role by staying calm, listening without judgement and helping their child access support.
Further information:
Safe Sleep for Babies
Parents and carers play a vital role in keeping babies safe while they sleep. By understanding safer sleep guidance and avoiding known risks, families can greatly reduce the chance of harm. Talking openly about safer sleep and asking for support when needed can make a real difference.
Safer sleep advice helps families understand how to reduce risks for their baby, including where and how babies sleep, and how factors such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, vaping and extreme tiredness can increase danger.
ICON stands for Infant Crying is Normal. It is a national programme that helps parents and carers understand baby crying and cope safely during stressful moments.
ICON recognises that all babies cry, sometimes a lot, and that this can feel overwhelming. It encourages parents to plan ahead and seek support when they need it.
ICON messages are:
Following ICON advice helps reduce the risk of harm and supports parents to cope safely during difficult moments.
Further information:
Sexual extortion, sometimes called sextortion, is a form of online blackmail where a child or young person is pressured into sharing sexual images and then threatened if they do not meet demands, often for money. UK evidence shows that boys are most at risk, with the Internet Watch Foundation reporting that around 97 percent of confirmed child sexual extortion cases involve boys, particularly teenagers. Sexual extortion is never a child’s fault, and early support can reduce harm.
Signs parents and carers may notice include:
For advice and support:
ICON stands for Infant Crying is Normal. It is a national programme that helps parents and carers understand baby crying and cope safely during stressful moments.
ICON recognises that all babies cry, sometimes a lot, and that this can feel overwhelming. It encourages parents to plan ahead and seek support when they need it.
ICON messages are:
Following ICON advice helps reduce the risk of harm and supports parents to cope safely during difficult moments.
Further information:
When a concern is shared, Children’s Social Work will look carefully at the information and decide what should happen next. This may include one or more of the following:
Professionals have a responsibility to make sure that concerns about children are taken seriously and followed up appropriately.
If you are still worried about a child after an outcome has been reached, it is important to speak up again. Sharing your concerns can help make sure the right support is in place to keep a child safe.