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Health · the UK
Updated September 2026

🧒 I am worried a child is being abused or neglected — who do I tell?

Direct answer

You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. NSPCC helpline / council children's services (0808 800 5000) is the child-protection service for the UK: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Childline — 0800 1111 (0800 1111) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Police — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency) (101).

Call firstNSPCC helpline / council children's services
Report toChildline — 0800 1111
If that failsPolice — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)

🗣️ What to say

"I am worried about a child, [name/age if known], at [address / school]. I have noticed [what: injuries, statements, being left alone, hunger, fear] on [dates]. I am [neighbour / teacher / relative]. I would like advice on what to do / to report this."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
  2. Call NSPCC helpline / council children's servicesFor advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
  3. Danger now: Police — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)Police and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
  4. Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
  5. Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.

📇 All contacts

NSPCC helpline / council children's servicesReport a concern about a child, 24/7As soon as a child worries you📞 0808 800 5000🔗 www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline — 0800 1111Helpline for children and young people, 24/7For children and teenagers📞 0800 1111🔗 www.childline.org.uk
Police — 101 / report online (999 in an emergency)Local police for any crime that is not fraudBurglary, theft, threats, stalking📞 101🔗 www.police.uk
Council Adult Social Care — needs assessmentCare needs assessment, carer's assessment, direct paymentsFor care and support🔗 www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services
Victim Support — 0808 168 9111Free, confidential victim support; CICA compensationAfter any crime📞 0808 168 9111🔗 www.victimsupport.org.uk

❓ Frequently asked

Will the child be taken away?

Removal is the last resort; the first response is support for the family. Reporting is the start of help, not of separation.

What if I am wrong?

Reports in good faith carry no liability. Services expect and prefer early, uncertain reports.

The child told me something in confidence

You can promise to help, not to keep it secret. Explain that you have to tell someone whose job it is to keep them safe.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “report child abuse the UK”
  • “child protection helpline the UK”
  • “worried about a child who to call”
  • “child neglect report anonymous”
  • “child helpline number”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🆘Domestic violence→🏥Medical complaint→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→♿Care support refused→

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